New York, NY (Top40 Charts) When creating the video for her new song "Lady Liberty," Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter-musician MARY SCHOLZ expanded on the song's themes of racial injustice and a troubled America. The video, shot against amber waves of grain, features an inclusive group of individuals reflective of this country interpreting the song's stirring lyrics in sign language. Watch the clip here or here.
"I started imagining with the song's lyrics being told primarily through American Sign Language interpreters," MARY SCHOLZ says "It's so important to elevate accessibility to the handicapable communities, and in this case to make sure that the message could be received by the deaf community. They must be included in this fight for our country and our people. They are, just like everyone, vital pieces of the puzzle. And, just like the other groups mentioned in the song, often underserved. "
MARY continues, "I've always found the language beautiful, like a dance, and getting to see my words expressed in this way on set (and while I was editing), was a very emotional experience for me."
In coming up for a concept for the video, MARY says: "I didn't want to inundate listeners with more visuals of the harsh realities we've been witnessing. I wanted to create something that would give people hope. To make them feel connected to one another, and the greater goal of equality. To recognize that we are, all of us, extensions of this beacon of Liberty."
"Lady Liberty" is sung from the perspective of one of the most iconic American images, the Statue of
Liberty reflects "the broader aches of our modern world, including the human rights transgressions that are the American inheritance." MARY's compelling vocals soar in a beautiful and spacious folk setting.
The "Lady Liberty" track was released earlier this month via the label KZZ, and marks MARY's first single in her partnership with Blue Élan records co-founder, Kirk Pasich, and the affiliated music production company, KZZ.
On "Lady Liberty," SCHOLZ plays acoustic guitar, sings lead and some background vocals; she's joined by Matt Musty (Train,
Grace Potter) on drums and percussion, Zachary Ross (Heather Anne Lomax, Janiva Magness) who co-produced the track and plays electric guitar, Chris Joyner (Jason Mraz, Heart) on organ, Ed
Maxwell (Shelby Lynne, Meiko) on upright bass, Malynda Hale and
Sarah Ault (front women themselves) on vocals. It was mixed by Jason Hiller (Maesa, Kyle McNeil), and mastered by Lazerus-Voice of the Silence (Donald Fagen, Stevie Wonder).
"Lady Liberty" follows the release of MARY's last single "The Mother Song: Wild Womxn." That track saw SCHOLZ push her boundaries even further, telling a profound story of womanhood that is at once personal and utterly universal.
Growing up, Mary had a deep reverence for music. She was always drawn to the spiritual resonance of dusty church organs and captivated by the lyricism of seventies sweethearts like
Joni Mitchell and
James Taylor. She grew up dancing, playing both piano and flute, and came to the guitar later, as a teenager. She went on to earn a BFA from the University of the Arts. But just as she would sing, years later, that she "knew about California," she always knew her voice would be her primary instrument. On the road, she would also deepen her relationship to the guitar and begin a more nuanced level of exploration.
Mary Scholz's stunning voice and evocative songwriting have made her a live circuit favorite for over a decade. The Philadelphia native has toured internationally, forging a personal connection with her audience every time she takes the stage. Today, the artist is based in Los Angeles, where her unique brand of gritty folk-charm has helped her make her mark.
Much of Scholz's material considers how transitions color the human experience, as well as the side effects of love and loss. Her 2014 release, The Girl You Thought You Knew explores the bittersweetness of separation. The album includes the HMMA-nominated song, "Bridges We Burn." In 2017, Mary followed up with another breakout record, California. The album was recorded live in one room, to an Ampex 8-track tape machine. It was also the artist's first vinyl pressing. California marked a turning point in Mary's work and led to her partnership with Blue Élan records.
To date, Mary has seven studio releases and various singles available on all major platforms and plans to release more this year. Though her music has shapeshifted through the years, she continues to espouse the same message of love, hope, and personal empowerment. In her words, "It doesn't always have to be a love song. Sometimes it's about building a world that we can all feel loved in."
