Within the historical city of Leipzig, Germany, you’ll find MARIA Die RUHE defying conventions and expectations at each turn. Her latest single, ‘Skin’ was released yesterday and aims to stand against stereotypes, turning scars into art and establishes her as an individual rather than a product. The single follows the release of the artist’s recent track, ‘Art Is The Only Real Translation Of Living For Me’ which follows a similar line of fierce independence and reach for authenticity.
Naturally, we were curious about the rising artist and her creative process. Catch our exclusive interview below for all you need to know as well as a bit of rage against injustices.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Because I need to express the experiences that I make in life. Otherwise, I will die from emotional overload.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It’s always different: sometimes a bass, sometimes lyrics, a hook, sometimes a chord progression on the piano or a soundscape in general.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Cello – Diego Hernandez, Pascal Schumacher – vibes, Lukas Reidenbach – some additional basses, Janda – backing vocals
What’s on your current playlist?
RÜFUS DÜ SOL, ELDER ISLAND, WHO MADE WHO
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I simply love when I am becoming one with the crowd and the magic happens of how I imagined a piece and what it gives to the people for an energy rise
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Vocal FX games, Several different synths and drum machines I borrow from friends
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
In the mornings, mostly editing what I have created during the night then starting with any synth or beat I feel in the day. Often I am working on 3 different productions simultaneously with different energies, so I can choose each day in which mood i am.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
When I came to Berlin and discovered electronic music, I found myself on the dancefloor in Panorama Bar in Berghain dancing and being one with sound and people. Then I knew I wanted to know what music truly is and how it works and make it myself. This was in 2005 before all of this was so popular.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
My water bottle 😉 And my mic.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
JAMES BLAKE, Sylvan ESSO, RÜFÜS DÜ SOL
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Anything that touches me. Can be a friend, holidays, a butterfly or a leaf in the wind. Or my anger about injustice.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
KORG Minilogue XD, Yamaha Reface, Roland MC 101, Maschine, Launchpad Pro, MIDI Fighter twister and 3D, Launchcontrol, Neumann Kms 105, Tanzbär drumbox, Apollo Twin Duo, Anything of Native Instruments, Arturia, Slate digital Vocal FX
Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes, but in the making
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
Steadily
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
You can be surprised on the scale of emotions and different genres and vocal areas and styles I am touching.
Famous last words?
I love what I do. I am music.
Follow MARIA Die RUHE:
Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Image credit: Natalia Luzenko
By Sarah Britton
