This week’s local artist spotlight is Mariela! Lead singer Rachel Hall formed the group with guitarist Luke Gibson, bassist Tommy Nixon, and drummer Jordan Morrison. Mariela has a fun, upbeat indie-alt sound. The Nashville-based indie-rock band cites Bleachers, The Killers, The National, and St. Vincent as some of their greatest influences. Mariela released their first single “Can’t Keep Doing This” in 2018. In 2019, the band released their first EP, Darkness in the Garden. Throughout 2020, Mariela has released several singles including, “Killer”, “Hold on Tonight”, and their latest, “Cheap Talk”.
This week, we are highlighting “Cheap Talk”, Mariela’s newest single featuring Kimi Most! This single comes in with a strong intro and memorable synth line that resurfaces in the chorus. Hall’s voice comes through so clearly in a very pop-like and vibrant manner. Kimi Most’s harmonies with her are very clean, balancing nicely with the distorted guitar and synth. Lyrically, the song is about escaping boredom and finding freedom. Amidst the frequent gloominess of 2020, this song provides a rush of serotonin at the perfect time, guaranteeing you to get up and dance.
I can’t admit it, but I need a change
Because it’s too easy to stay this way.
Loose lips, cheap talk
Run forever, run forever!
In a 2019 interview, Hall shared a bit about Mariela’s name. She explains, “The band is actually named after a good friend of mine that I lived with in Spain back in 2012. I was spending the summer abroad after college and my housing situation fell through and Mariela offered to take me in.” From the band’s name to the music they produce, Mariela is all about exploration and experimentation with the help of friends.
We’ll be playing “Cheap Talk” throughout the week as we feature Mariela as our Local Artist of the Week. Catch it live on-air at 100.1FM on your dial or streaming live at lightning100.com.
