Press & Reviews

Reviewed by  The Ark Of Music - https://thearkofmusic.com/maryann-stefanik-time/

Hailing from New Jersey and Florida, singer/songwriter Maryann Stefanik delivers another collection of rock-leaning tunes with TIME – five songs dancing between various genres, but still conveying that incomparable pseudo-punk, 80s-baked attitude. So, is TIME worth a listen, or perhaps something irrecoverable after pressing “<play>”? Let’s break it down:

The album kicks off with “Sharpen Your Knives,” a gritty, guitar-driven track steeped in new wave punk. And Stefanik’s voice, with its ever-defiant character, truly drives home the rebellious, perhaps violent inclinations here. This is particularly punchy, rather raw, and positively packed with attitude.

Track two features Stefanik’s crack at an ominous classic – “House of the Rising Sun.” How does it compare with The Animals’ renowned interpretation (because in this writer’s mind, it’s the gold standard)? Firstly, this is all acoustic, so it’s really just Stefanik’s voice and a singular instrument – a stripped down means to absolutely clarify Stefanik’s bold, aching vocals. Basically, if The Animals brought the power, Maryann Stefanik brought the angst and considerable more heartache.

“Every Time I Think of You” is a well-strummed acoustic-led number featuring more subdued vocals. But don’t be fooled – that defiant element of Stefanik’s voice shines through, especially with the very British punk delivery of “You.” There are some nice, clean electric guitar splashes and accents, granting audible space to the piece; it leaves the impression of great distances covered within the song’s implied arduous travels. Good stuff.

Track four, “The Outsider,” is another song built on acoustic guitar with some clean electric guitar lifting the chorus. The vocals are doused in some liberal autotune functionality, making the voice bend in interesting, unnatural ways. But it fits – it fits the song’s character, and seems to fall away during the very powerful, more human chorus.

The finale is a live version of “Pitch Perfect” – just Maryann Stefanik and acoustic guitar. It’s a personal testimonial that features some interesting vocal stylings reminiscent of, at times, Bob Dylan. It’s the perfect, more peaceful piece offering an antidote to previous high-energy assaults.

But…is it good?

With promotion by both FYC by MoPromo and Bongo Boy Records – the absolute champion of independent artists – TIME is anguish, attitude, confidence, and emotional collateral damage rolled into a singular, unassailable package. If you like your singer/songwriters raw, candid, living with one spiritual foot in the 1980s, practically hemorrhaging attitude, and unafraid to blissfully rock out, you’ll love Maryann Stefanik.

Reviewed by  Rebecca Cullen - Stereo Stickman  - https://stereostickman.com/music/maryann-stefanik-time/

Solid rock rhythms and distorted guitars kick up the pace in an instant, as Maryann Stefanik introduces her nostalgic punk and rock EP TIME.

Balancing poetic depth and imagery with catchy licks, hooks and clear vocal presence, Sharpen Your Knives delivers an immediate rock anthem of poignant topical contemplations and escapism combined.

After this, the unmistakable House of The Rising Sun is delivered with purity of guitar and Maryann’s now recognizable vocals of passion and personality. Simple reverb drenches the arrangement to reinforce both the live aspect and nostalgia of the completed sound.

We then move into the smooth pop-rock warmth of a melodic and lighter Every Time I Think Of You, a welcomed break from the contrast of fast rock and mellow blues, before the rock and roll instrumental and uplifting hook of The Outsider brings back a classic vibe and driving anthem that’s easy to get lost within.

Wrapping things up is a live take of Picture Perfect, acoustic and supported by a keen audience captured in real time. The stripped-back setting allows the breathy qualities of Maryann’s voice to shine in a whole new way, and the melodic finger-picking and chord strums enhances the thoughtful wonder of the lyrics in a compelling fashion.

Promotions by Bongo Boy Records, physical copies of TIME can be found on Maryann’s Website, or download and stream it here.

Reviewed by Dave Franklin - Dancing About Architecture - https://dancing-about-architecture.com/time-maryann-stefanik-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/

Time is an album that hops between many sonic stepping stones, dancing between eras and genres and sounds and styles to build a sound that is unique, fresh and forward thinking and also somehow familiar and easily slipped into existing comfort zones.

Take Sharpen Your Knives, the gritty and groovesome opener. There is a cool bluesy riff running down the spine of the song, and onto this is hung no small amount of punchy rock ‘n’ roll energy and swagger but also a distant echo of raucous, 80’s party anthems of the sort that would slip easily from artists such as Cyndi Lauper—the perfect blend of the bold and the buoyant, the pop and the hard place.

There is an immediate change of pace next as Maryann takes on the classic House of the Rising Sun, a song nearly one hundred years old and performed by many. But the sonic benchmark for most people will be The Animals’ 1964 hit and Eric Burdon’s haunting and cavernous vocals. Few have matched his delivery until now.

Every Time I Think of You is a great mix of folk and rock, of balladry and drive, of bluesy bravado and sensuous soulfulness, a song built on pace and purpose and poise but also upon depth and emotion, whilst The Outsider is dark, almost psychedelic rock and roll.

