We caught up with rising star Mardiana to find out more about the music she loves and why following the release of her brand new track 'Don't Cry For Me'! Check out her selection below and if you're an fan of the tracks she chose you're sure to fall in love with her sound and her new single.
1. Rina Sawayama - Hold The Girl
The first time I watched Rina’s live performance video for ‘Hold The Girl’, I cried my eyes out, rewatched it, and cried again. I was so deeply moved by the lyrics about healing her inner child and the contemporary-interpretive dance choreography. She’s one of those artists that doesn’t just tell a story, she becomes every fiber of the story. The production combines a multitude of genres that take me on an emotional roller coaster where I just want to dance and cry at the same time.
2. YOASOBI - Racing Into The Night
As a songwriter and producer, I adore everything about this record. I think you can tell when a writer/producer is also a great musician, and it’s safe to say YOASOBI are exceptional at their craft. Combining playful piano melodies, energetic guitar riffs and bright vocals, this song is so cleverly composed - every single dynamic and musical element feels intentional. I was really surprised to find out that the lyrics carry a devastating story. It covers themes of depression and self-harm. The stark juxtaposition between the euphoria-inducing production and dark twisted lyrics is a stroke of genius.
3. Mardiana - Please Just Stay In Love
Of course, I had to plug my own song - for good reason! This song is precious to me because it perfectly encapsulates the dreamy, nostalgic musical landscape that I’ve always wanted to create. I wrote it about going back in time to talk to my younger self who was naively in love with the wrong person. ‘Please Just Stay In Love’ came together quickly, lyrics and melodies simply fell out of me - I felt no resistance in my creative process. It’s a magical feeling that I can’t really explain... it’s as if this song was always meant to be brought into existence.
4. berlioz - miro
This song is an impeccable blend of jazz and house music - it’s smooth, luxurious yet relaxed and intimate. The song starts with a conversation snippet about the struggles of being an artist, which I can relate to on a really personal level. When listening to ‘miro’ and the rest of berlioz’s music, I’m mentally transported to an exclusive jazz bar on a Parisian rooftop, meeting the coolest people, talking about art while sipping champagne - it’s just such a vibe! I love this innovative hybrid of jazz and house music, it’s taking the best from what’s old and new and combining them in harmony.
5. Ava Max - Ghost
Ava Max’s pop sensibilities and powerhouse vocals are out of this world. ‘Ghost’ is one of my favorites from her album, ‘Diamonds & Dancefloors’, but honestly every song on this album is a solid dancefloor banger! It was hard for me to choose just one. The album was everything I hoped for - polished dance-pop with a tinge of darkness and heartbreak in the lyrics, catchy melodies that get stuck in your head, and a really strong sonic identity overall. I’ve had ‘Diamonds & Dancefloors’ on repeat ever since it came out, it’s my serotonin booster.