For more than three decades, singer songwriter Maryen Cairns has enchanted audiences worldwide with her evocative folk-pop, offering a sanctuary of immersive storytelling.
With her new single release out today, “Kids from the ‘Burbs” signals a significant chapter in Maryen’s life.
The song is a poignant reflection on the experiences that have shaped her life; it chronicles the winter spent in Sydney at the age of 15 with Cairns’ two closest friends, friends who fell in love while one of them was tragically amidst the grip of addiction. The song also delves into Cairns’ own personal quest for fulfilment and a melancholic nostalgia of wondering about the fate of old friends.
But it wasn’t until over a decade later, that “Kids from the ‘Burbs” came together. During a period of solitary reflection, Cairns found herself living independently for the first time.
“Each morning, as I savoured my first cup of coffee, I had the space to delve deep into my memories, reliving the emotions of my teenage years. Through the songwriting process, I transported myself back to that formative period while simultaneously offering a matured perspective garnered from years of introspection.”
Performed as a one-woman band, the song is beautifully crafted with fingerpicked guitar and vocals, preserving a raw intimacy and authenticity. It’s a song that Cairns hopes many can relate to as they think back on their experiences growing up. The memories from childhood, the struggles and challenges of growing up and, eventually, moving away and thinking back on those times with a different perspective.
Recording “Kids from the ‘Burbs” was a profound experience for Cairns as she thought back on her self as a 15 year old, and through to the person she is today. This then led to her including it in her recent 2023 tour.
“The decision to include “Kids from the Burbs” in my 2023 tour felt instinctive, almost as if the song demanded to be shared with a live audience.”
Maryen’s musical career has been wide reaching, and includes the release of seven acclaimed solo albums, mentorship under the esteemed Chris Kimsey of Rolling Stone, as well as collaborations with the likes of Fish, former lead singer of Marillion.
Today, Maryen remains as dynamic as ever. The now Guernsey based artist excels in evocative storytelling, and music that captures the imagination. Her music blends delicate melodies with powerful vocals that can bring memories to life. This intimate approach to music-making is something that audiences really connect with:
“I’ve found a newfound openness in connecting with my audience.”
In August 2023, Maryen embarked on a 10 date, one woman tour of the UK, which was part of her desire to re-connect with audiences after the pandemic. Initiatives like “The Cairns Club,” featured personal stories and a popular livestream series, allowed her fans to experience more intimate renditions of her songs with Cairns’ exploration of stripped-down performances.
Following the tour, Maryen then got together with producer Chris Kimsey for two days of live recording sessions at the nearby Echotown Studios. From these sessions was born “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol. 1” which features nine carefully curated tracks.
“Kids from the ‘Burbs” is a wonderful pre-curser to this awaited upcoming album release.
Keep up to date with Maryen Cairns on her Website, and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.
Stream music on Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube music.
Listen to “Kids from the ‘Burbs” here now!
