Mary's interest in music stems from her parents who were professional dancers. Coming from a creative family, Mary's musical inclinations began when she was about 6, listening to her older brothers and sisters playing records. In high school, she began composing electronic music, and while attending USCB, started performing as a jazz vocalist and percussionist in several local bands.
Although Mary loves performing, one of her other interests is working behind the scenes, combining her skills in composing, singing, photography and writing. After graduating from UCSB, she briefly studied broadcasting, creating several commercials that aired locally in Los Angeles.
Wanting a fuller understanding of the advertising business, she then pursued a career in advertising sales, so that she could be guaranteed a stable income. "The life of an artist is filled with uncertainty, so I pursued a career that would reward me for working hard," she remarks.
However, her interest in the arts continued to be an ongoing passion. After spending most of her adult life in ad sales, she decided to finally pursue her creative interests in music, singing, photography and writing. She also began composing in Garageband, incorporating her love of international music into her creations.
"I've always been intrigued by combining varying styles into my compositions," she claims.
Largely self-taught, Mary composes by ear. "I've taken some theory, piano and other classes, but I don't have the patience. I'm not very good at staying inside the box, as I tend to create intuitively. People seem to like my work, and for that, I'm grateful," she adds.
Mary has been gaining interest from corporations and local businesses who are utilizing her work for their web sites, and other promotional ventures. She also collaborates as a songwriter with a number of musicians from around the world, and will soon be coming out with another CD showcasing the talents of these artists.
Mary's work also borrows from a variety of international styles, ranging from jazz, electronica Afro-Cuban, bluegrass, country, and South American. Her work, considered hard to define. This CD was also featured on KYOUR Radio in San Francisco and Craigsmusic.net.
In recent years, her travels to Europe, Mexico, the Bahamas and the South Pacific have expanded her musical tastes. Composers like Lalo Shiffrin, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Sade, Diana Krall and other writers have also made an indelible impression on her material.
Mary's efforts as a writer and photographer have been showcased in many national magazines, newspapers, books, and on several web sites. Keep an eye on her music. Good things are bound to happen.
For more information:
grathy@aol.com
(310) 568-0784
www.marymcgrathphotography.com
ASCAP
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