Maria D Clements is an emerging UK artist whose rich, sultry vocals sit at the intersection of jazz, indie pop, and soul. Her sound is a seamless blend of classical symphonic instrumentation and a modern sonic approach, balancing emotional intimacy with contemporary production to create music that feels both timeless and current. Her new single, ‘Ocean’ is a deeply personal work inspired by the heavy dynamics of relationships shaped by a fear of intimacy—those experiences that often leave lasting emotional scars.
The track serves as an exploration of the aftermath of a painful breakup, capturing the moment of hitting emotional rock bottom. It is a song about the acceptance of loss and the quiet, suspended space where grief settles before the future takes form. Within this stillness, Maria finds the strength for renewal, mirroring this journey through a cinematic arrangement of strings, deep synthetic bass, and atmospheric sound design.
In this interview, we spoke to Maria about her transition from classical music school to the UK indie scene, the ten-year love story that shaped her new album ‘Broken’, and the intricate production process behind her latest single.
It’s amazing to meet you, Maria! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your new track. Before we dig into that, let’s learn a bit more about you. When did you first start making music, and what inspired you to start?
“I started making music when I was seven years old. I graduated from music school and performed regularly at school concerts and in a folk ensemble. Later, I explored vocal techniques of Russian romances, classical music, and eventually pop music. For many years, singing was more of a passion and a hobby—I performed covers and occasionally sang in pubs.”
“I began taking music more seriously in 2018, when I moved to England. I truly stepped into songwriting after auditioning for a music competition, Open Mic in Southampton. I was told I had strong vocal ability, but if I wanted to stand out and be unique, I needed to write my own songs. That feedback pushed me to start writing at home on the piano and experimenting with my own material. In 2020, I enrolled at ACM Guildford, where I learned from scratch how to write original songs, lyrics, and how to properly craft pop music and promote it.”
‘Ocean’ is the first glimpse of your record. Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming album and what it means to you?
“My current project is my second full album, titled ‘Broken’. It tells a story of love that is gone—complex, emotional, and with a deep imprint on the heart. Some of the situations are drawn from my personal experience; others are inspired by friends’ stories, people around me, and even films.”
“The album explores the idea that loving hearts don’t always end up together. Prejudices, fears, emotional barriers, gossip, and lack of trust can slowly create distance between two people. Sometimes, you have to be the one to put a full stop and walk away, not because there’s no love, but because there isn’t enough courage from another side to truly build something real. The album consists of seven tracks. The next single, ‘Ocean’, was released on all music platforms on March 2nd, and the final song, ‘True Story’, will come out on April 20. For me, this album is about transformation, emotional honesty, and gratitude for every experience, even the painful ones.”
Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when creating this release?
“Yes, definitely. I grew up listening to Western European music from the ’90s and early 2000s, and that sound has had a strong influence on me. It probably explains my love for emotional pop with depth and atmosphere. I’m also deeply drawn to the classical symphonic genre. I love listening to Havasi—his dramatic piano compositions really resonate with me. I also enjoy Ibiza-style mixes, which subtly inspired some of the rhythmic and atmospheric layers in this album.”
“Artists like Adele have influenced me through their honesty and emotional storytelling. And London Grammar—with their soaring, almost crying vocals and beautifully arranged instrumental backgrounds—have also shaped my musical sensitivity.”
“But beyond artists, the biggest influence was personal experience. A ten-year love story that didn’t end in a happy union left a deep emotional mark. Unfulfilled hopes, emotional distance, and the complexity of long-term relationships became central themes in the album. I’m naturally empathetic and deeply interested in relationship psychology. I read a lot, reflect on my own emotions, and observe the experiences of friends around me. All of that, my personal journey, empathy, and emotional analysis, found its way into this record.”
How would you describe the sound of your new single?
“’Ocean’ is built around classical instrumentation—piano, cello, and strings form the emotional foundation of the track. On top of that, I added deep synthetic bass and piano layers to create a sense of weight and depth, almost like the pressure of water at the bottom of the sea. There are also subtle sound design elements, waves and seagulls for example, which help build a cinematic atmosphere. For me, songwriting is always about creating a visual and emotional landscape. With ‘Ocean’, I wanted the listener not just to hear the song, but to see and feel the sea.”
