About a year ago, I was searching MySpace for new music and luckily I found Mary C. I’ve been grooving to her music ever since, rocking with the beats and rolling to the vibe of her melodic voice. The best of soul, R&B and pop are harmonized with her unique style. As a songwriter she taps into urban pop, while her sultry voice brings a soulful sound to her catchy lyrics.

At a young age Mary started writing, singing and made her film debut in The Breakfast Club alongside her brother Anthony Michael Hall, playing the sister to Brian Johnson, aka The Brain. Their mother was cast as Brian’s mom. These days she performs to sold out shows throughout New York City and she’s putting the final touches on her upcoming album “UnExpected.”

I wanted to find out more about this talented singer and songwriter. Here is my interview with Mary C.

HIH:  When did you decide being a vocalist was the path for you?

Mary C:  I grew up around music my whole life. My mother is a Jazz recording artist- Mercedes Hall.
My mom had me singing scales at the age of 5- from there I went on writing my own songs, playing Piano and singing!

HIH: You’re a native New Yorker and you play to sold out clubs like Joe’s Pub, and The Bitter End. You also performed at the ING New York City Marathon to a crowd of over 40,000 runners and participants. Do you have to perform differently in an intimate setting compared to such a massive crowd?

Mary C: I love playing intimate sets- you really get to connect with your audience that way. Because I’m a songwriter, it’s important for me to really have my lyrics reach each person in the audience. And I love to see in the moment reactions & responses from my performances.

HIH: Your mother Mercedes Hall is a jazz singer, and vocal coach. How has she influenced your singing career?

Mary C:  My mom really layed down the foundation of musicianship for me. She exposed me to all genres of music at a young age. Which has been an integral part of my growth as a singer/songwriter.

HIH:   You were a little girl when your older brother Anthony Michael Hall was having such success with all the John Hughes films like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science. What was it like growing up with a famous teen brother?

Mary C: My parents did a great job of keeping BALANCE in our house. For both my brother and myself. So even when Michael was in a hit movie- he was still responsible for taking out the trash!

HIH: I love visiting your MySpace page and grooving to all your profile tunes but is there a place I can buy an album or mp3′s?

Mary C: Currently I’m finishing up the recording and mastering of my debut penned album, ‘UnExpected’. I’m hoping to have it out by the fall. But keep checking back on my Myspace page for more details! I also post new songs monthly!

HIH: What are some of your favorite recording artists past and present?

Mary C: There are sooo many! And because I’m truly inspired by all types of music, it’s beyond difficult to just name a few. But I’ll do my best! Christina Aguliera – for her amazing vocal range and control. Joss Stone for breathing new life into an ‘old’ sound. The Roots- for bringing LIVE Hip Hop to the fore front & showing that Hip Hop can have musicality. James Brown- for the soul! Prince- for the PURE funk and forward thinking of music. I love risk takers… and of course my mom, Jazz singer Mercedes Hall – her vocal phrasing is untouchable!

HIH: Do you have any other passions besides music?

Mary C: I love to write. I grew up writing in my music journal. Not only songs, but stories, poetry.
I’m a HUGE Movie lover. I grew up around the film business- so that’s always been an interest of mine.

HIH: I read that you are also a songwriter. How many of your songs do you write?

Mary C: I write all of my songs- I sometimes collaborate with other songwriters which can be a cool experience too. You get a different perspective on a lyric or an idea. The blending of two worlds musically can be great if it clicks! But for the most part, I write alone.

HIH: What are your influences besides R&B and Jazz?

Mary C: Anything SOULFUL I’m influenced by. And that’s not just rooted from ‘R&B and Jazz’. Although that’s where a good portion of my influence is from. I’m also influenced by Funk, Hip Hop, Classical, Folk (love Jack Johnson!) and even some country. Country music has some of the best songwriting you will hear!

HIH: You live in New York but where else do you like to perform?

Mary C: My base is definately in NY. I’m a true NYC girl! But I do try and extend my reach- it’s all about sharing the music as widely as you can! So, if anyone wants me to perform in your town or city… LET US KNOW!! :)

“Why You Blamin Me”

www.myspace.com/marycmusic