And it is here that something that has been bothering me about her voice finally resolves itself. There is something in her voice, that unexpected range, one that goes from gravelly tones usually outside the female vocal spectrum to clear and controlled crescendoes, that had me seeking a half-forgotten point of reference. That reference is Nico, the German chantress who briefly sang with The Velvet Underground (and this song wouldn’t feel out of place in their repertoire) and who went on to have a fascinating solo career. Not many can hold a candle to her vocal prowess, but Maryann is one of the few.

A live version of Picture Perfect rounds things off with just a voice and a guitar, a surprisingly minimalist song, the spaciousness of which frames her vocals perfectly, allowing her exquisite tones and textures to ebb and flow and drift and float around the room unhindered by any excessive or extraneous instrumentation. A powerful yet perfectly poised delivery indeed.

The advantage of releasing an EP is that you can load it with surefire hits, none of the filler that albums often have, and no songs included, just to make up the numbers. And that is what Maryann Stefanik has produced here—a short, sharp and shockingly brilliant release.

By Flyah Magazine - www.flyahmagazine.com/2023/08/maryann-stefanik-us-awesome-and.html

Maryann Stefanik, a sensational indie songbird from New Jersey and Florida, is making waves in the music industry. Her unparalleled talent and mesmerizing voice compare to none. With a career spanning over a decade, Maryann is a force to reckon with, and her magical voice is capturing hearts globally. 

Her debut album, "A ROSE…IS A ROSE…IS A ROSE," came out in July 2009. She took the music scene by storm with the album. The rest is history. Now, she's back with her latest masterpiece, "TIME," a captivating collection of her latest singles.

Maryann's undeniable talent has been recognized with four nominations for the 2023 Indie Music Channel Awards. She's been nominated for Best Rock Song, Best Rock Artist, and Special Songwriter for "Every Time I Think of You" and for the Album of the Year, "TIME." We are going to review three of the best songs in the album. 

House of the Rising Sun

"House of the Rising Sun" is a haunting exploration of regret and redemption. Set in the colorful backdrop of New Orleans, the song masterfully weaves a tale of life consumed by an uncontrolled addiction and another consumed by sin and subsequent longing for salvation. The vivid depiction by Maryann Stefanik about her journey, through her lyrics and her raw and passionate vocals creates an immersive experience for listeners and lingers long in their minds after the song ends. 

The lyrics are rich in imagery. They tell a story of a troubled upbringing. It mentions a mother who was a tailor sewing her jeans, and a father who was a gambler in New Orleans. The story of her father adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable to her audience. These elements, combined with Stefanik's excellent storytelling, breathe new life into the song. 

And not just her vocals that captivate you. Her husband Tim Stefanik's fingers go hard on those guitar strings, evoking the song's emotional resonance. The strumming patterns and the chord progressions complete the lyrical content, adding more flavor to the narrative. The song ends with a caution to listeners, urging them to steer clear of the protagonist's path, thereby stamping a timeless appeal. 

The Outsider

"The Outsider," by indie singer Maryann Stefanik, is a soul-stirring melody exploring an underdog determined to win against all odds. Stefanik's lyrics are compelling and paint a vivid picture of a character refusing to be defined by societal norms and expectations. The lines, "You might think the Outsider's bound to lose," and "He's not tired No No, He's not tired of looking in to WIN," showcase determination and resilience and capture the essence of the human spirit. 

The song's narrative revolves around an 'Outsider' pursuing victory despite being continuously underestimated." Stefanik uses repetition, particularly with the phrase, "The Outsider, The Outsider's looking in," emphasizing the characters' persistence and desire to be accepted. It's a tune that resonates with her audience, making it relatable and inspiring. 

Every Time I Think of You

Maryann Stefanik's "Every Time I Think of You" captures the heartbreak of love lost. The beautiful lyrics convey a depth of raw emotion, tender and relatable. Stefanik's lines, such as "Don't say goodbye till tomorrow comes, Cause when it comes, I know we're through," and "Every time I think of you, Every time I picture you, I cry," tell a story of universal longing and sorrow.

The repetition of the phrase, "Every time I picture you, I cry," further expresses the persistent pain of remembering a loved one. The lyric, "I laid my head on my pillow and cried myself to sleep," effectively conveys the solitude and despair that often comes with heartbreak. The song is truly a lyrical masterpiece, beautifully encapsulating the complexities of love and loss. An authentic touch to the power of memory and emotion, “Every Time I Think of You” has been nominated for two categories at the 2023 Indie Music Channel Awards.

Take Away

Maryann Stefanik is truly inspirational, and her voice is conquering the waves. Check out her album, and be the judge.

Lyricist, singer, and songwriter MaryAnn Stefanik has been a lifelong lover of music. MaryAnn has several releases under her belt, including the albums A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose (2006) and Transparent (2017), along with several single releases as well. Now, she’s back with another single in her signature rock style. The Outsider showcases the highlights of MaryAnn’s music and gives us a glimpse into her memorable sound.

