Mamii delivers stunning performance video for “Unwary”

PHOTO and Styling by: Jackie Dimailig

An acoustic guitar, Jaylon Black's violin, and a stage as simple as sunset over the city were the elements that, the 20 years old Indiana-native songwriter, and producer Mamii, combined to make this unique version of “Unwary”, a song already release as part of her outstanding debut album “Black Phoeniix, The Rebirth”

One of the most thematically-consistent songs in the album, Unwary was -according to Mamii herself “born from the yearning to end a relationship and start over, but not being ready to face what life is going to be like afterward”.

“The song hit me in a different way when I started playing it acoustically and I wanted to capture that energy with a live video. We kept the recording really simple to feel as intimate as possible”, mamii said.

In musical terms, the track is an open window to the same rhythms Mamii is known for such as R&B, and alternative rock, but all leaning towards introspection, vulnerability, and a sense of nostalgia and melancholy by stripping it down to its barest elements: Her voice and only two acoustic instruments..

Mamii's voice -with her elegant high and low nuances- is the path through which you travel the almost 3 minute-long track. The journey, though endears you to her lyricism and vocals right away, also feels short, because she so managed to create an enveloping atmosphere and a space you don't want to leave. As a listener, this version from “Unwary” it’s one of those songs you want to play repeatedly.

The video deserves a special mention on its own. It completely distances itself from many other histrionic productions and the great visual effects. Instead, it focuses solely on the space between the musicians and the viewer by presenting an "unplugged-like" music video that makes you feel like part of a live audience. This makes the visuals just as refreshingly unburdened and intimate.

2020 was a very challenging year for humanity, with a lot of time to think and reevaluate life, but also with the stress of a new situation that put up new barriers. In the case of this young woman, it was a time to think and find out different things about herself. So if you´re wondering why her debut album is called “Black Phoeniix”, Here's the scoop in her own words: “I looked inside and evaluated who I was. The change within reminded me of this story I was so obsessed with in mythology class about the Phoenix, how it kills itself and is reborn again. I wrote songs about the experiences I went through during that time and I thought the name fit perfectly with what had just occurred inside”.

She has caught the ears of artists such as Syd, Steve Lacy, Jacob Collier, Boogie, and many others. Her debut self-produced album Black Phoeniix was featured on Joe Kay’s Soulection playlist, Apple Music’s Alt-R&B, and Spotify's Fresh Finds.

PHOTO and Styling by: Jackie Dimailig

Hair and MUA by: Tilomai Hill

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mariana González – Venezuelan journalist

I am interested in novelty, talent and creativity. I put my lyrics at the service of those who genuinely strive to build an alternate narrative about the common and humdrum. Rival Magazine has been the open window to put a face on emerging talent.