Mariel Darling could be one of many things in the entertainment industry: a singer, actress, model and more. What’s even better is that she isn’t just another person trying to make it in Hollywood… she’s the real deal and can easily be the next big thing in the next few months.
She struck gold last month with her new song “No Mirrors” which has close to 100,000 views on YouTube in such a short period of time. “WOW!!! This is amazing” and “What a masterpiece!” are just two of the comments left for the budding star on the song’s official YT page.
Outside of her new hit song, the Massachusetts native has been developing a major social media following, hitting up shows at New York Fashion Week and so much more… all while attending high school and being a regular teenager (for now).
I spoke with the one and only Mariel about NYFW, “No Mirrors”, her inspirations and what’s to come for her. Check it out.
Hey Mariel! Thanks for chatting with us. So I know you are in town for New York Fashion Week. Is this your first NYFW, and are you enjoying yourself?
Hi! Thank you for having me! Yes, this was my first NYFW. I had the best night, it was definitely a right of passage for someone in this industry. I am so grateful I got to experience it! It was a very cool and different experience!
I know you are originally from Western Mass. Do you still reside there?
Yes, I am still finishing high school in the area. But, for my career I travel to NYC and LA!
You got into singing at a very young age. What inspired you to want to get into the industry?
I have always had a song in my head, ever since I could talk. Music is my only passion in life. I want to use my music to communicate to teens that being a teenager is really difficult, and they are not alone in this! I’ve had my fair share of bullying, doubt and hate too. We all have. I want to be that voice that helps them block out the noise and guides them to find their internal “raw you”. Staying true to the “raw you” is the best confidence you can have, even more important than what’s on the exterior!
How would you describe your sound overall?
My sound is pop and some of my new material I am working on is indie-pop. As an artist I am always trying to develop my sound and make it even more unique.
Who are your favorite singers that you emulate or look up to the most?
I grew up singing in my singing camp with all of those “Oldies but Goodies”. Those first songs I performed are embedded in me. A singular song that I believe started my journey as an artist was Adele’s “Rolling in The Deep”. Any song or artist that has a good message, good lyrics and a great beat is inspiring to me!
Tell us about your brand new single and video “No Mirrors” and how that came to be.
This is a song about being confident on the inside. People, especially young girls, are always looking for external validation” she says, continuing “I wanted to write a song to encourage everyone to stop trying to look a certain way or act a certain way to fit in. As young woman we go through so many transformations – mind, body, soul. We need to stop trying to live up to all of the perfection.
The video for the song sees me going through persona changes from “glam” to “raw” and finally finding inner beauty. I considered the process to be an amazing experience where I turned deeply personal lyrics into a unique visual representation. I start off with a pop star look, trying to be something that I think people expect to see as a female pop star performer, and go through another phase as I look in the mirror. Done with the glam, I find myself in a kind of darker place and then transition into a simple look, nude colors, to show the raw internal me. The video helped me really express what I’m going through. The teenage years are tough- with social media and all of the images you see on Instagram. It just makes you second guess who you are and try to ‘be like them’, to fit in.
The sky seems to be the limit for you. What’s your biggest career dream?
Ultimate success. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. I want to become a star that uses her light for good. Music is something everyone can relate to, and I want to express positivity with my songs. Music with a meaning!
Any big plans for the rest of 2018?
There are always things in the works! From new music, content, and fun appearances and performances. I hope to make the best of the rest of 2018. And keep on putting my name out there and a positive message!
For more information on Mariel Darling, please check out her official website.