Interviews with Creative Women: Maria Gabriella

by Aliki Bitsakakis, Persephone Media

Maria Gabriella, performing with her band Corduroy Blue, is an indie artist crafting heartfelt, melody-driven music. Rooted in rich storytelling and dynamic instrumentation, her sound blends indie, folk, and rock influences, shaped by years of collaboration with close friends and fellow musicians. Corduroy Blue isn’t just a band, it’s a rotating collective of talented artists who bring fresh energy to every performance. The lineup shifts, keeping each show unique and full of spontaneity, but the heart of the music remains the same. With a growing catalog of original music, Maria Gabriella and Corduroy Blue are carving out their space in the indie scene one performance at a time.

What barriers have you faced as a woman in your industry and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest barriers has been being taken seriously in a space that still leans heavily toward male voices. Their voices can be so loud, on stage, in studios, that sometimes it is easy to be drowned out or told you’re wrong.  There’s often this unspoken assumption that women in music need to "prove" themselves more, whether it's their technical skills, song writing, or even just their presence. We also face so much more scrutiny and criticism. I’ve overcome this by staying true to my vision and saying what I want to say with my work. I work hard, and I surround myself with people who respect and lift me up, not try and not tear me down. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Create for yourself, not for anyone else” It sounds simple, but it’s easy to get caught up in what you think people want to hear. That advice reminded me to stay true to me and write from a real place, because in the end that is what people connect to. 

Why is it important to support women in your field?

It’s important to lift each other up in an industry that doesn’t always take us seriously. Our voices matter, we have so much to say, and we deserve a platform to share our art. When we support each other, we create more space for women to be heard and valued. If we only amplify one group of voices, we miss out on so many important stories. 

How do you think we can create a more equitable workplace in your industry?

I think it comes down to calling out bias when we see it, whether it’s in festival lineups, studio sessions, or pay gaps. We have to challenge the status quo to make change. 

Name one woman that you either personally know or admire from afar, and explain why you look up to them.

I admire Ella Fitzgerald not just for her incredible voice but for her resilience in an industry and era that tried to hold her back. As a Black female artist, she faced constant discrimination but she never let it stop her. She broke barriers, earned respect in a male dominated industry, and carved out a space where her talent could shine through. Back in high school, our jazz band played her songs and often talked about her impact, and that’s when I first connected with her music.