At just 20 years old, North Carolina native Mary English has teamed up with top Nashville songwriters, released a debut single, and is set to release her debut EP Bright Light on Friday, October 20, all while traveling back and forth from Nashville to school at the University of South Carolina.
English has captivated residents of Nashville with her amazing stage presence, strong vocals, and down to earth, humble personality. Her musical influences have a wide range from Beyoncé to Kelsea Ballerini. Those influences aside, this country cutie says Bright Light will be a reflection her life, with songs that are honest, fun, and great representations of the youth today.
Take “Boy Crazy,” her debut single that was released this summer. The infectious tune, co-written by English and Pete Sallis (Maddie & Tae) and produced by Jeff Cohen (The Band Perry) and Zack Abend, it’s a perfect song about how a girl is crazy over a boy and, in cleverly written lyrics, goes to great lengths in letting him know:
Mr. L.A. Raybans
Sunkist golden, wavy blond hair slicked back from the ocean
You got me going
Country trucking, backroad flyin’
Sweet momma’s charm, blue eyes shinin’
The title track “Bright Light” is an ode to a woman – and women everywhere – unsure about their future, and proves to a certain person that she’ll stand above it all and that they won’t win. The subtle background vocals lend a beautiful harmony to English’s already crisp vocals, lending credibility both lyrically and musically:
Waves crashing down over me
You bet I’ll bounce right back
Think that you’ve got the best of me
Honestly, I’m too strong to give give you that
I’m gonna be, gonna be that bright light
Can’t put me out, put me out if you try
I’m a dancing flame in a burning fire
You can lay it on, baby I’ll go higher
I’m gonna be, gonna be that bright light
“Kiss Me or Miss Me”, the third track on the EP, is about opening your eyes and seeing what is – or who is – right in front of you. (If you don’t make up your mind/ And stop wasting my time/ You’re gonna know a good thing when it’s gone). With its honest lyrics, “Kiss Me or Miss Me” has a bit of Pop/Country feel to it with electric guitar, synthesizer, and steady drum beat.
The EP ends on the softer, well written “More To You.” English’s vocals come through perfectly as she tells the story of a girl who wants the guy she likes to know how much more to him she could be and wants to be (I want to be more to you/ Want to be the one you stay up talking to/ At 2 am when the night is on/ Stuck in your head like your favorite song/ Want to the best of you).
For more information on Mary English, go to her website: www.maryenglishmusic.com
Bright Light Track List
1. Boy Crazy
2. Bright Light
3. Kiss Me or Miss Me
4. More To You