About
MODERN FOLK THAT ROCKS!
Diversity and the element of surprise are cornerstones of singer-songwriter Marian Mastrorilli's approach to making music. Her songs can be moody, sensitive or playful; built with a keen melodic sense; dynamics; and rich harmonies. Lyrics are poetic, introspective or witty, delivered with a distinctive voice that tries on different personas: intimate balladeer, sultry chanteuse, rocker chick.
Marian has been writing songs and performing in the New York area since her late twenties. Since claiming Huntington as a new hometown in 2018, she's made headway in Long Island’s acoustic community. She’s been a featured performer at NOOM (North Shore Original Open Mic) twice, Folkie Fest's "Unstoppable Women of Song," Songwriters of Long Island Showcases, and Music from the Hive; and has appeared at B.J. Spoke Gallery, Bellmore Bean, Milano Bean, Finley’s, Shandon Court and the L.I. Fall Festival, usually backed by her husband Glenn Govier on bass.
Marian is recording a CD and releasing singles along the way. A Shore Thing (My Jersey Shore) which celebrates the eternal siren call of the beach; and Cardinal in the Snow, a winter ballad. So far they've been featured on over 37 radio programs worldwide.
The beach and New Jersey homestate figure prominently in Marian's songwriting. The video for one of her most acclaimed songs, At Palisades, an homage to the legendary Palisades Amusement Park, was featured at NJ's Ridgewood Film Festival. It has over 96K views to date.
As a well-established Hudson Valley artist for over 10 years, Marian led the premier acoustic quartet Project Mercury. Key bookings included Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, Bodles Opera House in Chester, Lycian Centre in Sugarloaf, Warwick Valley Winery, and The Saint in Asbury Park. They released a 6-song mini-CD Down to Earth in ’05. During Project Mercury's days as a full-out rock ensemble, Marian released Light This Candle in '02, gaining airplay on over 60 radio stations, including WFUV, WUSB, WPKN, WRHU, WNTI, WFDU and WVKR.
Marian volunteers with Musicians on Call, broadcasting live to the City of Hope's network of over 30 hospitals; she looks forward to performing bedside to patients again soon.
Influences/Inspirations
Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Ben Folds, The Decemberists, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Aimee Mann, Sinead O'Connor, Pretenders, Queen, Radiohead, Bonnie Raitt, R.E.M., Damien Rice, Bruce Springsteen, Vienna Teng, Dar Williams
Kudos
- Best New Band, Hudson Valley Magazine, 2006
- NJ Folk Festival new songwriter showcase award
- Faded Leather: honorary mention, Billboard International Songwriter Contest
Pronunciation tip: MAR-ee-in mas-ter-ELLY
"I love the beautiful original songs and vibe of this songwriter...the sincerity of Marian's lyrics shines through in each performance and her deft use of melody makes for a truly lovely listening experience."
- Toby Tobias, founder, Northshore Original Open Mic (NOOM)
"I'm lucky to say that I've known Marian for many music-filled years now. Nearly twenty years. She first came into my orbit with Project Mercury, a four-piece band with full-on harmony. Then came the solo flights, visiting my venue and filling it with her music. As the years went by one thing was constant: the voice, the music and the ever-evolving songwriting. Now what we have here is a seasoned songwriter at the top of her game."
- Elliott Glick, owner, Starving Artist Cafe/"The Artist", City Island, NY