On The Rise: Hello Mary
It's Hello Mary's superlative universe, get ready to start living in it.
Although Brooklyn, New York's Hello Mary have been making music for a number of years (including 2023's self-titled), it's their sophomore record for Frenchkiss that's caused a stir this side of the Atlantic and here at Rough Trade. Formed in 2019 and comprised of guitarist/vocalist Helena Straight, bassist Mikaela Oppenheimer and drummer/vocalist Stella Wave, the young three-piece cut their teeth paying homage to the alternative rock scene of the 90's to excellent effect, drawing on influences including Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley to conceive their dynamic grunge-infused indie rock.
On new album Emita Ox, the band explores a much more expansive sound, with the group combining their existing admiration for their 90s heroes with more contemporary elements that push harder into heavy distortion and psychedelic dreamscapes. The emotion evoked is palpable throughout as songs cascade in an unbridled flow of rousing alt-rock, careering discerningly across light and dark, heaviness and tenderness, while always observing a sweet sonic release.
"Our influences have expanded/changed drastically over the past five years, which is maybe why our first releases sound different from our latest...What’s cool and possibly unique about our band dynamic is that we’re all best friends. That’s what makes touring, practicing, and recording so fun."
Co-produced with Alex Farrar (Wednesday), it's proudly a collective effort with Straight, Oppenheimer and Wave each carving out compelling contributions to seamlessly create a confident and artful album, entrenched in friendship and a commitment to unbounded exploration. Absolutely banging.
We're excited to announce Hello Mary as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the band in their own words and don't miss new album Emita Ox on Frenchkiss Records.
Hello Mary on Hello Mary
A self-penned bio
"We are a three-piece band from Brooklyn, NY. We started playing together in 2019, when Mikaela and Helena were freshmen in high school and Stella was a freshman in college. We played shows at small venues around NYC pretty much every weekend when we first started out, which helped us get close as friends and tight as a trio. Our influences have expanded/changed drastically over the past five years, which is maybe why our first releases sound different from our latest. Also we have just gotten older. And wiser. We hope. What’s cool and possibly unique about our band dynamic is that we’re all best friends. That’s what makes touring, practicing, and recording so fun. Our tour manager, Maggie O’brien, is our other best friend. She started working with us in the very beginning of our career, believe it or not. She was a student at NYU and worked as our publicist for free for about a year. We were utterly shocked that somebody gave a d*mn. Years later, we reached out in hopes that she would tour manage. A tour manager is vital for us because only Stella can drive (New Yorkers). She miraculously agreed, and now we all get to travel the world playing our music for people. We can’t wait to share our new record Emita Ox."
Five by Five
5 Qs, 5 As
Describe Hello Mary in 5 words.
Playful, intricate, dynamic, sincere, heavy (in multiple meanings).
5 records you listened to prior to making your album?
Ok Computer by Radiohead
The Lemon of Pink by The Books
From A Basement On A Hill by Elliott Smith
I Love You Jennifer B by Jockstrap
U.F.O.F by Big Thief
Top 5 career moments since forming?
Going to the UK for the first time in August.
Playing with bands we love and look up to.
Playing our first festivals.
When we sold out elsewhere for our debut record release show.
Listening to our vinyl for the first time.
You host a pre-release listening party for the album. Who are your 5 VIP guests (dead or alive)?
Joan Jett
Joan of Arc
Joan Crawford
Joan Baez
Azealia Banks
Top 5 essential tour snacks?
Combos
Pretzels
Cheezits
Dried fruit
Mini blueberry muffins