Mary Ann Van Der Horst

 

Mary Ann Van Der Horst is captivating audiences with her originality, distinct lyrical style and edgy pop production, on full display in her new radio single ‘Paradise’. We wanted to find out what drives this dedicated pop artist to push the limits of the genre.

You can generally tell when an artist is ready for the next stage of their career. It shows up in timing and tonal certainties, and there's a sense of conviction that just can't be faked. Mary Ann Van Der Horst's catchy new track ‘Paradise’ has that audible conviction, but its sheer inventiveness and mainstream digestibility fulfill the other half of the equation that determines who gets radio time and who goes home unheard. It also doesn't hurt that the critics have raved about her award-winning work: ‘Paradise' has that electric energy which remarks the catchiest, most irresistible pop productions; Mary Ann Van Der Horst has a big future in the genre on the basis of this track alone.’ Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Mary Ann Van Der Horst to talk about her new single and the passion for home-grown pop that gave rise to it.

ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: Haha that is a good question! Well, it's quite embarrassing but that craziest thing that happened to me was when I was performing on stage and found out that my bra goes up to my neck while singing and dancing way back around 7 years ago. That was really funny without knowing that the bra was out of place instead of its proper position. It really felt funny, I thought I had an adam's apple or something then one audience told me about it pointing it to me LOL and I had to go backstage to fix it.

ALEXIS: Your song ’Paradise’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: A dream come true. By knowing that people love my song, it is really a good feeling and real happiness to me. It makes me think to share more beautiful song to people to be their inspiration.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: My song 'Paradise' is composed by an Australian Producer & Songwriter, Jeremy Drakeford. He came up to me after my TV appearance on X Factor Australia, then he approached me to sing his song and give a justice to the song which is I thought I did a proper job by singing it. When I first heard it, I was in love with the lyrics and melody. It will really take you to Paradise. It's about dedication to your loved one, saying that she found her Paradise through to her one love and telling how she really feels about him, Love is the best feeling in the world and it is always good to express how you feel.

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: Music is really my passion and I love composing songs especially when I am alone and I've got more ideas in mind. My inspiration for creating songs are the people around that I have met and it helps me to get more ideas especially the reality, everyday lives, e.g. Broken-hearted. I have met a lot of broken-hearted friends, most of my creations is about sadness, anger, broken hearts and about infidelity. I have some inspirational songs too so it depends on the melody as well. It's good to know if people can relate to my song and that is the only way for them to be interested and listen to it.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: I'm very creative and passionate when it comes to music. When I perform, I really give my 100% to the song, singing my soul out for the people can relate to it and have a listen. I am very funny on stage, making jokes before I start to sing but deep inside of me, I am really a shy person and nervous but it all goes away when I'm already singing. My fans said that I am very down-to-earth because I treat everyone as my friend trying my best to answer their messages and greetings when I can.

 

ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: Been so lucky about having a good team, encouraging me that I can do it, hearing their positive feedbacks made me feel a better person and do more good things in the future. My team advises on do's and don'ts that will help me to do the right thing.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: Music is really a part of my family's life especially with events like birthdays or weddings and stuff because they always sing and they love it! Even if they are out of tune, haha, they will still sing their hearts out. But no one in my family is in the Music industry but they love music like me.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: To be able to perform on stage and people stare and listen to me while I'm on stage, cheering and clapping to me is a very rewarding moment that money can't buy. As a singer, I can express my feelings through my performances and that is the only chance I've got so I don?t want to ruin it and I want to really give my best shot while I have the opportunity. To be heard on the radio and on TV is also a most rewarding to me. The challenge is this Music industry, a lot of competitions, but for me it is not because every Artist have their differences and way to shine. It is challenging on how you handle your career and make the people believe to your ability and talent with your own way, but for me I just believe in myself that I can do it and I will never give up even if I fail.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST :I admire a lot of singers but if I will choose, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Beyonce and many more as they always give their best when it comes to performing.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: My most memorable moment was when I?ve got a chance to perform on X Factor Australia and I got a standing ovation from the crowd and the 4 celebrity Judges including my idol Ronan Keating from Boyzone, and asked him to give a kiss after my performance. That was embarrassing to ask but who cares, I already got the chance and I don't want to waste it. After that performance, I'm all over the news and got viral on YouTube and I have built a lot of fans from that show.

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: I have made a song called 'Make It Happen' and it will really inspire a lot of people especially to all those who have failed many times to never give up on your dreams, keep on moving, dream big and dare to fail. I am one of the example of having a lot of failures, but look at me, I survive and I know I've got more things to do, so I never stop. If you are passionate in music always give your 100% or more than that to pursue your dream to come true.

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
MARY ANN VAN DER HORST: Last April, I travelled overseas to get my award for Best Pop in LA and competed for a talent Olympics to represent Australia with around 60 or more countries competing. I will be doing an album too so hopefully it will be a hit.

ALEXIS: Very exciting! It's been a blast talking with you. Thank you for your candid answers and we can't wait to hear your new music.

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