Los Angeles chanteuse Maraschino, aka Piper Durabo, weaves the story of an unfiltered outsider popstar existing in the midst of societal collapse, spooning out the Nutra-Sweet of mid-80s synthpop. Equal parts Surrealism, Derek Jarman, Ken Russell, Saada Bonaire, David Lynch, and Blondie, her songs are a visceral diary of love, loss, seclusion, and pluckiness in modern Los Angeles.
The latest offering from Maraschino, “Kamikaze,” is a tale of pure survival in the midst of constant obstacles – persevering through suffering, making her own way through the artifice, lies of society, and shackles of expectations. The high-pitched, childlike sing-song voice disguises a world-weary perspective and spiritual wisdom. This is a song of remembering who you are, and what you can overcome.
Listen below:
The creation of her forthcoming new album, Hollywood Piano, has been a long, hard road for Durabo. Early on in its recording, she suffered a devastating breakup, a battle with cancer, and the unexpected loss of her friend and collaborator Sam Mehran. Having grown up working-class in the heart of conformist Hollywood, Durabo prides herself in her individuality and DIY attitude. She’s tough, but never afraid to laugh at the situations life hands her – she takes it all in stride.
The core of the Maraschino project is a “renegade utopian vision where glamour and garbage collide in a sparkly bang. A place where you can have a good time while having a bad time. Where hearts are broken and mended, dreams crushed and reborn, all just to wake up and do it over again.”
Hollywood Piano comes out on March 3rd, 2023.
Follow Maraschino:
