Mariami shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mariami, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Hydration comes first, followed by 15 minutes of free-writing to spark creativity and set the tone for the day. Then a cup of tea, yogurt layered with nuts, bananas, and fresh fruit drizzled in honey. I take my dog, for a walk, and check in with friends and loved ones. Finally, I pause for a quiet moment to mentally map out my day with intention in mind!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, into a family where music was the language of life. My grandfather was a music director, and my mom filled our home with song. When we immigrated to Vermont, that foundation strengthened. I grew up immersed in piano lessons, dance, musical theater, all-state choirs, a cappella groups, and school musicals. Music was always at the center of my world.
That passion carried me to Emerson College for a BFA in musical theater, and then to Berklee College of Music, where I double-majored in songwriting and music business. After working at a label, I earned my first development deal and began building my catalog as a songwriter. I eventually launched a songwriting business, collaborating with artists across the globe and carving out a voice of my own as an artist.
Today, my work blends the soul of my Georgian heritage with the contemporary pulse of global pop. I’ve written for artists and projects spanning continents and genres. In 2021, I was inducted into Spotify’s prestigious Noteable League alongside titans like Carole King, John Legend, and Ali Tamposi. In 2025, Amazon Music honored me with a Written by Mariami series, celebrating the breadth of my catalog. My co-write Beautiful & Tall, produced by legendary jazz drummer Simon Phillips, climbed to #1 on the US Rock charts in 2024. I’ve also held two #1 spots in the UK, Greece, and Turkey across Rock and Hardcore charts. Beyond accolades, I’m one of SoundBetter’s top global providers, receiving the 500 Gold Reviews plaque in 2025 for my work with artists worldwide.
As founder of Sungate Records, I channel these experiences back into the independent community, building infrastructure for artists to protect their rights, expand their reach, and monetize their work sustainably.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has always been my greatest example. His relentless work ethic and unstoppable drive shaped the way I approach my career. I became an entrepreneur because of him, he showed me that persistence, discipline, and vision can transform dreams into reality.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Music. It was always my refuge whether I was sad, scared, or overwhelmed, I could sit at the piano, sing, or even just listen, and it gave me comfort and strength. It felt like the one place where everything made sense.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you need approval or validation to “make it.” The industry loves to push the narrative that success comes from being chosen, by a label, a gatekeeper, a playlist, or a co-sign. But the truth is, it all starts with you. Once you begin architecting your career on your own terms, investing in your craft, building systems, cultivating your audience, you realize you don’t have to wait for anyone to hand you permission.
The lie is that power sits outside of the artist, when in reality the most sustainable and transformative careers are built from within. The industry still clings to old myths of discovery, but today the artists who thrive are the ones who define their own trajectory, claim ownership, and leverage infrastructure to expand.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Releasing songs every month. Building a catalog is a slow, deliberate process, it takes patience, discipline, and a lot of work with little immediate reward. But music is an asset that matures over time. In 7–10 years, the consistency I’m putting in now will compound: more songs in the world means more opportunities for discovery, syncs, streams, covers, and cultural impact. It’s a long game, but that’s exactly why I’m committed to it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariamisound.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmariami
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariami-b-016a25a0/
- Twitter: https://x.com/officialmariami
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariamiOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariami
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialmariami
Image Credits
Hot Thunderstorm
Clark Miyamoto
Morgan Winston
Teja Sparks
