Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Clare.
Mary Clare, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born Mary Clare Foley in Wichita Falls, Texas and my family relocated to Sherman, Texas in when I was two years old. My mom said I started singing before I could talk! I have a big sister, a little sister, and three dogs! When I’m not in school or at home, you’ll find me at Shawnda Rains Studios in Denison, Texas, where I take all of my vocal, piano, and dance lessons. It’s my home away from home!
My first debut on a real stage was at the Rialto Theater in Denison, Texas, when I was seven years old. Since then, I have performed on that stage more times than I can remember! In August of 2018, I was one of the youngest finalists in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame’s Showcase in Carthage, Texas at ten years old! Also, when I was ten, I was asked to perform at the 4-H Legacy Awards in Washington DC. I sang with Jennifer Nettles with Sugarland and other talented artists from across the country. This year I was a nominee for Junior Vocalist and Artist of the Year for the Josie Awards in Pigoen Forge, TN. I’ve also performed at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, the McSwain Theatre in Ada, Oklahoma, several stages in Branson, Pigeon Forge, TN, the Rodeo Opry in Oklahoma City, Graceland in Memphis, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and more!
In 2019 I went to Nashville twice – once to perform and once to meet with a producer and I co-wrote four songs. I then returned in January 2020 and recorded my four originals and a cover of Yesterday. You can find two of them on all digital music platforms, and I’m releasing my third original, “I Don’t Want This to Ever End” on October 22nd!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a lot of hard work is what it’s been! A lot of artists get to spend the majority of their day, or extra hours late at night to work on their music. My time is limited because of school, sports, 4-H, and other things I’m involved in. I also spend about 6-7 hours a week after school at the music studio taking lessons, and more time at home practicing. I have to sacrifice time away from my family and friends sometimes if I have rehearsals or shows. It’s also a struggle getting people to take me seriously as an artist because they don’t realize how important my music is to me. They just see my age and think it’s a hobby or something. It’s something I really want to pursue.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I’m a 12-year-old singer-songwriter from Sherman, Texas. I have two originals out on all digital music platforms, and one cover. I have two more songs I haven’t released yet. I’m really proud of everything I’ve already accomplished in my life so far. I think my work ethic sets me apart, and my desire to have it done right the first time. I have really high expectations for myself.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents, of course – especially my mom. She makes sure I’m where I need to be and when, and is my biggest cheerleader. I can have shaky performance, and she’ll give me feedback that reassures me I can fix it for next time. She never makes me feel bad about it. Also, Shawnda & Charlie Shearer. Shawnda Rains Shearer is my vocal coach, mentor, and pretty much my second mom. I love her so much. She’s helped me grow into the artist I am, and is helping me develop into the artist I want to be. Her husband is Charlie, and he’s my guitar teacher. He also drove us when we went to Nashville to write and record both times! He always wants the best for all of Shawnda’s students. My piano teacher is Grace Cacho, and she helps me with my music and piano as well. Of course, my sisters and my friends too! My sisters perform with me a different show sometimes, and my friends are always in the audience any time there is a local show. I’m so blessed with such an amazing circle of friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maryclaremusic.com
- Email: maryclareofficial@gmail.com
- Instagram: @maryclaremusic
- Facebook: @maryclaremusic
- Twitter: @maryclaremusic
- Other: YouTube: @maryclaremusic
Image Credit:
Imagery by Carissa, Don’t Blink Photography, McSwain Theatre, Jeremy Cox, Shawnda Rains Shearer, Stephanie Foley
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