String, stages, and success: Following Mari Zhar's musical journey

 

In this candid Q&A, singer, songwriter, and storyteller Mari Zhar opens up about her creative journey, influences, and the inspiration behind her music—including her latest releases, which continue to showcase her signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and melodic craftsmanship.

From her roots in theater and early love for Broadway to her unique approach to songwriting—where journal entries often evolve into heartfelt compositions—she shares the process that fuels her art.

The conversation explores how motherhood, personal experiences, and meaningful stories shape her work, why she chooses to spotlight other vocalists, and what it means to see her songs reach listeners worldwide.

Our intimate conversation reveals not only the making of music but also the making of an artist.

1) At what age did you realize you could sing? And what made you decide to become a singer?

I grew up around theater and loved it—Broadway, musicals, stage plays. I was always singing along, and took short lessons– voice, piano, violin, journaling– during summers, but it was never something I pursued professionally.

When I became a mother, I chose to stay hands-on—even while running my businesses—and that naturally changed my focus. I became more of a voice and performance coach for my kids, among other things, making sure that when they are given a platform to perform, they do it well. Otherwise, we’re all just wasting time.

So I wouldn’t really position myself as a singer. I do sing, but what I’ve built is more on songwriting and composition. The songs released under my name are my work, performed by vocalists I commission. What I’m really putting out is storytelling through music.

2) Tell us about your musical influences.

I’m actually very selective with music. If I don’t understand the message or it doesn’t settle something in me, it tends to sound like noise.

I’m drawn to songs where you can feel why they were written. I grew up listening to Lea Salonga, especially theater pieces like Miss Saigon, and songs like Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All. I also listen to Josh Groban, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Adele.

A lot of my influence really comes from full-stage narratives like Annie, Rent, Wicked, Chicago, and Hamilton.

I listen more for intention than for sound.

Mari Zhar

3) You have recorded so many songs. Why is 'So This Is Love' at the top of your list?

Because it holds a version of me. It’s not just about loving someone all your life—it reflects who I was at that time, how I understood love, how I saw things. When I hear it now, I remember that version of myself very clearly.

4) Did you compose your songs? What is your creative process? What comes first?

Yes, all the songs released are my compositions. They’re grouped into three volumes:
Volume 1 – Sketching My Feelings

These are very personal. They came from journal entries I’ve written over the past few years. I revisited those moments and turned them into songs, naming and better understanding the emotions.

Volume 2 – Thoughts Out Loud
These are reflections—things I tell my children, realizations I’ve had, and how I process life now.=’

Volume 3 – Two Sides of the Same Song

Each piece has a woman’s version (based on my emotions) and a male version (based on how I imagined a man may feel). It’s my interpretation of how both sides may feel in the same situation – more like He said, She Said.

Except for two songs—Still Mine and Maxima Safari—which I wrote for my best friends, I’ve known for almost my entire life. Those came from a very different, more about their truth. And yes to each song –It always begins with something real for me. The music builds from there.

5) If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

Locally, Lea Salonga or Karylle. Internationally, Pink.

6) What is it like to have your songs available on Spotify?

It’s something I’m grateful for. Having my songs on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music allows the stories to reach people beyond my immediate space.

What I’m working on now is translating each song into a painting—another form, same emotion.

Yes, all the songs released are my compositions. I’ve always been a writer first—I've also published a book titled Dear Husband, Who The Hell Is She? It's currently on Amazon and will be released locally this year, with a nationwide book-signing schedule if not Q1-2 next year—we are just currently fixing our schedule—so, going back to the song, yes, most of my songs begin as written thoughts before they become music.  Music just gave those words another place to live.