Mariko

Even before Mariko was handed her first acoustic guitar at 15, she knew she wanted to pursue music. Although she spent the first five years of her life in Japan, Mariko grew up in the suburbs of Boston, where she was lured and encouraged by the local music scene. She began actively songwriting during her high school years, and her took her aspirations to New York soon thereafter.

Throughout her college years, Mariko gained a tight following in the local music scene. She competed at various band battles and was voted by the student body for top slots at countless popular campus events. During her four years she shared the stage with notable artists Lifehouse, Pitbull, and the Gin Blossoms. She has also performed at prominent venues throughout Boston and NYC, most notably at The Middle East, Harpers Ferry, Spike Hill, and The Bowery Poetry Club.

Marikos upcoming 6-track EP entitled On With the Show is expected to be released this spring 2012 and will be available on iTunes. Co-produced and audio engineered by
Alex Sterling (Chesky Records). On With the Show also features the work of lead guitarist Armand Hirsch www.myspace.com/armandhirsch (John Mayer).

With edgy and aggressive tracks like Trick or Treat, to the candid ballads of Hold on, ON WITH THE SHOW provides listeners with a well-rounded display of her talent. With the combination of her honest, soulful singing and her upbeat, catchy rock riffs, Mariko proves that her music is just as original as it is entertaining.

Emma Gaedeke, Contributor to Billboard Magazine