Mary Ann Van Der Horst wins Best International Artist in International Music Award

Mary Ann Van der Horst is a singer-songwriter who rose to fame after her appearance on X Factor in 2014. She has appeared at several events with regular weekly gigs at various venues across Melbourne. In the last six years, she has guested on TV shows and radio locally & internationally, including Channel 31, SBS, Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and many more.

Mary Ann signed a recording contract under Alpha Music Corporation Philippines and released singles in collaboration of AG’s Management. She has performed for a concert internationally including Europe, Asia and US and joined a couple of competitions like Coast to Coast in Chicago, Akademia Music awards and World Championship of Performing Arts in California representing Australia.

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Best International Artist

She recently won the Best International Artist at Switzerland’s St Moritz International Music Awards. She won the award with her original song ‘Make it Happen‘ which she recorded and released under RMR Records.

https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnMusicOfficial/posts/1899776666838498

Watch Mary Ann’s winning song ‘Make It Happen’ here:

Despite the cancellation of events in 2020, Mary Ann shares with The Philippine Times how she is still busier than ever, enjoying performances online to a wider audience.

1) How has COVID-19 affected your career?

I was working so hard, gigging like four times a week before the pandemic with my acoustic band or wedding band but then since pubs, restaurants and events are all cancelled, I had to stay home.

I continued my singing with the use of Sessions and YouTube. These sites helped me to gain more fans all over the world. I am actually more busier than ever with my music.

Sessions is a global live-streaming platform for artists where audiences can leave tips in the form of virtual gifts, shout-out requests, and more. I am very lucky to be always on the leaderboard with other top artists all over the world.

Performing online is also fun. I feel more confident online because you are just like practicing and you can’t see the audience.

2) What are some of the things you’ve been doing during the lockdown?

Just performing, singing my heart out to my fans and supporters virtually. I have been writing songs too and thinking to release it this year when the restrictions are all over. I might record more songs under Alpha Records in the future when pandemic is over.

3) What are your hopes for the future?

I miss socialising in person, with friends, family and performing live in front of people. The world is different now so while we can make the best out of it, be good, be kind and do the right thing to be blessed and to be happy.

I want to help some artists too and refer them they can contact me and watch my daily shows.