Mara Hruby

Biography

Mara Hruby is an Oakland, California-born singer-songwriter who emerged as a rising force in the indie-soul and alternative jazz genres in the early 2010s. Beginning her professional music career in 2010 with her debut EP "From Her Eyes," Hruby quickly gained recognition for her distinctive approach to reinterpreting classic soul and jazz standards originally performed by male artists, adding her own feminine perspective and emotional depth to songs by artists such as Bob Marley, D'Angelo, Jamiroquai, and Mos Def. Her debut EP achieved over 80,000 downloads and established her as an acoustic soul up-and-comer with a loyal following.

Hruby's musical style draws inspiration from vintage influences including Julie London, Patsy Cline, The Moonglows, Curtis Mayfield, and Brook Benton, creating a sound that blends 1940s and 1950s aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. Her sophomore EP "Archaic Rapture," released in 2014, showcased her growth as an artist and received recognition from Billboard, which premiered her single "Cry Me A River" as a live studio performance. The project reached the #1 spot on iTunes Jazz charts within its first week of release. Beyond music, Hruby is a multifaceted creative who has worked as a dancer, model, and craftsperson, and she actively advocates for women in the arts through her #PowerWomenUnite initiative.

Throughout her career, Hruby has performed at prestigious venues including Yoshi's Oakland, Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, and major festivals such as the Long Beach Jazz Festival (2015), Grammy Weekend (2012 & 2016), and the Stern Grove Festival (2012). Her work emphasizes authenticity, emotional honesty, and the importance of women supporting one another in creative fields.

Fun Facts

• Hruby's preschool teacher wrote her a letter predicting her future success, stating: 'Never stop singing; you'll change the world with your voice!' Her mother discovered this letter approximately six months before the 2011 interview.
• Before pursuing music professionally, Hruby danced for seven years with the New Style Motherlode Dance Company and was involved in modeling and commercials from ages 2-7, demonstrating early creative inclinations across multiple disciplines.
• In addition to her music career, Hruby creates hand-crafted jewelry and scarves that she sells at her performances, and she was working on a cookbook project, viewing passionate hobbies outside of music as essential to her artistic life.
• Hruby did not sing publicly until after graduating high school, despite purchasing her first guitar while still in high school. She credits the realization that she could make music a career to 2009, with her professional debut occurring in February 2010.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Her Godmother - Family mentor who continues to be a guiding force in her life and musical trajectory (General life and career guidance) [Throughout her career]
• Emily King - Musician who shaped Hruby's sound and life trajectory (Musical influence and inspiration) [Early career development]
• Amel Larrieux - Musician who shaped Hruby's sound and life trajectory (Musical influence and inspiration) [Early career development]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz