Although not yet a household name, vocalist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Mary Lemanski has performed as a background artist on a #1 Billboard World Music Album and a Grammy-nominated Contemporary Blues Album. Mary was a child prodigy, who was taught pipe organ at age 10 because she was an advanced pianist. Her first gig came at age 11 when she filled in for the organist at her Catholic school’s church for a funeral. She was pulled out of class, aced the service, got paid $40, and became the substitute organist for the entire diocese until she went to college. Over 30 years later, Mary Lemanski still retains the record at her high school for most awards in music.
After high school, she earned a Music/Business Administration degree with a concentration in music composition from Millikin University. She also earned a certification in audio engineering from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences and an MBA in e-Business from the University of Phoenix. Mary is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), and The Recording Academy. Mary is also a proud Union member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Musicians Local 10-208.
These days, Mary is also a fully-developed Electronic/Alternative/Rock artist in her own right, excels at keyboards, vocals, drum programming, guitar, and bass, and songwriting. She’s been releasing original music online as a DIY musician since 1999 and shows no sign of stopping.
In addition to being an artist, Mary has worked extensively in the music industry, including stints at Epitaph Records, BMG Entertainment, Clear Channel Radio (iHeart Radio), Razormaid.com, Songsalive.org, Warrior Girl Music, and Rhino Staging. She is currently building an online music resource called Merry Knell DIY Music Academy, while releasing her original music through her indie label, Painted Girl Records.