Q&A: Singer Mariya Stokes talks new music, personal style, and more

Mariya Stokes is back with her first new single in three years.

In times that seem to get TikTok-trendier with each passing day, we think individuals as, well, individualistic as Mariya Stokes help bring levity to a whirlwind music world.

A familiar name to many in the Canadian country music scene, Mariya Stokes made plenty of waves from 2019-20201 with a successful string of singles (including "Rebound" and "Hands On My Body") and accolades such as Country Music Alberta's Female Artist of the Year (2020, 2021). While she's been active performing on big stages like Nashville North at the Calgary Stampede and working on collaborative music projects since then, it's been a minute since Stokes released music that's all her own.

Last week, not only did she drop a brand-new tune "You Want Me", but Stokes was also announced as a semifinalist in SiriusXM's 2024 Top of the Country competition. The new tune is distinct, quirky, and catchy, and if this is a taste of what's to come, country music fans should be very excited for her debut album to drop later this year.

Let’s get right to the point. It’s been 3 years since you’ve released a new single! Why so long?

For the past few years, I’ve been in a creative space, writing and recording my debut album (eek!). I stopped releasing for a little while so I could focus on the music, take my time, and put all my energy into creating a cohesive body of work that I could be proud to share. 

Also, there were moments when I was feeling a little burnt out and got a case of the "panini-sads"—my preferred verbiage for how the pandemic affected me. It slowed me down. I took the time I needed to prioritise my mental health and feel good again, and I’m so glad I did that.

I think it’s why I’m loving the process of releasing new music so much.

As expected, the new single “You Want Me” does not disappoint and those layered vocals make it all too easy to sing along to the chorus immediately. How did this song evolve from its initial inception to its final production?

I actually first heard “You Want Me” years ago when Devin Cooper shared the original demo with me right after he and Robyn Dell’Unto wrote it. I fell in love with the melodies and jokingly told Devin that if he wasn’t going to record the song, I would.

Fast forward a few years to when my production team and I were choosing songs for my album. “You Want Me” popped into my mind because it’s so different from everything else I was recording. I was still catching myself singing it in my head, but the only thing stopping me was that because the song was initially written for Devin, and the lyrics didn’t quite feel like me.

A week before heading to the studio, I reached out to Devin and Robyn and asked if I could rewrite the lyrics to tell my story, and they graciously said yes. The lyrics are partially re-written, but the original melodies are completely intact. I’m beyond grateful they gave me the chance to make this song my own and tell my story authentically.

TL;DR - “You Want Me” evolved from a Devin Cooper song into a Mariya Stokes tune, hence the vocal stacks and lack of a guitar solo. Ha!

Mariya Stokes is also well-known for her love of vintage fashion pieces.

Despite not releasing new music for quite some time, you have been active with other musical projects. Can you chat a little bit about that?

Definitely! While I wasn’t releasing anything solo, I was still writing and collaborating on tunes with other artists. I am lucky to be a co-writer on the title track of Shantaia’s debut album, Exes and Friends, and Ben Chase’s album That Was Then, This Is Now, as well as featured on a song on his album called “Met Too Young”. 

My pal Madison Olds (who is an incredible pop artist and also part of the Blue Jay Fam) and I co-wrote and recorded a cheeky holiday song called “Christmas Easy” with Lucas Gienow, who is one of the producers on my upcoming album too.

Over the past couple years, I’ve worked with Lucas and Madison a ton. All three of us are ghost-vocalists on the European pop project Hearts On The Run (Universal Music Group Norway) and I got my first sync placement with them on WWE Friday Night Smackdown a couple of months ago.

Never thought I’d be saying that, but it’s kinda cool hey?

Is it so wrong that we listen to holiday music year-round?

It’s absolutely acceptable to listen to holiday music year round. Check out “Christmas Easy” or “Christmas, Arizona” wherever you stream, whenever!

Actually, do you think I need to reflect on why I’ve released so many “Christmas” songs?

We’re asking the questions here!

Fair!

We first met you five years ago. How is 2024 Mariya Stokes different from the 2019 Mariya?

At my core, I would say I am the same, but I will add that 2024 Mariya Stokes is more focused on the marathon than the sprint. This applies to all parts of my life.

Ok, and I guess she has cooler clothes than 2019 Mariya!

Mariya Stokes performing at Nashville North.

What piece of advice do you have for artists that are still looking to find a unique style either musically or fashion-wise?

When you’re taking stylistic or musical risks, there are inevitably going to be some awkward phases and flops. Eventually, they will be funny to you, I promise! (Scroll back on my Facebook page to the 2016 Country Music Alberta Awards weekend and you’ll see what I mean.)

Don’t let your fear of lookin’ funny stop you from trying new things: you’ll know when it’s right. Every single one of us is interesting in our own way. For me, I know I’m onto something with my style and my sound when I’m writing, singing, and wearing what feels good in my gut.

Don’t try to fit in, lean into the weird instead. You’re one of a kind, so own it.

You're a Canadian Music Incubator alum (2017) and the program has a long list of successful artists these days. What fellow alum inspires you the most with their creativity?

Sorry, I cannot pick just one because both LU KALA and The Free Label are amazing.

LU KALA is dropping banger after banger after banger these days. She’s a wildly talented songwriter and a fearless performer, and that has inspired me since day one.

I recently had a sneak peek of The Free Label’s unreleased music the last time they were in Calgary, and let me tell ya, the world is not ready.

The 13th annual CMAB Awards are happening in a few weeks. As both a former awards show host and award winner, why are you looking forward to attending this year?

The CMABs are like a big reunion. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends and collaborators in-person that I haven’t seen in a while, and meeting new folks who are coming to experience it for the first time.

This year, I’m also excited to speak at a round-table session on a panel about co-writing with Brandi Sidoryk of Nice Horse. It’s going to be a blast!

Alright, CMAB Awards show is wrapped, the after party is over and we’re hungry…what are we eating at 3 a.m.?

Oh baby! You know I’m gonna be on the hunt for a hot dog stand.

If we can’t find one, I’ll settle for poutine or pizza, but YOU KNOW I’M GONNA BE MAD ABOUT IT. Just kidding…kinda?

For future updates on Mariya Stokes' new music, live shows and more, follow her on Instagram: @mariyastokes.