Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m an only child, so I learned young how to be self-sufficient and comfortable in my own company. Growing up I often felt like I was “too much” for feeling things deeply, which is a big reason I create music now. My goal is to make emotional pop music that feels like a safe space for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or like they need to take up less space to fit in.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover Mary Mendiaz?
A: For me, it’s always been about building a real community, not just numbers. Since releasing “anxious,” I’ve loved sharing behind-the-scenes moments and involving listeners in things like my upcoming merch drop. If you’re just discovering me, my music is for the overthinkers, deep feelers, and anyone who needs a place to feel understood.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Taylor Swift inspires me because of her songwriting and the way she builds a full world around each project. I really admire how she balances emotional honesty with creative vision. A lot of my own inspiration comes from introspection, therapy, and using songwriting as a way to understand what I’m feeling.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Anxious”?
A: “anxious” came from a friendship where I was constantly giving but not receiving the same effort in return. At first, I thought I was just anxious. That i was making a big deal out of it but writing the song helped me realize my mind and body was trying to tell me something. The message is that feelings or thoughts you might dismiss are there for a reason, to protect you. Healing starts when you stop dismissing them.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Unravelling. My music is about peeling back emotional layers and being honest about what’s underneath. I want listeners to feel clarity and comfort on the other side.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Anxious”?
A: Writing “anxious” felt very natural, it almost wrote itself. Recording it was more challenging because it was my first time in a studio and I was definitely nervous at first. I think that that vulnerability actually fits the song and makes the performance feel even more honest.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My message is simple: you’re not too much and you’re not alone. I want my music to make people feel safe, understood, and emotionally seen in ways I wish I had when I was younger. My goal is to keep building an emotionally honest body of work and a community rooted in empathy and self-worth.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Taylor Swift or Olivia Rodrigo. They both do an incredible job of being emotionally fearless while making sure the production fully supports the story/emotion being expressed. That balance between vulnerability and strong creative vision is something I care deeply about too.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Start before you feel ready. You can’t wait around to be discovered anymore, you have to create opportunities for yourself and get comfortable being seen. My own journey and questions I’ve received is what inspired me to start confidence coaching soon because I know firsthand how powerful it is to move past fear.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Your hopes, fears, dreams, and emotions are all valid. The parts of you that made you feel different will one day become your strength. Don’t shrink yourself just because other people are uncomfortable with your depth. Don’t be afraid to stand out.
