If you’ve been searching for some fresh, soulful R&B sounds coupled with rich,sultry vocals then look no further than Maria Cox. This Newport News, VA based artist’s smooth vocals and mellow beats will lure you in and leave you wanting to hear more. Maria has both the look and the vocal talent going for her but don’t think for a second that that is all that she is bringing to the table. This once self proclaimed “shy girl” has grown into a force to be reckoned with, constantly studying and perfecting her craft.
Maria started out performing around the country with her high school choir, which also gave her the honor of being able to sing at the White House. Once she realized that music was something that she wanted to pursue further she went on to earn a B.S. in Music Business from Chowan Univerity where she graduated Sum Cum Laude. Her learning did not end there, though. Whether she is studying or practicing her singing, sharpening her writing skills, or working on production and audio engineering Maria is always putting in work to make her dream happen. She spends much of her time recording music in a home studio that she made herself. Whether she is covering songs by artists like Aaliyah or producing her own tracks, everything that she puts out is gold. Needless to say: Maria Cox is the REAL DEAL.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Maria to find out more about her background in music, what keeps her motivated, and what projects she is currently working on.
MARIA COX INTERVIEW:
TAMMY: How did you first get started in music?
MARIA: My father introduced me to music. He was a drummer and his brother was a popular country singer in Washington, North Carolina. I was always surrounded by music at a young age, mostly Classical rock from my father’s side and gospel on my mom’s. (An interesting combination huh? Lol)
TAMMY: I have been listening to your songs lately and your voice is amazing! I love your whole sound. Who have been some of your greatest influences musically?
MARIA: From an early age, my greatest vocal influence was Whitney Houston. I feel that no one can touch her voice. It’s gold. I also grew up listening to the Beatles, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago (Just to name a few. But I have quite an eclectic mix of musical influences.) Recently I have really been grooving out with a lot of urban music, and my playlist is filled with artists such as; Drake, The Weeknd, tinashe, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, etc… Pretty much all the majors in the hip hop industry right now.
TAMMY: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
MARIA: The most rewarding part is being able to have my own avenue to record my music. I’m definitely a studio junkie and If I couldn’t make it a singer, I probably would find myself in the studio working on someone else’s project. Lol
TAMMY: What inspires you when you are working on new music?
MARIA: Life experiences inspire me the greatest. Though I do try to stay on top of things and whatever is current and popular in the industry today, I still find that my greatest songs tend to derive from strong emotions; usually pain. I find it easier to write when I’m hurt about something. The music is an avenue to let all the pain out. It keeps me sane!
TAMMY: I really believe that one day your music will be played by fans all over the world. Everyone will know your name and will have heard your music. What is the driving force that keeps you going and pushing until (and beyond) that day? I know it can’t always be easy. This industry is pretty tough.
MARIA: Thank you for believing in my music and allowing me this opportunity to give you a glimpse into my life! I’m hoping with enough hard work and persistence that I will get to the top one day ***crossing fingers***. It’s definitely a struggle trying to do music fulltime while having a full time job. I often find myself sacrificing sleep to get everything done that I need to get done. But I know it’s all a part of the game. What keeps me motivated is, honestly, the music. I can’t go without it. It’s like a drug to me. I always have to be surrounded by it, making it, singing, writing, producing it, whatever I just love it!
TAMMY: What are you currently working on?
MARIA: I’m currently working on my first EP set to release December 2015. I want this to be a glimpse into the life of Maria Cox. I want people to relate and just have fun with it too. Not all the songs are going to be serious but I’ll definitely have tracks that mean a great deal to me and speak about real events that have happened in my life. I hope you enjoy!
Maria Cox continues to gain fans everywhere where her music is heard. Her talent is undeniable but it is her hard work, confidence in herself, and her strength as a woman who is determined to blaze her own path and make her own way that will make her a success in this business. Nothing is going to hold her down or keep her from making it. This is only the beginning of a long and fruitful career for this artist.
You can find Maria Cox’s music here on SoundCloud. Also don’t forget to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to be kept up to date on the latest from Maria Cox! So much is coming up and you don’t want to miss out on any of it.
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