Mara is a participant of Freshmen Friday's Sound Off! program.
Where are you from?: Hamilton.
Where do you live now?: I still live in Hamilton and I love it. We get a lot of shade but if you know where to go its a beautiful city. We're next up, I promise you.
What do you do for work?: Singing/songwriting.
What do you do for fulfillment?: I always feel the most alive while performing my music for an audience. I also love to travel and I'm really big on hiking too. Something about the forest brings me peace.
What is your dream creative project?: A full length album & accompanying book of photos and poetry. I would also love to design a home from top to bottom.
Do you consider yourself a freshman, sophomore or senior in your field?: I'm still a freshman. I have lots to learn but I'm eager to get there.
What can’t you leave the house without?: You'll never catch me without a bottle of water or cherry chapstick. I have an addiction.
What would your perfect 24 hours consist of?: I’d wake up and go swimming for a few hours. Then, I’d take a walk through a forest and write some poetry under the shade of a big tree. Next, I would hit the studio for a while to finish a new track. Then I would eat pasta for dinner, watch the sunset by the water, and finish the day around a bonfire with my friends.
Where's your favourite place to eat?: Moo Frites in Kensington Market. French fries are my life.
Where's your favourite place to dance?: Sous Bas is the only place in Hamilton worth going to. The owner always brings in great DJs from all over, and the crowd is very laid-back and carefree. I always feel comfortable there.
Where's your favourite place to drink?: Anywhere with a rooftop patio & good lighting.
Where's your favourite place to shop?: Whenever I'm in Toronto I always love to rifle through the vintage shops in Kensington.
What are your go-to tunes for getting ready to leave the house in the morning?: I love listening to Soulection Radio. It has so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Sampha, SiR, and Snoh Aalegra are also my current favourites.
What are your go-to tunes for exercising?: Anything by Skepta or Rico Nasty.
What are your go-to tunes for going out for a night on the town?: Anything produced by Pharrell/the Neptunes from the early 2000's.
What do you think are the qualities of a life well lived?: Being completely at peace with the person you've become and the things that you've accomplished.
Who are 3 people that inspire you:
Mike Charuk
Jessica Stiliadis
Gat Kong