MARO is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer from Lisbon, Portugal. Since attending Berklee College of Music in 2017, the extremely talented artist has gone on to release nine albums and two EPs, and share the stage with major touring artists such as Jacob Collier, ODESZA, Charlotte Cardin, Parcels, and Shawn Mendes.
Not just that, but she represented her country in Eurovision and made it to the Top 10 as a finalist, and MARO was named one of the Top 10 female artists featured on other artists' Spotify Wrapped. In other words, IYKYK. She's currently on the road here in North America on her largest US and Canadian headlining tour ever, with more dates scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Here's our conversation. Enjoy!
Hypebot: Hey Mariana, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. The classical guitar / jazz influence in a pop “shell” in your music is a huge part of what makes you and your band’s sound unique. How did you arrive at this sound?
MARO: "I think it happened naturally, as a combination of all the music I grew up listening too. I’ve been exposed to many different artists and genres since I was a kid, and I think it all stayed with me and is part of who I am and, consequently, my writing and playing."
H: Do you start with the voice, and let the voice lead the instrumental arrangements, or the other way around?
M: "It really depends on the song or moment, but generally they’re together. Every time I play, I feel the need to sing along — whatever it is."
H: Your music can feel incredibly intimate even when there are a lot of musical ideas happening underneath it. How do you know when a song needs less?
M: "It’s a feeling thing, for me. I always respect how I feel about a song and let that feeling guide the process and define the final production. In other words, if it hits the spot, it probably doesn’t need much else."
H: The classical guitars must be tough to soundcheck in a live setting, no? Have you had many feedback issues on the road, and does it always work out or are there horror stories?
M: "Luckily, no horror stories! It’s true that, sometimes, the trio project doesn’t have the easiest set up for live sound, as we use monitors and not in-ears, but it’s all pretty manageable with a good sound engineer! 😄"
"There’s definitely a magical feeling when you get to do what you love with somebody you admire. It’s just priceless."
H: How do you decide which songs to write in English versus Portuguese? Do you ever write in one language but then translate to sing in the other?
M: "It always comes naturally, so it really depends on my environment. If I’m spending more time in Portugal, I end up writing more in Portuguese, but If I’m abroad more and speaking mostly in English, then I end up writing in English more."
I haven’t done many translations, actually, but it’s definitely something I think about and will probably do more in the future!"
H: How did you meet Jacob Collier? And how was it to perform with Eric Clapton when that happened? Do you get starstruck ever?
M: "Jacob messaged me on instagram, back in 2018. He saw a video of me reharmonizing 'American Boy' and reached out. We then met in LA and recorded 'Lua,' the song we have together. A little after that, he invited me to join his DJESSE world tour, as part of the band, to which I very happily said yes."
Regarding Eric Clapton, I had done a little video of 'Tears in Heaven’ that ended up reaching him, to which he responded asking if I could do the full song. Luckily, I was working on my 'ITSAME, MARO! - Calling…' series and decided to ask him if he’d do the full song with me for the series. Still in awe that he said yes, and I’ll forever cherish that video."
I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten very starstruck per se, but there’s definitely a magical feeling when you get to do what you love with somebody you admire. It’s just priceless."
H: What’s your favorite post-concert food to eat?
M: "I generally try and eat a couple of hours before the show, but maybe a good soup!"
H: When you go on tour, how do you make sure to stay healthy? And what about mental health, is there anything you do to keep your mind sharp?
M: "Nowadays, I try to sleep as much as I can, eat as healthy as possible, workout regularly and walk a whole lot. Also, having a team that feels like a family is crucial, as it keeps me grounded and makes me feel supported. All of these, nowadays, are essential for me to feel good on a long tour."
H: What do you do on your days off while on tour?
M: "If I’m exhausted, I try and rest up, but always find the time for some sightseeing and walking around. I also hang out with the team, as we always find something cool to do or to see. It’s very wholesome and what makes me love the road life!"
"Music really is a universal language capable of uniting people and changing the world."
H: What’s something you’ve learned by spending time on the road? About music, life, yourselves?
M: "How important it is to sleep enough and eat well. How important it is to have a team of people that are not only talented but actually professional, positive, kind, helpful, generous… good people. How music really is a universal language capable of uniting people and changing the world."
H: When things are “on” and you’re really feeling it during a show, what does that look like?
M: "Probably a very present and happy MARO? When people are kind, loving, respectful, joining in… we all connect to the same frequency, and that’s truly one of the best feelings in the world."
H: What does MARO mean to you exactly?
M: "I honestly don’t have a great answer for that… For me, it’s just my nickname. Just me. I don’t take myself seriously enough to have it mean anything else."
H: What’s the most beautiful thing in the world to you?
M: "As cheesy as it is…. Love. It truly is the most powerful force."
