Mara Katria’s debut LP, Modern M, is a rare direct collaboration with the foundational new wave band Modern English. The album features Robbie Grey’s timeless vocals backing up Mara in tracks including the lead single “People Turn to Gold”––as well as an audacious reinterpretation of Modern English’s own “Dawn Chorus,” originally from their second studio record After the Snow. Michael Conroy’s signature bass and bold explorations with blending rhythm and texture are unmistakable throughout the 10-song creation––and pair with Mara’s art pop inspired production (ala Kate Bush and Laurie Anderson) in a manner that feels authentic, urgent, and cinematic. Modern M likewise spotlights the post punk keyboardist Stephen Walker whose transcendent, yet unconventional, synths compliment the potent artistry of guitarist Gary McDowell, helping to set the stage for this immersive concept album. 

Modern M is a natural progression for Mara––from her storytelling background as a musician and award-winning independent filmmaker. Her seminal single and self-directed video “Midnight Mind” was awarded Best Song and Best Music Video at numerous prestigious festivals including Imagine This Women’s International in 2020. Connected to this, those with an interest in both synth pop and the paranormal will note that “Midnight Mind” involves another unique collaboration for Mara. The backing vocals for Midnight are sung by Jeff Ungar who co-stars in the 2025 Netflix series True Haunting: Eerie Hall, produced by James Wan touting a sonic backdrop of Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, and Modern English. Mara says she attempts to carry these human stories, intertwined with music, into her ongoing productions in an aim to offer audiences hope and a question: “What would I do if?” 

In service of that purpose, Mara has also written a companion book entitled Modern M: Music for Time Travelers, a genuine and poetically humorous guide to the album. The memoir contains expanded liner notes with behind the scenes stories about the music’s creation and her partnership with Modern English.

Modern M, and the guide book, drop March 13th, 2026. Prepare for an unforgettable experience. 

     •     Connect with Mara on all socials @marakatria or visit: marakatria.com/contact.

     •     🎬 Watch the Official Music Video for the lead single “People Turn to Gold”: https://youtu.be/Ft8Q4gP62nk