“The emotional drums with thick kicks and flying high hats resemble a heartbeat and depth, symbolising emotional tension. In the choruses, synthetic dance elements and layered piano textures add movement and contrast, while additional grand piano lines help develop the melody throughout the track. Towards the end, backing vocals and strings create rolling textures, like waves crashing and pulling back. It’s very atmospheric and immersive. The whole arrangement reflects heaviness, stillness, transformation, and emotional struggle, but also hope. It’s about understanding that what feels like an ending is actually just a turning point.”
What was your songwriting process for this single, and how did it all come together?
“The song actually stayed on the shelf for almost two years. I revisited it several times; in the beginning, it was much slower and far simpler in terms of arrangement and instrumentation. This year, I decided to return to it with fresh ears and more experience. I completely reworked the production, added new melodic layers, expanded the instrumentation, and reshaped the overall sound.”
“I’m really happy with how it turned out. Over those two years, I grew significantly as a composer and producer—in my understanding of sound design, arrangement, working with live instruments, and building additional melodic textures. Revisiting ‘Ocean’ allowed me to hear it differently and give it the depth and atmosphere it truly deserved. Sometimes a song just needs time and growth before it’s ready to fully come to life.”
Was there a central message or theme you were trying to convey?
“The central theme of the song is rebirth and the courage to let go. It’s about recognising when feelings are no longer growing—when a relationship has reached a dead end, and the other person isn’t willing to take a step forward. Sometimes you’re forced to break what you once cherished, even your own emotions, to create space for something new.”
“The song explores that painful moment of emptiness and despair—but also the understanding that even in the deepest emotional ocean, there is always a bottom. And once you reach it, you can push off, rise again, and begin a new chapter. Ultimately, it’s about transformation. About not being afraid to release what no longer serves you. About trusting that endings are not destruction, they are the beginning of something different, and often something stronger.”
What is the most important element for you when writing a song?
“The most important thing when writing a song is to create and convey the right emotion. It can be despair, sadness, love, disappointment, or joy. Everything begins with that feeling—with finding the right musical fragment or loop, and then building the entire composition around it.”
“When I create a song, I always think visually; I imagine scenes, scents, colours, movement. For me, it’s about building an atmosphere that allows the emotion to fully unfold and connect with the listener on a deep level. It’s also essential to know how to translate lyrics into music in a thoughtful way, using a kind of “melodic math,” where every note and every word serves the overall emotional impact.”
Do you have any advice for artists who are just starting out and trying to make their mark?
“My advice to emerging bands and artists is to keep going and not give up. It’s very important to learn how to endure periods of silence and emptiness when it feels like nothing is happening. You also need to understand that people who don’t support you at your shows or help you grow are not necessarily your true inner circle. Value your sincere listeners and those who support you at the very beginning—they are your foundation.”
“If you truly love music and have a goal to share it with the world and become recognised, you will achieve it. You just have to try different approaches and strategies—eventually, something will work for you. Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to perform, to explore new venues and new audiences. The artist’s path is challenging and often thorny. In many ways, you’re like a startup entrepreneur doing the work of twenty people at once. Do everything you can, but also allow yourself time to rest. And most importantly, enjoy the process rather than focusing only on the result. I believe that truly enjoying the journey is what ultimately leads to the right outcome.”
What has the reception to ‘Ocean’ been like so far?
“’Ocean’ has received a variety of responses from friends and acquaintances. What was especially meaningful to me was seeing interest from people I don’t personally know on social media. That showed me that the song resonates beyond my immediate circle. I’m happy that the track connected with listeners and that many people related to the relationship experience reflected in the song. It confirms to me that the emotions were conveyed sincerely. I hope to further promote the single on the radio and through playlists so that as many people as possible can hear it.”
Is there anything you would like to say to the audience, and how can they support you?
“I would like to say a huge thank you to your audience for your support and for giving me the opportunity to share my creativity. It truly means a lot to me. I hope to find my people—those who connect with me in spirit and musical taste—and I would be very happy if you continued this musical journey with me.”
“My music is available on various music platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, together with my socials: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn. I also perform live concerts in London, Hampshire, and Surrey, and I would love to see you there. You can contact me through my website, where you’ll find all the latest information. I truly appreciate your support and look forward to connecting with you.”
Despite its melancholic undertone, Maria D Clements’ work is ultimately a testament to hope. Through ‘Ocean’, she reminds us that emotional states are transient and that hitting the bottom is often the necessary precursor to rising again.
As she prepares for the final release of her album ‘Broken’ in April, Maria continues to prove that vulnerability, when paired with sophisticated production, can create a truly immersive and healing experience.
To follow Maria on the run-up to her new album, be sure to follow her today on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, or go directly to her website.
