Seasick Mama

Let’s just cut straight to the chase: this video is awesome. In an era where new artists are scrappling around for a few hundy to cut a pop promo on iMovie, to see this five minute epic play out in a mansion in the Dominican Republic, in the wide open sea, and on the back of a horse in an endless sugar cane field, is as amazing as it is surprising. - Vice Mag: Noisey

"I'm not trying to dress up," says Marial Maher, who records as Seasick Mama. "I'm not trying to do anything too kitschy or showy, and I think that's what's working." With the release of her sophomore EP, Tip Top Shape, a collection of disarmingly candid pop songs, we can't help but agree. Featuring contributions from David Sitek (TV on the Radio), Peter Wade (MNDR), and Sam Farrar (Phantom Planet), the record is an un-self-conscious take on pop's infectious hooks and young love tropes. Ahead of Tip Top Shape's release this week, Interview spoke with Maher about breakup songs, the dangers of genres, and bolts from the blue. We're also excited to premiere her new single, "Cooked Inside Out," below. - Interview Magazine

Seasick Mama is reluctant to call herself a musician, though she was clearly meant to perform. Born Marial Maher, she got herself a recording contract before she even had any demos. Mama has definitely got the talent, even if it’s somewhat inscrutable. Her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Lost” and her own “Quit Your Job” (watch it below) are all the proof we need. If that’s not enough for you, Seasick Mama recently worked with members of TV On The Radio and Phantom Planet for her new EP, Tip Top Shape, which will be out in September. - MTVu

“With the anticipatory piano ticking of escapism where “leave this place”, front woman Marial Maher repeats the urgings of “don’t become the things you hate”, echoing the immortal Lou Reed-ian wisdom of, “Stephanie says that she wants to know why she’s given half her life, to people she hates now”. - IMPOSE Magazine

“With the anticipatory piano ticking of escapism where “leave this place”, front woman Marial Maher repeats the urgings of “don’t become the things you hate”, echoing the immortal Lou Reed-ian wisdom of, “Stephanie says that she wants to know why she’s given half her life, to people she hates now”. - IMPOSE Magazine

“With the anticipatory piano ticking of escapism where “leave this place”, front woman Marial Maher repeats the urgings of “don’t become the things you hate”, echoing the immortal Lou Reed-ian wisdom of, “Stephanie says that she wants to know why she’s given half her life, to people she hates now”. - IMPOSE Magazine

“With the anticipatory piano ticking of escapism where “leave this place”, front woman Marial Maher repeats the urgings of “don’t become the things you hate”, echoing the immortal Lou Reed-ian wisdom of, “Stephanie says that she wants to know why she’s given half her life, to people she hates now”. - IMPOSE Magazine

“A collection of fascinating tales and eclectic bliss delivered with a voice that will make you a believer, Seasick Mama is for real.” - AMBY

Seasick Mama's new EP, "Dead Like Money," is a mix of hearty dance and spiky rock. "Pumping" is a catchy blend of hip-swaying casualness with the kick-punch of The Clash or The Dead 60s. "Quit Your Job" is uplifting, almost theatrical given its soaring vocals meshed with caustic guitar and striking piano. "Quit your job and just be free," Maher sings repeatedly, an idea, and an attitude, enveloping enough to be a mantra.
- Star News

“Some people say that you are never too old, but I don’t believe that. You do have an expiration date. Do whatever you want now that you are young. You have all these opportunities.” - Williamsburg Art & News

“Some people say that you are never too old, but I don’t believe that. You do have an expiration date. Do whatever you want now that you are young. You have all these opportunities.” - Williamsburg Art & News

The evening shifted dramatically with the introduction of Seasick Mama, a Brooklyn-based indie-rock band featuring the uncontainable Marial Maher, accompanied by Dylan, Gianni and Will on guitar, bass and drums. Marial explodes with a rough, unbridled voice as she romps about the stage, shifting between a fragile breathiness to a wild punk scream reminiscent of Gwen Stefani’s early days. Every song resonates with the seething passion of a voice that refuses to be taught or categorized, whether backed by a pop, reggae or rock beat. Seasick Mama’s vibe can be summed up with one repeated mantra from the first single off their new EP—“Quit your job, and just be free.” - Sofar Sounds

