Biography

Label Contact:
Chris Myers
chris@rbrentertainment.com

Media Info:
media@rbrentertainment.com

Click here to go to RBR Entertainment's Main Page

“It is an amazing feeling to finally see a dream come true. What a beautiful journey it has been. God has blessed me with the beautiful people, new friends, and many exciting events. My family is my biggest rock that carried me through this process. Billy is not only a great husband, an amazing dad to our children, but also one heck of a one kick-**** producer (he suggested to say this). His songwriting talent is incredible and his harmonies are brilliant. I know that without his guidance musically (and mentally) I could not have done any of this. I hope people will hear, see, and feel this music the same way I do.” - Marija Droze - Artist

“This project has been a labor of love for Marija. Raising 4 children while trying to record a project like this has had its challenges, but Marija has persevered and the results are phenomenal. Her voice, as well as her ability to convey the lyrics to the listener, makes this project the perfect debut.” - Chris Myers - RBR Entertainment, COO


Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP

ISRC Code: QZEU62210031

“This song was supposed to happen, we were at a photo shoot with the famed photographer Anthony Scarlati when he captured the coolest picture of Marija behind a Broken window pane and said “Y’all should write a song called Broken Glass” and I went home to my studio and began construction, it turned out cool! Just goes to show you songs can come from anywhere.” - Billy Droze, Songwriter/Producer



Producer: Billy Droze
Recorded: Red Bird Studio, Santa Fe Tennessee

Musicians on Maria With A “J”:
Marija Droze: Lead vocal, background vocals
Jason Roller: Guitar, fiddle
Greg Martin: Bass
James Seliga: Mandolin
Justin Moses: Dobro
Josh Matheny: Dobro
Josh Swift: Dobro, background vocals
Tim Crouch: Fiddle
Ronnie Stewart: Banjo
Don Rigsby: Background vocals

SONG BY SONG IN THE ORDER ON THE CD

1. Ghost of Your Memory (3:03)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Chris Myers / Chris Myers Publishing / BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU61800027

“This is a powerful tune as an eerie yet melodic reminder that a lost love can be hard to forget. This song was written after I asked billy and Chris Myers to write me a hit. It sure became one! I’m very proud of the way it turned out." - Marija Droze

In “Ghost of Your Memory,” Marija showcases her ability to tell a story through music with a sincere passion that keeps you enthralled from the first note to the last. - Billy Droze, Producer”

2. Hard Times (3:21)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Davis Corley / SESAC
Kathleen Hudson / Mayfield Lake Publishing / ASCAP
Mark Addison Chandler / Caroline True Music / BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU61800028

“Hard Times” showcases Marija’s clear, warm vocals on an ode to the legacy of common folk who work the coal mines. - Billy Droze, Producer

"I loved the melody and a storyline from the first time I heard this song. One of Kathy Hudson’s masterpieces, in my opinion." - Marija Droze

3. Take Your Time (3:07)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Lance Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Chris Myers / Chris Myers Publishing / BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU61800029

“Take Your Time” is a tender ballad that uniquely showcases Marija’s angelic vocals. The song was specifically written with Marija’s distinct voice in mind. It provides a sweet and ideal vehicle for Marija’s simple, powerful character and style. - Billy Droze, Producer

“A great message for someone (including myself) to always think before making big decisions in your life. Just give it time and don’t rush things. I must admit, Billy knows SOME things…" - Marija Droze

4. Daydreaming Kind (3:10)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Will Hiatt / Sparkinator Publishing / BMI
Irene Kelly / Shiny Stuff Music / BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU61800029

"I was super happy when Will Hiatt, Irene Kelly and my husband, Billy, pitched this song to me. It's just one of those songs that when you hear it for the first time it's like 'yeah, I've got to do that one'" - Marija Droze

5. The Night We Fell (3:29)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
David Norris / Norrisongs / ASCAP
Heather Alley / Unaffiliated

ISRC Code: QZEU61800030

The Night We Fell is a tune about young love. It never really explains whether it’s referring more about how 2 young kids “Fell” or “Fell apart.” That’s up to the listener.

