MARIA CLARA BLENDS JAZZ AND POP IN HER NEW SINGLE: “08:30 (Peace of Mind)” out today
To kick off NZ Music Month, Maria Clara releases her first single of the year through DRM today: Friday 1st May. Blending indie pop with jazz influences, “08:30 (Peace of Mind)” reflects on the importance of self-prioritising and learning to protect one’s energy.
Supported by the Parallel Layers Collective, a music video will follow on Friday 8 May; directed, filmed and edited by James Harrison.
The song was written and recorded at BIGFAN Studios as part of the “Weekender Vol.1” songwriting camp, where Maria Clara collaborated with producer Jessica Leigh and guitarist and co-writer Callum Lee. It was later mixed and mastered by Madilyn Povey.
Written during a period of reflection, the single explores the quiet realisation that caring for others must also include caring for oneself.
“I realised I couldn’t keep pouring into others without giving myself space to breathe. I’m still learning to do that, which explains why I’m still always running late!”
Brazilian-born and raised in Aotearoa, Maria Clara creates relaxed yet expressive music shaped by collaboration and curiosity across genres. Drawing inspiration from her Brazilian heritage, she has recently begun exploring bossa nova and folk influences, including a new project alongside musician and producer Sam Stretch.