Opening with driving guitars and intense percussion, The Outsider is full of energy from start to finish. It has a refined modern sound, well blended but not overly complex, allowing the story at hand to be the star of the show. And as a result, MaryAnn’s vocals are no doubt at the center of this track, her smoky and refined tone bringing authenticity into the mix.

The lyrics are another high point of this production. In this track, we’re told the story of “the outsider” and his ability to triumph over all others walking a more traditional path. MaryAnn utilizes a mix of straightforward imagery and poetic flair to convey the message:

“People are resilient win draw or lose
the places are decided by who is who is who
There really is no telling what your opponent may do
You been dealt the hand now you must see it through”

Fun, confident, and vibrant – MaryAnn has a distinctive and artistic sound. Her work on this single The Outsider is energetic, engaging, and sure to win fans. Stream this single for yourself below, or look for it on the upcoming Bongo Boy Records compilation album Kryp II Knight Volume III, as well as in an upcoming episode of The Bongo Boy Rock n Roll TV Show Series.

MaryAnn goes for a sprawling, expansive trip with “The Outsider”. With volume as an absolute must everything about the sound has an arena filling quality to it. Nods towards classic rock groups like the Doors there is a windswept quality to it. Tempos are brought to their absolute breaking point for they race across with hardly a single stop to it. Vocals prove to be of the essence, as they have a commanding presence one that draws the listener into their own unique world.

              From the first hit of the drums they waste not a moment. After that initial blast they continue to rush through without holding anything back at all. Guitars feature the right degree of fuzz to them and they help to ensure that the whole experience is dream-like with a wildness to it. Elements of even shoegaze’s harsher side emerge throughout. By keeping things relatively brisk the song gains a degree of thoughtfulness to it. They incorporate a lot within the sound too for they sidestep trends to explore a spirit that feels inherently timeless. Lyricism too features a degree of depth to it for it too shares a degree of universality to it, as the word choice cuts to the very bone. For the finale they finally truly let it rip in a cathartic race to the finish.

              “The Outsider” features a bit of power to it, showing off MaryAnn’s ability to tell a story in a way that feels highly compassionate. This single shall be featured on the upcoming Kryp II Knight Volume III by Various Artists alongside many equally fantastic artists as well as a multi-artist album coming this Summer 2022 on Bongo Boy Records.

“The Grouch Magazine - Sweden John Niendorf January 2018 - Maryann – Hips, Lips & Eyes 3:13 – Good God, I dig Country with a sense of humor. The song starts out with a Country vibe, before going into a Jerry Lee Lewis type of 50s Rock and Roll. The old-school horns in the background totally rock! Man, I hope those cats are wearing fedoras and shades. The thing that gets me are the lyrics. Ok, ok, Maryann does indeed sing well, in fact the song would suck if she didn’t, but what I really like is this is an old-time seduction manual. I want to hang with Maryann!” 

“The Grouch Magazine - Sweden John Niendorf January 2018 - Maryann – Transparent World 2:57 – Maryann is back, and I am really digging the guitar intro. Those chords rock. Then her voice comes in and BOOM, there it is, ROCK N ROLL. The drums are heavy; the man knows how to pound. The guitar just lays down chord after chord in an excellent riff. I am not sure if this is a religious song, but in all honesty, I could not care less. She could be singing Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows for all I care. The music and her voice are incredible. I still want to hang with Maryann!” 

“Maryann – HITF 060617 3:50 – Maryann is back again. Man, this band just does not quit. This time out they are showing that they can play Pop tracks as well. The thing is that this is really good Pop, that could be an earworm. I have come to the conclusion that Maryann is simply a very talented and versatile band whom I really would like to see in person. Any chance you will be in Sweden this summer?” 

“The Grouch Magazine - Maryann – Life – “Thank You” 2:46 – Maryann, I am really becoming a huge fan! The bass intro is ultracool. The vocals are gritty and emotionally intense. This could be, quite easily, the best song Maryann has on the album. Excellent work!" 

MaryAnn, sings with so much honesty and genuine emotion - you can hear it on every song. This woman really cares about what she is singing . Her wonderful, rich , full bodied voice completely draws you in to her world. The songs on the album really touched me - particularly, 'Life (Thank You)' with its terrific chorus and very strong emotional delivery, the title track 'Transparent World' - very powerful, strong delivery , the playful 'Hips, Lips and Eyes'' to the very classic, sophisticated 'Rosebud' - so many wonderful songs! Shakespeare wrote 'If music be the food of love, play on...' so MaryAnn, please, PLAY ON! Thank You!!! 

A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose is an album of powerful, driving ballads. Presented from a strong female perspective, it is a real joy to hear Mary Ann bare herself in the personal and impactful way she has on this beautiful collection. The songs have catchy acoustic guitar riffs, and the added fullness of Mr. Jay Leslie’s saxophone work. A Rose…Is a Rose…Is a Rose has a classic Kim Carnes style of soulful singing with a rock feel, and is a joy to listen to. Highly recommended!