Biography
Mara Levi [n. Mahr' uh Lee' vee] introduces a new category of rock and roll: Smart Pop. Notably complex, yet catchy enough to be accessible , Mara's music is both poppy and smart. Mara performs original folk-pop-bluegrass-rock and roll that entertains as it weaves its way into your subconscious.
Using a loop station, Mara adds her talent for Beat Boxing to many songs, and layered vocal harmonies to others. Her poppy, bombastic style of writing combines with melodic vocal harmonies and cunning lyrics to grab the attention of audiences. Often politically-charged, and always charming, Mara's performance style is appealing, honest and light-hearted. Mara is the winner of a 2004 Honor Award from the Great American Songwriting Contest for her song No Difference, and a 2005 Outmusic Outsong of the Year Nominee for her song, The Homo Song!
Mara's latest CD, "What Are You?" was released in March, 2007, and was funded, recorded, arranged, and produced entirely by Mara herself. Mara had outside (and excellent) help with mixing and mastering, but deserves full credit for the eclectic arrangements and moving performances featured on the album.
Mara began playing piano when she was 4. At 10 she added the trumpet and by 20 she had mastered bass and guitar as well. Mara studied voice and composition with several renowned musicians and is well-versed in jazz, classical, folk and rock and roll. All of these traditions lend Mara's songwriting its eclectic, accessible flair.
Mara began her rock and roll career as a songwriter, vocalist, and bass player with the indie-pop band, Kid Sampson. After a short tour of duty in New York City, Kid Sampson took a break, leaving our fair hero to fend for herself. Mara started her solo career in the musical mecca, Northampton, MA. While she still feels that her ultimate home will be in Northampton, Mara currently lives in DC where she is active in the thriving local music scene.
Mara's solo perfomance arrangements bring a new level of intensity to her already powerful and innovative music. Often compared to Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, and Aimee Mann, Mara combines musical worlds creating a style that is uniquely her own.
Mara's first solo CD entitled Life's a Ball features loads of Mara's trademark vocal harmonies and catchy indie-pop ditties.
Instrumentation
Mara Levi: Acoustic Guitar, vocals, beat box, occasionally bass guitar
Discography
Life's a Ball, 2003
What Are You?, 2007
Links
| http://www.maralevi.com |