Embark on a journey into the curious inner world of singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns, where allegorical folk-pop narratives provide a form of virtual escapism through storytelling soundscapes. For over three decades, Maryen has captivated a global audience with her enchanting melodies and evocative lyrics, inviting listeners to momentarily step into a different reality and lose themselves in the curves of her stories.

Her new single and video for “Kids from the ‘Burbs,” the latter out today, promises to transport listeners to a bygone era with its upbeat, nostalgic folk sound. Recorded live, the song captures the essence of growing up in the suburbs and yearning for adventure in the city. With her lightly tripping vocals and simple guitar accompaniment, Maryen becomes the campfire narrator, weaving tales of teenage rebellion and youthful longing.

But “Kids from the ‘Burbs” is just the beginning of Maryen’s latest creative endeavor. This Guernsey-based artist’s musical journey spans seven critically acclaimed solo albums, mentorship under Rolling Stone’s producer Chris Kimsey, and a professional association with former Marillion lead singer Fish. Her singular musicality has taken her on a fantastical ride, and today, she shows no signs of slowing down.

In a new chapter of her creative evolution, Maryen is revisiting her classic recordings through a series of newly-recorded live albums. The journey begins with “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1,” marking her inaugural venture into the vinyl realm. As a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and masterful storyteller, Maryen’s work seamlessly blends delicate and powerful elements, creating a sonic experience that is both captivating and emotionally resonant.

This new era of creativity was sparked by a 10-date, one-woman-show tour of the UK in August 2023, where Maryen sought to connect with her audience during the pandemic. Initiatives such as “The Cairns Club” and a popular livestream series allowed fans to experience intimate, stripped-down renditions of her classic repertoire.

Following the final date of her one-woman tour, Maryen entered a nearby studio for two days with producer Chris Kimsey. In front of a small audience, she performed 30 songs from her back catalog, showcasing her impressive one-woman band feats. Nine carefully selected songs from these sessions now form “One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1.” This intimate music-making represents a self-growth evolution for Maryen, shaping her artistic continuum and deepening her connection with her audience.

As Maryen reflects on this journey, she finds renewed inspiration in the bond she shares with her listeners. “The connection I now have with my audience has breathed new life into my music,” she shares, underscoring the transformative power of storytelling through song. With “Kids from the ‘Burbs” and the forthcoming live albums, Maryen Cairns invites us to embark on a musical odyssey through time and emotion, where each note is a thread weaving together the fabric of our shared human experience.

The video for “Kids from the ‘Burbs” captivates with its stunning cinematography, immersing viewers in a hazy, vintage ambiance. Shot with artistic finesse, the camera gracefully navigates through a retro-inspired room, bathed in soft, nostalgic hues. Against this dreamy backdrop, Maryen performs with effortless grace on a cozy couch, her presence illuminated by gentle streams of light filtering through the room. Each frame is a visual symphony, perfectly capturing the essence of the song’s wistful longing and evoking a sense of timeless beauty. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that transports viewers to a bygone era while celebrating Maryen’s mesmerizing talent.

Catch the video out today, and check out the interview with Maryen below!

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

Kids from the ‘Burbs is such an intimate song, a story from my own life, that I decided to shoot it up close & personal in my own home, sitting on the sofa in my living room singing directly into the camera about friends whom I had when I was 15 years old and the life that we lived at that time.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video(visuals, storyline, etc.)?

I’m very inclined to have big budget ideas for videos, but for this song I always knew that for the story to be real it needed to be sung straight to camera in an intimate setting, so our living room – the scene of many a livestream over the past 3 years – felt like the perfect place!

It was really exciting to finally be making a music video again, and I was inspired to the setting here in my living room being authentically now. With a goddess mother/baby statue figurine behind me, I sit on the red leather sofa immersed in the music of my guitar, telling this story. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

Having mounted a camera onto a tripod in our living room I set the scene up in a way I felt represented me now, and then played my guitar and sang the story to camera. After a few different takes we uploaded the files to the computer and downloaded Davinci Resolve Studio. I spent the next week sitting on that very sofa editing the footage… and when I say a week I mean losing track of time and staying up until 3am most nights… I was a wreck, so tired, but it’s all been worth it because the result does show me now, a musician in my home focusing intensely on the story bubbling up through the years.