There’s no better introduction to Seasick Mama than the sprawling video for her single, “Man Overboard.” Directed by Jay Bulger, the clip is quite literally an escapist fantasy that has the indie-pop songstress fleeing a captor who’s keeping her as his prisoner in a mansion-compound. Like her music, the clip is playful but also showcases darker emotional currents that elevate the work to something deeper than just a good time by the pool. - Bullet Magazine

Brooklyn-based Seasick Mama can’t be confined. - Bust Magazine

Dead Like Money, the debut EP from Seasick Mama, will be released on February 19th. Today, we're spending Seven Questions in Heaven with Seasick Mama.

Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
I am about to release my very first record, Dead Like Money, a seven-song EP produced by Mark Turrigiano. The music has some heavy influences from the '80s post punk and krautrock era mixed with a splash of pop vibes.

Who are your musical influences and idols?
My influences keep changing everyday. When I was writing Dead Like Money, my influences were ESG, Talking Heads, The Cure, and Liquid Liquid to name a few. Now, as I am making way into new genres, I am listening to a lot of Little Dragon and Kendrick Lamar. I admire them as lyricists. I want to be a better writer. Relate to people on the most sincere and deepest level.

What was the first album, cassette, or CD you bought with your own money?
I answered this question before for another interview. It was a Notorious B.I.G. album. Can't remember which one. Cassette. I opened the plastic and I remember someone yelling at me that it will loose value someday.

Your cover of Frank Ocean's "Lost" is incredible. What led you to cover that particular song?
It was a collaboration with the band Walking Shapes. The only real reason was that I was obsessing over Frank. This song just struck me. Chasing dreams, and playing the part. And it's sung to a woman. I wanted to sing to a woman because I know so many ladies that this song is for.

Looking through your website and Facebook, it looks like you do a lot of modelling. Which do you prefer: modeling or music?
Next question.

Your debut EP, Dead Like Money, hits the street on February 19th. Scenario: your favorite rock magazine or website reviews Dead Like Money and loves it. How do they describe it in six words or less?
Breath of fresh air.

You're the opening act of a music festival. You can get any five artists, living or dead, to perform on the bill with you. Which five do you choose and what song do you all perform as the final jam?
Fallulah, Little Dragon, Kimbra, Lykke Li, and Joanna Newsome. We would all perform "Backseat Freestyle" by Kendrick Lamar.
- Culture Beats

After posting two music videos by Seasick Mama (“Lost” and “Quit Your Job“), the Brooklyn-based band has released their debut EP. Dead Like Money was released on February 19th, through No Shame. Produced by Mark Turrigiano, it features 7 stellar pop songs that showcases Marial Maher’s (lead singer) talent as a singer-songwriter and her versatility.

The album finds Seasick Mama experimenting with different styles, pitches, and tempos. It kicks off with the fun, uplifting song “Quit Your Job“, where Marial delicately sings about the freedom of expression and never settling. “A Company” has a sweet pop melody, where she’s seeking someone to keep her company, to fill a void. She then channels her inner bad-ass rock star on “Destroyer“, and brings that same vibe to the catchy song of determination, “Pumping“. Then, over rough, revving guitars, she lets loose about losing control on “Old Man’s Blues“, and the song has an overall sexy, punk feel (the sound reminds me of the girl band The Runaways). Playing on a deadly encounter, “Graveyard Perfume” is a psychedelic rock offering, with sassy vocals on an upbeat guitar and keyboard tune. Last, but not least, is the title track, “Dead Like Money“. It’s an electronic pop jam with snazzy effects, a smooth bass line, and filtered vocals, where she questions the extravagant life of fame: “Do I have to pay for this?”

Overall, I really liked the album. I’d give it a 5/5, as I found myself listening to it all day, and singing along. Fun energies, well arranged instrumentation, diverse melodies and vocal abilities, infectious choruses, and a breath of fresh air. - Crayon Beats