Singer-songwriter Hallie Marie unveils her latest single, “Mary,” blending blues, rock, and funk elements into a song about domestic abuse and survival.
Marie explains, “I wrote this song about a woman being physically abused by her partner; she is clearly in danger, but she refuses to admit it to herself. She doesn’t consider that he might kill her.”
Written and co-produced by Hallie Marie and Andreas Landeck, “Mary” features the musical gifts of Justin Bradford (guitar) and Adam Walsh (drums), both of whom Marie played with in her previous project Direville.
The lyrics liken abuse to addiction through telltale metaphors: “One hit, two hits, Mary when you gonna quit? / Five, six, seven and if you get to heaven / Monday, Friday, how long’s it gonna take? / You don’t learn nothing for free.”
According to Marie, “It’s a double meaning. It’s about how she’s hooked, like an addict, unable to break free – and how close she is to dying from this abuse.”
With influences such as Sufjan Stevens, Billy Joel, and Phoebe Bridgers, Marie’s sound merges tints of pop, rock, and folk, along with genuine lyrics and wonderful storytelling, into accessible songs.
Marie’s solo releases include “Sanity,” “Pure (Don’t You Still Remember?), “3:59,” and “Blue In Her Head.”
“Mary” opens on an organ and a bluesy guitar and then rolls into a buoyant-lite melody that belies the darker message of the lyrics. Marie’s evocative vocals range from soft and lustrous to potently urgent, allowing listeners into a world immersed in passionate emotions. There’s a deliciously mobile and inviting sonic patina to Marie’s voice – just different enough and pleasing enough to become oh-so charming and alluring.
On “Mary,” Hallie Marie finds her palette – an approachable melody that’s a bit loose and raw, topped by great vocals.
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