(Photo Credit: Rich Borosky for Big Beat Creative Studios)
Growing up in a charming beach town on Lake Erie, American/Canadian singer-songwriter Heidi Maria was enamored by her mother’s (Canadian recording/touring artist Maria, of The Peaches) singing and guitar playing from an early age. Heidi Maria’s EP "I'm Done Playing The Game," recorded at the Sound Kitchen Studios in Franklin, Tennessee with legendary Nashville guitarist Fred Newell and audio engineer David John Biondolillo, encompasses a spectrum of sweet harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and dynamic emotions.
Not only does Heidi have a big singing voice, she also has a big heart. One of Heidi's favorite yearly events to work is a charity golf tournament for ESCO benefiting Golisano Children’s Hospital. She has also done fashion shows for Lord & Taylor and Von Maur and the 2018 Goldwell and KMS fall hair shows.
Currently you can catch Heidi jogging in the NYCM Insurance commercial (popping up on Hulu), playing guitar with Maria, writing songs and singing to her little one.
We recently had a lovely conversation with Heidi about her life, career and music. We think you will love her just as much as we do!
Hi, Heidi! You grew up in a musical family, with your mom Maria (The Peaches) being a touring recording artist. How did her artistry influence you as a child and how do your styles differ today?
Hi! I did. As a child I wanted to be just like my mom. I wanted to sing, play guitar and write just like her. I used to sit on her bed as a child and watch her sing and play and we would sing together. I love those memories. My first experience in a studio was with her as well. I remember how excited I was to be there. It was Orchard Studios in Ontario. She wrote a song for me to sing with her called "Mommy My Dolly Talks." The song hits my heart even stronger now that I had my son. Her second verse, the years go by much quicker than we care to see, before you know it children they'll no longer be, so listen to those little things they have to say, 'cause it will bring back a smile on a rainy day. That sums it all up right there.
Today we sound similar, which is great for harmonizing when we sing together, but I fingerpick a lot more than my mom. She is a stronger strummer than I am.
You recently became a mom! Congratulations on your baby boy! Has motherhood influenced your songwriting at all?
Thank you so much! Yes, it did. I found myself automatically writing with my little one as the inspiration without intention. I can see now why my mom had so many songs for her children. It comes naturally.
You've been a brand ambassador for Fiji Water, Blue Chair Bay Rum and Casa Noble Tequila. Do you have any go-to drink recipes you could share with us?
These days as a newer mom, I have just been drinking a lot of water and lots of coffee, lol. I love Evamor, Fiji and Joe Bean coffee. However, I have noticed that the Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum Cream and Key Lime Rum Cream are popular over ice at the beach bars at home. The Blue Chair Bay rum punches are also popular there with the orange juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale and grenadine.
We love your single "A New Day." Can you give us a little backstory about the song?
That's so good to hear! I wrote the song a long time ago on my first writing guitar. A Washburn that I still have. It's a song about hope in relationships when they are in a state of uncertainty.
Who are some musical artists that inspire you?
Besides my mom and the Peaches I would have to say Gordon Lightfoot and Cabbage Towne/The Good the Bad and the Ugly. I also love classic country and 80's/90's country. Artists like Kitty Wells and The Judds.
You are also an actress and a model. What advice would you give to readers who may be struggling with finding their confidence?
Meditate whenever you can. Even if you can find five minutes a day here and there. The more you do it, the more positive change and influence it has over your life, which will guide your confidence.
What else can fans expect from you in 2023?
Definitely more of my "Tunnel Sessions." It's a series of acoustic music videos that I have been working on. They are filmed in a tunnel with wonderful natural reverb inside of it. I haven't been playing live as much with my little one but I have been writing.
Here is a link to my YouTube channel where my "Tunnel Sessions" are posted.
For more information, visit www.meetheidimaria.com and follow her on all social media platforms.