Get To Know… Mary O’Donnell

Hi Mary! Congratulations again on taking part in ReBalance ’24. Looking back, how was your time writing and recording at Strongroom Studios? 

My five days in the studio were great. Strongroom is a fantastic space with a cool vibe. The studio I worked in was not only well-equipped but also had a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere that made it easy to focus and create. I was collaborating with a team I felt at ease with, and everyone brought fresh, creative ideas that helped bring my sonic visions to life. The quality of the equipment and instruments we used was outstanding, and the process ran really smoothly.

With this being your first time in a pro studio, and working with a production duo, was there anything you were unsure about? And how was it in reality? 

I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous at first, especially since I didn’t know Freya or Maya. I wasn’t sure how the sessions would go – everything from the recording order to how much creative control I’d have over my songs felt a bit up in the air. But as soon as I started working with them, I realised they were completely invested in making sure my music was the best it could be. They wanted me to walk away with songs that I truly loved and that felt authentic to me.

I was also a bit nervous about the recording process itself. I’m used to recording on my bed with my laptop and equipment balanced awkwardly around me – it’s what’s worked in the past, but it’s definitely not ideal. I think I was nervous about doing things “the right way,” but Freya really made the whole recording and production process feel way less intimidating. We worked together – she helped bring to life sounds I was struggling to get just right, and it never felt like something I couldn’t do.  It felt like we were doing things exactly how I wanted, just in a killer space with much better gear than I’m used to.

What was it like working with Freya Roy and Maya Law? Any particular highlights or useful lessons for you?

It was such an awesome experience. Freya and Maya are not only super talented, with amazing creative ideas that helped shape my songs and bring them to life, but they’re also genuinely kind and thoughtful people. From start to finish, it was clear they were fully invested in helping me get the best out of my music. They were just as excited about my tracks as I was when they could see how much they resonated with me.

I learned so much about recording and production just by watching Freya and the incredible sound engineer, Katie Foreman. We used Logic, which was perfect for me since it’s the DAW I use for my demos. There were so many little things I picked up along the way – things that should’ve been obvious by now but will make a huge difference in the future. Like recording multiple takes of vocals and then picking the best bits – sometimes down to individual syllables. It was a total eye-opener. These small but really handy techniques are definitely something I’ll be using in my own recordings moving forward.

Do you think Strongroom Studios provided anything different for you creatively? 

One thing I’d mention is how beautiful the studios were, full of artwork and visual design by Jamie Reid, even in the small studio rooms. Being in a space that oozes creativity helps spark your own. I also think spending five days in the same studio had a big impact on my creativity. With such a short time to get everything done, I really had to focus and pack all of my ideas into those days, which made the finished tracks feel cohesive. Plus, being surrounded by other creatives and having a venue downstairs added to the vibe – it was the perfect environment to get inspired and motivated to create something really cool.

What have you learned from the ReBalance ’24 process so far – do you feel any different post-recording? How were the industry days for you at AIR?

I’ve learned a lot, not just from the people I’ve worked with, but also from the experience itself. Throwing myself into this project taught me that, no matter how daunting it seems, the hardest part of a project is starting – and once you do, everything tends to fall into place. I feel like I’ve gained more knowledge – not just about making music, but also about what comes next. The industry days at AIR Studios were eye-opening. Meeting people from all areas – playlist curators, gig and festival bookers, and songwriters with their own processes and branding – gave me a deeper understanding of how this creative industry really works. And also how you can make it work for yourself. Not every artist’s process and journey will be the same, but it’s given me an idea of what could work for me.

Is there any useful advice you’ve been given as you prepare to take your next steps? 

The best advice I’ve gotten, in various forms from different people, is to be proactive. Reach out to or connect with others in the industry – whether it’s promoters, managers, fellow artists, radio teams, or other creatives. Some of these people will really resonate with your work. Building a network of supporters who believe in your vision is incredibly valuable.

Do you have a favourite track you’ve recorded during ReBalance ’24? 

I think it’s got to be Sweet Talk. I would describe the majority of the songs I write as ‘peacefully painful’ and this track hits that mark for sure.