Canadian country artist Mariya Stokes has been making a splash in the industry, and her latest single “Rebound” is a great new song that you’re going to want to add to all your playlists.
“Rebound” is an emotional ballad that explores the complexity of falling for someone emotionally unavailable and in love with their ex. It delves into both sides without judgement or anger. With delicate piano and minimal percussion, the lyrics and vocals drive the song to a place of vulnerability and raw sentiment.
On the track, Mariya notes: “Recording this song was terrifying and freeing at the same time; I’ve never released a song as raw and honest as “Rebound”. To me,” Mariya continues, “the vulnerability of the lyrics are its core – I have rebounded and been the rebound. This song explores both sides of that situation without judgement, and it’s very close to my heart. I hope when you listen to it, you know that if you’ve been in a relationship like this you’re not alone.”
We had the chance to connect with Mariya to talk about this song, and how 2020 has been treating her. Check out the full interview below. But first, be sure to stream “Rebound” on Apple Music and Spotify.
Stream “Rebound” By Mariya Stokes
Interview With Country Artist Mariya Stokes
Front Porch Music: Let’s start by giving you an opportunity to introduce yourself to everyone at Front Porch. Tell us a little about your roots and how you got into music.
Mariya Stokes: My name is Mariya Stokes and I am a country artist and songwriter from a little town about an hour south of Calgary called Stavely, Alberta.
When I was a kid, my parents owned the bar in town; I used to sit on the stairs outside of the bar room and watch the bands that came through town play. Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated with live music and how instruments and voices can fit together to move an entire audience of people to tears or laughter (and sometimes both!)
When I was eight years old, my parents started sneaking me in to sing at the jams hosted at the bar on the weekend and I fell even more in love with music. I picked up a guitar at 14 and when I was 18 years old, I decided to move to the city and chase my dream: I’ve been pursuing music ever since.
Front Porch Music: Your latest single, “Rebound” is out now. It’s a really great song! As a listener, you can tell that you really connect to this song. Tell us about this song; the inspiration, the story, and what it means to you.
Mariya Stokes: Thank you so much – I’m glad you dig it!
If you’ve ever been in love with someone who is hung up on an ex, “Rebound” will probably make sense to you.
The inspiration behind this song came from a relationship I’d been involved in like this and it’s an exploration of both sides – the experience of the “rebound” person and “reboundee”. The song was written from a place of reflection and compassion for everyone involved, instead of anger and frustration.
That’s the space it lives in and I hope when you listen to it, if you’ve been in this situation, you know you’re not alone.
Front Porch Music: You wrote this song with our friend Aaron Pollock. What was the writing process like?
Mariya Stokes: Initially, I showed up to a co-writing session with Aaron Pollock with the first line of the chorus: “She’s the one that you get when the one that got away is already gone.” Once I pitched that line to him, his eyes lit up and we both knew we were onto something that resonated with both of us.
The song poured out in about 90 minutes – which is pretty short for a co-writing session – and we were both really proud of the story we told.
Front Porch Music: Last year at the ACMAs you were named Female Artist of The Year. Take us back to that moment. What was it like having your name called at the award show?
Mariya Stokes: That was a wild moment for me.
When I started attending the ACMA’s about three years ago, I was nervous, excited, and intimidated. I had looked up to so many of the people that attend the conference and awards show every year, and it was amazing to meet them in person and find out how humble, welcoming, and kind they are to new artists.
Hearing my name called last year for Female Artist of the Year was a trip – I couldn’t believe it and am so thankful for the acknowledgement. It was a full circle moment and an honour, and I will never forget it.
Front Porch Music: Growing up, who were your biggest influences? How have they shaped your sound and creativity as an artist?
Mariya Stokes: When I was little, country radio was always playing in my house.
I’d sing along to Faith Hill, the Chicks, and Terri Clark through the airwaves and try to imitate their voices. All the little phrasing and vocal inflections from Nashville country music eventually worked their way into my voice. Even when I sing different styles of music, like pop and jazz, I’ve been told that I sound like a country singer.
I can’t get rid of the country in my voice, and I’ve learned to love it!
As I got older, I started listening to Taylor Swift’s early records and Kasey Musgraves’ work and fell in love with songwriting and how they painted poignant stories with just words and melodies.
What all these artists have in common to me is that they are unapologetically themselves and are brave enough to say and sing what they mean. I aspire to be like that and think about it a lot when I am writing, recording, and playing shows.
Front Porch Music: This pandemic has been a real struggle for artists and the music industry as a whole. What have you been doing to pass the time? How have you been holding up?
Mariya Stokes: At the beginning of quarantine, I started a livestream kids show with my roommate called “Fiyah with Mariya and Allayna”.
Isolation is hard enough to start and I can’t imagine trying to juggle work and kids and partners from home like so many parents were a few months ago, and many still are. My roommate and I wanted to do something positive and give kids something interactive and fun to do from home on Friday afternoons.
We had a blast learning kids songs, dressing up in silly costumes, and planning the show every week – it had ten, twenty minute episodes and you can still find them on my Facebook page. Most of my time after the show ended has been spent writing; I am thankful for the time to dive into my craft, even if the situation as a whole is difficult.
My mental health has been a little up and down at times – not being able to play live and playing at a limited capacity has been challenging.
Live music feeds my soul and I have to keep reminding myself that we’re all going to come out of this with a greater appreciation for all the arts.
Live music will come back, stronger than ever and that’s what helps me stay positive for the time being. I feel for everyone: the music industry, restaurants, healthcare workers, students, parents, and everyone else who has lost work or is struggling during the pandemic.
We are all in this together and it’s tough, but we’re going to get through it.
Front Porch Music: What’s next for you, when can we expect more music, an EP, etc.?
Mariya Stokes: There will be a lyric video for “Rebound” dropped in the next few weeks. It was illustrated by Not Your Designer, and I am so proud of the work they did on it – it gives the story a new depth.
In November, I am re-releasing my second single, “Christmas, Arizona” to Canadian Country Radio just in time for the holiday season. Keep your eyes open for new music in early 2021 as well – we are cooking up a few new tunes in the studio and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Front Porch Music: Thanks so much for letting us get to know more about you!
Mariya Stokes: Thank you for having me Front Porch! <3
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
