Since their fated meeting through a classified ad in a San Francisco newspaper, singer/songwriter Elise Bellew and songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Blake Ryan Dayton have been working meticulously to create their own unique sound and style of vibey alternative pop/rock. From a profound and moving dream Elise had about the Virgin Mary comes the name The Mary Dream. Elise's distinctive ethereal vocals and impactful lyrics join together with Blake's lush orchestrations and unique guitar layerings to create some of the most moving, yet melodic alternative pop/rock emerging today.
Beautiful World is The Mary Dream's critically acclaimed full-length debut on their own label SuperUniverse Records, and was recorded almost entirely at home by Blake and Elise, except for the drum tracks, which were recorded by producer Richie Biggs (Switchfoot, Nichole Nordeman, etc) using Nashville session drummer Steve Brewster (Jewel, Faith Hill, etc). The record was also mixed and mastered by Richie Biggs at The Art House in Nashville.
Beautiful World is a collection of 11 bittersweet and compelling songs that are both dreamy and melodic. From the optimistic title track Beautiful World, to the hauntingly beautiful Say My Name, this record is a must for listeners who are seeking to be moved in a deep and genuine way. Since it's release, numerous songs from Beautiful World have been used in film and television, with prominent features that include "How You Love Me" on ABC's All My Children, "More" on MTV's Real World Denver, and "Stay" on MTV's Real World Hollywood. In addition, the title track "Beautiful World" has spread virally throughout the world as an optimistic and sentimental anthem.
This Kind of Life is the long awaited follow-up to Beautiful World. On This Kind of Life, The Mary Dream takes their signature vibey sound to a deeper level. Staying true to their DIY roots, the entire record was written, recorded and produced by The Mary Dream alone. This Kind of Life delivers 11 ultra vibey songs that pop, rock and chill - this time with a fuller, richer sound. On This Kind of Life, instead of filling out the sound exclusively with guitars, Blake added bittersweet piano riffs, lush ambient synth and intricate drum programming - all this combined with Elise's ethereal voice to further the unique sound that The Mary Dream has become known for.
This Kind of Life was mixed by 5-time grammy winner F. Reid Shippen (Matt Kearney, India Arie, etc) and mastered by the legendary Greg Calbi (John Mayer, Norah Jones, etc). Guest musicians include Justin Cary (Sixpence None The Richer), Steve Bowman (Counting Crows, Luce), Steve Brewster (Jewel, Faith Hill), Mark Hill (Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood), and David Henry (Butterfly Boucher, Vienna Teng). "Go Deeper" with This Kind of Life!
"The Mary Dream have combined all the best elements of pop with a sentiment that runs deeper. It would be a beautiful world indeed if more musicians followed suit." — Performing Songwriter Magazine
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