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: sensitive balladeer, sultry chanteuse, rocker chick.
Marian has been writing songs and performing in the New York area since her late twenties. After claiming Huntington as a new hometown in 2018, she's been making headway in Long Island’s acoustic community. She’s been a featured performer at NOOM (North Shore Original Open Mic), Folkie Fest's "Unstoppable Women of Song," Songwriters of Long Island Showcase, 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 new CD and releasing singles along the way. Her first single, Cardinal in the Snow, about finding hope during a time of despair, has been played on over 15 radio programs so far. The next single, A Shore Thing (My Jersey Shore) will debut this spring. It celebrates the eternal siren call of the beach.
The video for one of her most acclaimed songs, At Palisades, an homage to the legendary Palisades Amusement Park, was featured at NJ's Ringwood Film Festival.
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 the band’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
