Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with Mary Black

Mary Black - Armageddon

Mary Black, an English singer/songwriter based in South Manchester, UK. She has been writing and performing music for decades, both solo and in bands, in the UK and overseas. She is blonde, considered attractive with a warm, quirky personality and, massive heart.

Armageddon is her first release. She wrote it four months ago after watching the news, and thought the world REALLY has gone nuts. Mary Black is now working on two more songs that she wrote 15 years ago: a cool rock Christmas song and a song about love.

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Interview with Mary Black

What inspired you to return to writing and recording after a decade-long break?

Actually, I've had a few long breaks, mostly due to my career and raising my child. Life took over, I guess

How did your reaction to the COVID vaccine and heart surgery influence the themes in “Armageddon”?

The day the reaction happened was so severe that I thought I wasn't going to make it. When something like that happens, it changes your perspective on things. Life is too short for regrets. Just gotta love it to the full.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind rediscovering your old songs in your home studio?

I had an old Mac and Pro Tools set up stashed in my wardrobe for years. Struggled to remember the Mac password initially, but eventually sparked it all up again. There are loads of unfinished songs in there.

What drew you to write “Armageddon” after watching the news, and what message do you want to convey?

I think I was watching coverage of Gaza, Ukraine, politics, etc. Suddenly got a feeling of despair. How worrisome the world has become. "Humans are humans' worst enemy". Then remembered my vaccine reaction and the Doomsday clock. Feels like we're in an unfavourable parallel universe.

How are you approaching the production of your upcoming rock Christmas song and love song? (

I'm working with a local musician/ producer. I've given him my old Pro Tools PTF files; he'll update the drums and guitar, I'll get the PTF back, and import it into my home version. Then rerecord my vocals, which I do on my old SM58 mic....I find using a live mic rather than a rigid studio mic works best for me. Then I'll pass the PTF back, and he will make final tweaks.

What emotions or stories do you hope listeners connect with in your music?

For Armageddon, it's about recognising the nonsense. We need to be better to each other. Be smarter e.g., regulate AI for example. It needs the bigwigs to do the right thing, but we little people can choose not to fuel things as much as possible, I think.

How has your experience performing in New Zealand and the UK shaped your current musical style?

I only started singing at 17. I was incredibly shy but won a Radio City (Liverpool) competition run by Pete Waterman. Won enough money to buy stage equipment and became a solo artist, gigging in the North West of England whilst studying. Power ballads mostly. Career took over, so I stopped and emigrated to New Zealand, where, after singing at a work party was asked to join a rock band. Had years of fun performing with them. Moari seem to have a God given ability for music. It's amazing, actually. Performed on live prime time TV, too.Fun days.

Can you describe your vision for the visuals, photos, and videos you’re planning for November?

Haven't got that straight in my mind yet. Photos, my friend will help with. Video, I don't know. Might need help with it eek

How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your early solo work to now?

My voice has definitely changed from clean power ballads to a more rock sound. Probably lowered a bit.

What does a “warm quirky personality with a massive heart” bring to your music and performance?

I guess Authenticity in what I'm trying to say. Comes from the heart. If I'm not close to the subject I'm writing about, it can give me more latitude to play with it. Sometimes I'll write a song to try and make sense of something that has happened. It's a really good outlet.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Mary Black on the Pigeon Spins Playlist