maryjo on New Single “Should Be Us” and Channeling Emotions

Rising pop artist maryjo sheds light on her new single “Should Be Us”, along with her creative process and dream cities to perform in. With a blend of vulnerability and persistence, maryjo’s journey from American Idol in 2021 to signing with Atlantic Records shortly after offers a compelling narrative of growth and ambition. Continuing to open Knox’s “I’m So Good At Feeling Alone” tour on the West Coast this month, she also teases upcoming music, a new music video and her first festival.

The 22-year-old Mary Jo Young, whose artist name is maryjo, describes her music as deeply emotional, aiming to tell a cohesive story whether listeners are dancing or shedding tears.

“Should Be Us” was released today, along with a new music video. The song is an exploration of the emotions behind a post-relationship heartache, inspired by visual storytelling. Collaborating with producers Josh Merde and Nolan Sipe, maryjo crafted “Should Be Us” by visualizing specific scenarios of heartbreak and jealousy, creating a plot-twist in an all-familiar narrative.

“We were all sitting there, and we grabbed the guitar, and the words kind of just fell out. And it was a very visual thing.”

In the music video, her character turns out to be an antagonist, manipulating a former ex and his new partner from behind the scenes.

“I went in thinking, ‘Oh, it could just be a typical video where we’re at a diner and you see him walk in with his new girlfriend.’ We decided we can get more creative with this, so my team came back with this idea. And I was all over it. Basically the ex and his new girlfriend and we’re at a party. And then, I start getting really jealous, so I kind of start messing with the girl, but the couple never knows it’s me messing with her like spilling a drink or pushing her in the pool.

This twist on the all-familiar heartbreak theme is meant to add depth and intrigue to the story, and maryjo intends to take this creative technique into her songwriting for her upcoming music. “Should Be Us” also offers a glimpse into her vocal prowess and control, revealing a real talent for performing live— despite not performing in front of anybody prior to American Idol.

“I never sang in front of anyone [before American Idol]. I was 10 years old when I [last] sang and then I just stopped singing completely once I moved. After Idol, I think it was a pretty big push. I had horrible stage fright. The goal was just to train my voice not to sound nervous when I was singing. I won’t watch the Idol episodes that I’m on because it’s almost like a different person singing. As I kept performing in front of people, that nervousness kind of went away. I also do a lot of vocal training with Kurt Wolff and drink lots of tea.”

When asked about playing the song live on tour, she looks forward to the challenge of channeling the emotions of a fresh heartbreak into the cathartic song.

“Singing out the emotion and trying to like, really sing it as if it had just happened. Like [how someone might feel when they’re] so heartbroken. Really getting into like, ‘Does she know your middle name? Does she know you like your ex?’”

In addition to her single release, maryjo discussed her upcoming tour opening for Knox and aspirations in the music industry. Relishing the opportunity to connect with fans through her music, she shares her goals of touring extensively, particularly in Florida and Cleveland, while also aiming for prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden. The artist’s genuine affection for her hometown of Cleveland shines through, evident in her song “Cleveland” and its accompanying music video, after she moved to LA following her time on Idol.

“I think that’s why releasing the song was so important because it hit me that ‘Oh, I’m moving to LA.’ It hadn’t really hit me until maybe a few days before that, and I realized I needed to write about this because I’m feeling vulnerable.”

Reflecting on her songwriting process, maryjo reveals her collaborative approach with songwriter Sierra Deaton for emotional tracks, contrasting with more upbeat sessions focused on melodies and concepts. She emphasizes the importance of her journaling and the environment in her creative process.

“Usually with Sierra, for example, we’ll go in, we’ll sit down, I’ll grab a notebook pad or my songwriting book and I write down just everything I want to say, whether it’s lyrics or just how I’m feeling. It’s just one big therapy session in my book, and then I give it to her, then we kind of play with melodies. She knows how to fit the lyrics and organize them. And then we record. Those are honestly my favorite type of sessions.”

Looking ahead, maryjo teased what readers can expect with her upcoming music, promising a wide range sonically. While currently focusing on releasing singles, she has her eyes set on future plans for an EP followed by an album.

“I’m trying to find the balance of being able to write a ballad, while also getting upbeat in the song. I think [I’m trying out] a lot more plot twisty songs, [where I’m] feeling the emotion and then also a big part where [people] can dance. Like, I don’t have to be crying at a concert this whole time. And I’ve found how to do that in multiple different ways.”

Speaking to her highly positive experience with Atlantic Records, maryjo praises the label’s supportive environment for allowing her creative freedom while providing valuable opportunities for growth. 

“A lot of people at Atlantic also do feel more like family than just business. Getting to be in the industry and feeling safe, like everyone has my back. I’m from Cleveland, and I’m kind of newer to this, so just having people I trust setting me up to work with great people has been great.”

Grateful for the chance to collaborate with diverse talents, maryjo acknowledged her adjustment to the music industry as a young artist and individual has been challenging but positive. 

“It’s very emotional to try to adjust to it. Like, whether it’s happy or like, overwhelming or sad— but it’s all good. I love seeing how I feel with every new opportunity. It’s been kind of a roller coaster, but all good things.”