My name is Mariami, I’m a New York based indie artist. My new track “Devil’s Coming Down” was inspired by an unforgettable and harrowing experience in 2021 – an accidental overdose of homemade edibles in my Los Angeles home.
At the time, I had a brand partnership with a cannabis company and was gifted a large stash of marijuana. Not being a smoker myself, I decided to make edibles for friends, but my lack of tolerance to THC and inexperience with dosing led to a perfect storm. While baking, I unknowingly consumed nearly an entire brownie over the course of a few hours – “taste-testing” – as any cook would, and the result was a nightmarish, hellish trip that culminated in a visit to the ER.
That night became a profound reckoning, forcing me to confront inner demons I hadn’t even known were lurking. The experience was both terrifying and transformative, compelling me to face myself with a raw honesty I’d never experienced before.
In the months that followed, the trauma lingered. The faintest whiff of weed on the streets of NYC would trigger debilitating panic attacks. I dove into therapy to heal, exploring CBT, hypnotherapy, deep theta healing, and every tool in my arsenal to move forward.
Ultimately, writing “Devil’s Coming Down” became the most cathartic therapy of all. Transforming that trauma into music gave me a way to process the pain and reclaim my power. The song stands as a testament to survival, self-discovery, and turning darkness into art.
“Devil’s Coming Down” marks a pivotal moment in my career – a turning point where I took the reins of my sound and fully embraced music production. In January, I took a deep dive into production, determined to bring the specific sound I’ve always envisioned in my head to life. The journey of sculpting this track took over a year, and while it’s not perfect, it’s honest.The song began on the guitar, as many of my songs do.
I knew I had struck creative gold when I tapped into the “writer’s wealthspring,” that magical flow where ideas and inspiration come rushing in, making you a channel for something bigger than yourself. My favorite state to be in as a writer. The core of the song poured out of me in under 15 minutes, and within 2–3 days, I had pieced together the verses and the bridge. It felt perfect.
But then came the more complex challenge: production. Initially, I recorded at The Cutting Room and tracked guitars and vocals using a Sony C500 microphone, hoping it would provide the warmth and richness the song needed. But, something felt off. This song wasn’t asking for polished, high-end production, it was begging for soul & honesty.
So I kept the guitars from the C500 session but decided to record my vocals at home, where I could channel the intimacy and rawness the track demanded. From March to October of 2024, I meticulously layered the synths, bass, keys, pads, and textures to bring the song to life.
It was a painstaking process, filled with moments where I hit creative roadblocks and doubted whether I could push through. But I discovered that consistency was key, showing up at my studio chair day after day, trusting that solutions would eventually come. And they did.
Finally releasing “Devil’s Coming Down” feels like the start of a new era. As any artist knows, when music is ready to be born, it already exists in the ether, it’s up to us to pull it into the physical realm.
The visual storytelling for “Devil’s Coming Down” also brings the song’s energy to life. We shot it at the iconic trippy TWA Hotel at JFK airport in New York, channeling the retro glamour of mid-century air travel. Draped in pearls and sheer fabrics, I embodied a persona inspired by Aphrodite, Bobbie Gentry, and a cheeky Austin Powers muse.
Despite setbacks like a ruined roll of Super 8 film that required a full reshoot, I stayed true to my vision. The final result was a reward for patience and commitment. This release is a pivotal moment in my career, it’s my arrival as a producer and as a creator in full control of her craft. To my fans and supporters, this is for you—and for anyone who has ever overcome the impossible.
Join me on Patreon to see the “Devil’s Coming Down” music video first, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Thank you for being part of this journey. We’ve only just begun.
Listen to “Devil’s Coming Down” below and stream it everywhere else here.
