Meet the Sydney-based, Egyptian songwriter and vocalist Mariam Sawires with her debut single ‘Choose’. Produced by Kon Kersting (Mallrat, Tones and I, Tia Gostelow), Mariam Sawires draws from electronic pop, R&B and Arabic influences with a commanding voice that asserts self-confidence and femininity. Watch HERE, steam HERE.

‘Choose’ was written while living in a seventeenth century French castle transformed into a music studio. Inspired by the profound impact of a family member’s visit, Sawires realised she was placing the source of her confidence and happiness in others. Of the song she says “life is chaotic and you’ve got to take the time to gain peace and clarity inside.” To her, the message of ‘Choose’ is about having faith in yourself to know what is best, and not run away from facing the truth.

2019 will see the release of her first official single, but Sawires has a lifelong history in music. Born in Australia to Egyptian parents, Sawires was raised in a creative, multigenerational home in Sydney’s Inner West, surrounded by parents, grandparents and five siblings. Music was always there: Mariam’s father played traditional Arabic songs on the tabla, while her mother enrolled her to play the piano between homeschooling lessons. From outside, the sounds of Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Queen and Erykah Badu electrified and inspired Mariam’s early years.

Like many of her contemporaries Sawires took to music at a young age, looking to songwriting as a means of self-expression and exploration. With the rise of R&B classicists in the form of Jorja Smith, Ella Mai and Mahalia, Sawires presents a compelling local answer.

Mariam Sawires makes her Bigsound Festival debut this September at Fortitude Valley.

”Choose‘ by Mariam Sawires is out now, buy or stream it here.

MARIAM SAWIRES TOUR DATES
Tues 3 Sept – Heya Bar (10PM) for Bigsound Festival – Brisbane
Wed 4 Sept – Ric’s Big Backyard (8:20PM) for Bigsound Festival – Brisbane
Fri 20 Sept – The Vanguard – Sydney

Stay connected with Mariam Sawires:
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud