Mariea E Watkins

Mariea E. Watkins is an American Gospel/Christian, Praise and Worship Artist who shares the love of Jesus through songs that come to her (mostly) in dreams. Her single, “Everything” reached #16 on the DRT Top 50 Inspirational/Gospel Charts. Nominated for the 2019 Traditional Artist of the Year and the 2022 Album of the Year, for her latest album, “The Gospel” (Tampa Bay Gospel Awards), Mariea has been singing since the age of six. She works as a passionate singer, songwriter and producer.  

She made her recording debut in 1992, on her Jewelstone Record Label with the Westcoast Gospel Chorus of Florida; singing, “City of Judah” on the Album, “He’s Real” (featuring the late Rev. Timothy Wright from the Savoy Record Label). Mariea presented her debut single, “Music in the Air”, followed by her debut album, “Soon” (2011), featuring all of her own original music. Her single,“Clap Your Hands” (2021), is the first single from her sophomore album, titled, “The Gospel”. She collaborated with the Mzansi Youth Choir from Soweto, South Africa. The single debuted on July 9th, followed by the single “Pray” featuring Jacob Barnett.  Mariea’s sophomore album, "The Gospel" was released October 8th, 2021. 

Here are a few review highlights:  

“Pick of the week! This rookie LP is by far some of the best content you’re going to hear from an underground player before the start of summer."

~ IndieShark Music Magazine

"The Gospel is by far one of the most engaging and intriguing records of its kind to come my way in a while”

~ Melody Maker Magazine

“Top to bottom, The Gospel is a standard-setter, and a record I’m glad I picked up this May."

~ Mobangeles.com

“This isn’t an album that was made specifically for devout gospel audiences alone, but instead a release that garners the focus and attention of anyone who happens to be within earshot of its compelling and heavenly harmonies, the best of which, I should add, are much stronger than anything I’ve found in the mainstream lately."

~ Hollywood Digest

“Her abilities are something to marvel at, as is her melodic command of the music in every song here."

~ IndiePulse Music  

A Florida native, Mariea has traveled and toured nationally and internationally, performing on television, at the White House, the Pentagon, for the Armed Services, at Universities, Conventions, Schools, Hospitals, Parades, Outdoor concerts, Festivals, Prisons and Correctional Institutions (throughout the State of Florida), and at many churches of all denominations. She was commissioned as the choral conductor for the Christmas concert for recording artist, Bryan Duncan, (Sparrow Records) and for former Warner Brother’s artist “Twinkle”. Mariea was featured as a soloist with full orchestra in Miami on a Gospel concert featuring Yolanda Adams. She has performed and directed choirs for Shirley Bassett, Paul Anka, Dorothy Love, The Late, Albertina Walker, The late, Bishop Walter Hawkins, Dr. Bobby Jones and other Gospel recording artist.

Mariea started in the Music Industry in 1990 as a Print Music Publisher. In 1992, she formed Jewelsone Records to help Indie Artist release their music to the world; as well as provide label services to select Indie Artist and Production Companies. She now has 31 years of experience as a Music Industry Professional, working with Songwriters, Producers, Indie and Major Artist, as well as Small Businesses and Corporations, as a Music Publishing Administrator and Consultant. Songs she administers have been played in movies, on television, on broadway, on all media platforms, and have been performed in churches, theaters, festivals and concerts all over the world. Her Jewelstone Record label has helped to release over 75 recordings. 

Her ASCAP Music Publishing Company, Watkins Music Publishing administers hundreds of copyrights. Her BMI Music Publishing Company houses her personal catalog as well as other Writers and Publishers she administers copyrights for. Watkins Music, LLC, formed in 2004, now houses all of Mariea’s music business. In 2018, Mariea formed the Music Business Made Easy, offering FREE Music Business tips to help empower Artist, songwriters and music creators to handle their music's business. Her premiere Music Monetization course teaches how to collect every single dollar from the music you write and release.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and received her Master’s degree from the University of Miami's, Music Business & Entertainment Industries program. Mariea was a Music Educator for over 16 years as well as a Professional Vocal Coach. She has served in many capacities over the years: Sunday School Musician, Music Teacher, Dean of the HLP School of Music, Music Director, Pianist, Choir and Choral Director.  Professional Organizations include, The Recording Academy, Gospel Music Association, Independent Gospel Artist Alliance, Indie Collaborative and the I Support Florida Gospel Music Movement. Mariea has been there behind the scenes as a music director, playing (keyboard/piano) in a band, and singing with or directing choirs, so working to establish herself as an Artist is a huge challenge for her to say the least!  "Keep the Praises Going"

For booking please contact her at info@marieaewatkinsmusic.com