Multi-award winning singer-songwriter Mariya Stokes is stepping into what is sure to become a career-altering year with the release of her powerful debut album Mood Ring, out today. A country album at its core, Mood Ring boldly fuses pop, R&B, and funk influences, pushing the boundaries of what country music can sound like, while remaining grounded in the genre’s storytelling and songwriting traditions. Stokes has delivered a collection of songs that is unapologetically herself, setting the stage for what is to come in 2025. Including previously released singles like “F*ck Pretty” and her most recent release “Biggest Fan,” the 14-track project confirms that Stokes’ star is on the rise.
Born from a period of deep self-reflection and growth, Mood Ring invites listeners to embrace the freedom of being unapologetically themselves. “Mood Ring is a safe space for listeners to feel all their feels, whether they’re feeling empowered and ready to take on the world, angry, or just plain ol’ sad,” explained Stokes. “These songs came to life at a time when I was focused on listening to my inner voice, even if the stories were dark. Writing them helped me find my way back to myself and I hope they will do the same for others.”
Recorded across the west coast of Canada and in Nashville, TN Mood Ring was produced by JUNO Award-winners Justin Kudding and Spencer Cheyne, alongside Stokes’ frequent collaborator Lucas Gienow. The record’s anthemic choruses, gritty storytelling, and snappy bass-lines trace the edges of a sound that doesn’t settle neatly into one box. But neither does Stokes.
“Most of my songs have a strong statement or sentiment at their core and I usually don’t beat around the bush lyrically. My commitment to compassionate, authentic connection and feminism is pretty consistent and Mood Ring encapsulates all of that. I’m so proud to share it with the world, finally,” shares Stokes.
MOOD RING TRACK LISTING
- One of ‘Em (Mariya Stokes, Shantaia Poulin)
- F*ck Pretty (Mariya Stokes, Shea Michael)
- You Want Me (Mariya Stokes, Robyn Dell’Unto, Devin Cooper)
- I Get It (Mariya Stokes, Lucas Gienow)
- Break My Heart (Mariya Stokes, Aaron Pollock)
- Money Can’t Buy (Mariya Stokes, Alee Adamoski, Devin Cooper)
- Next To Me (Mariya Stokes)
- Chantelle (Mariya Stokes)
- Biggest Fan (Mariya Stokes, Hayden McHugh, Tom Lewis)
- Rebound (Mariya Stokes, Aaron Pollock)
- Taken (Mariya Stokes, Devin Cooper, Jon Lagore)
- Hands On My Body (Mariya Stokes, Aaron Pollock, Michael Braun)
- Christmas, Arizona (Mariya Stokes)
- Patron Saint (Mariya Stokes, Neil Gunhold)
The acclaimed songstress is hosting an official album release party to celebrate her highly anticipated debut album in Calgary on May 30 at the National Music Centre. Tickets are available now HERE.
This summer, Stokes will take to stages across Canada, bringing her new album to life with electrifying performances. Fans can check her out at the following dates:
May 30 – National Music Centre – Calgary, AB
June 6 – Better Than Fred’s – Grand Prairie, AB
June 7 – High Level Agricultural Exhibition Grounds – High Level, AB
June 14 – Lost Things Distillery – Pincher Creek, AB
June 26 – Crown and Thieves – Kelowna, BC
June 28 – Fun Field Festival – Wardner, BC
July 10 – Nashville North, Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
July 11 – Nashville North, Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
July 12 – Nashville North, Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
July 13 – Nashville North, Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
July 16 – Westerner Days – Red Deer, AB
July 19 + 20 – Folk On The Rocks – Yellowknife, NWT
August 1 – Big Valley Jamboree – Camrose, AB
August 27 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
