Mariella released her debut single ‘Deserve It’ on October 12th. The stripped-back, snappy beat compliments a floaty melody and heartfelt lyrics revolving around feelings towards self-worth, not feeling good enough in her own skin, and the pressures to succeed in life. The lyric “let’s call it quits, cause I don’t wanna live with this shame heavy in my hands” hits the message home, pointing out that she is done seeking a quick fix and ready to claim her power.

Mariella’s decision to leave school at 17 to pursue her passion for the arts has led her on a journey of musical discovery. Later she would go on to graduate from BIMM with a degree in songwriting, influenced by female musicians with sultry yet powerful voices such as Lauryn Hill and Sabrina Claudio. Mariella’s voice captures raw and emotive qualities in her tone, and her delivery effortlessly wraps us up in her charming gift for storytelling.

Mariella recently collaborated with UK house duo Dusky on their track ’Stepper’ from their latest album ‘Pressure’ which came out on Friday 7th October. It was already received acclaim from the likes of Pete Tong, Ben Malone, Clara Amfo, and Danny Howard. Due to her rising success and hunger to succeed, Mariella is steadily setting herself up to claim her place in the 2022 UK R&B hall of fame. Taking inspiration from artists such as Lianne La Havas and NAO, Mariella’s soulful voice feels like a warm embrace on a cold Autumn evening.

The lyrics to ‘Deserve It’ act as a comforting aid to those going through the universal feelings of self-doubt and a lack of confidence. The melancholy yet sassy vibe feels empowering and offers a shoulder to lean on for people questioning their self-worth. The single has already gained traction, with Abbie McCarthy from BBC introducing showing enthusiastic support and WORDPLAY Magazine noting Mariella as one to watch in the Alt-R&B scene.

The music video which was directed by Will Douglas and Hannah Calverley accompanies the single. The theme of the video represents feelings of being on display in an overly scrutinised digital age. The presence of her image which flashes across multiple TV screens alludes to the process of addressing herself, and her innermost thoughts, in the mirror. The slow gliding camera angles, evocative power stances, and dark red hue add to an overall mysteriously sexy ambiance.

‘Deserve It’ was written in 2020 in Mariella's old flat in Shephards Bush. It came to fruition alongside her long-term friends and musicians George Gianluca and Federico Bigonzetti, just before the lockdown. The track encapsulates self-exploration and reflection during a particularly isolating time. Two years since its first draft, ‘Deserve it’ promises to be a soundtrack you’ll have on repeat and one for your ‘girl power’ playlists.

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https://www.instagram.com/mariellaartist/

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Interview & words by: Jessica Holmes