Photo by Laura Moreau
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.
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