"This song just spoke to me. And having a soft spot for minor chords and flowing melodies, it was destined to be a single and a part of my debut album." - Marija Droze

6. Cry Baby Cry (3:19)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
David Norris / Norrisongs / ASCAP
Heather Alley / Unaffiliated

ISRC Code: QZEU61800032

"Cry Baby Cry was written about a town folk legend in my hometown of Sardis Alabama. When we were kids we believed it to be true - it’s a perfect setting for a Bluegrass song!" - Billy Droze

“I love old stories and haunting legends. This song pulls you in and carries you through the whole storyline without letting go.” - Marija Droze

7. Annabelle (2:39)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Kathy Hudson / Mayfield Lake Music / ASCAP

ISRC Code: QZEU61800027

“When I heard this song, I wanted to be Anabelle. Another good one of Kathy Hudson’s. She knows very well how to connect lyrics and melodies to create great songs.” - Marija Droze

8. Pretending (w/Billy Droze) (3:47)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Marija Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Terry Herd / Sparkinator Publishing / BMI
Irene Kelly / Shiny Stuff Music / BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU62000072

“I always have so much fun singing with Billy. And I’m not even pretending! Love the melody and harmonies in this song.” - Marija Droze

9. Broken Glass (3:59)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP

ISRC Code: QZEU62210031

“Usually, it’s the other way around, but this song was written to the picture that the amazing Anthony Scarlatti took. Deep meaning, beautifully laid out throughout the song.” - Marija Droze

10. You’ve Got Time (3:00)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Regina Spector / BMI / B Lion Music, BMI / Soviet Kitsch Music, BMI / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp, BMI

ISRC Code: QZEU61800034

“One of the first songs that I recorded. Originally, just for fun, I loved the end result. It’s not every day someone adds a song to their album from a show they like…” - Marija Droze

11. Run (w/Billy Droze) (3:48)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Tony Lane / ASCAP / Ralph Smith / BMI / Alamo Music Corporation / ASCAP / Reservoir Media Music / ASCAP / Sony/ATV Harmony / ASCAP

ISRC Code: QZEU62210032

“This song has been one of my favorites for a long time. There’s just something so special about it, the way it makes you feel when you hear it. I jokingly suggested to Billy that it would be beautiful as a duet and he said, why not?” - Marija Droze

12. Listen To Your Heart (2:58)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
David Norris / Norrisongs / ASCAP

ISRC Code: QZEU61800002

“Life does what life does. Raising babies and supporting Billy in his career is gratifying, but Marija still has dreams of sharing her own music. Her first contribution, the current single “Listen to Your Heart,” a tender story of her life thus far. "The rest is up to God and I’m just thankful to make music and for it to be heard. A lifelong dream that is finally coming true.” - Marija Droze

13. Say You Wanna Go (3:26)

Songwriter / Publishing / PRO:
Billy Droze / Different Kind of Crown Publishing / ASCAP
Eddie Wilson / Music Crow Publishing / BMI
Heather Alley / Unaffiliated

ISRC Code: QZEU61800031

“An amazingly powerful message with a beautiful melody that touches the heart and the soul.” - Marija Droze



Marija Droze was born in the small Eastern European country of Lithuania. There was always a spiritual beckoning toward music from as early as she could remember. Some of her earliest musical influences were not typical of a small-town girl in that part of the world. She found solace in genres foreign to her surroundings, she identified with artists that were completely different and somewhat unknown in that day, time and place. Among these artists, topping the list was and is Emmylou Harris, and she quickly discovered more American singers that fueled her passion, such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash, Keith Whitley and the list goes on.

Marija spent the better half of her life studying music in some of Europe’s top music universities where she honed her skills as a vocalist, classic pianist and majoring in music theory. At the tender age of 13 she began to exhibit her learnings playing anywhere Bluegrass and traditional Country music was accepted. You can imagine there wasn’t a plethora of platforms, but that didn’t discourage this budding songstress.

Fast forward 7 years at a festival, and fate would have it, she would meet the love of her life, who also was deeply involved in the music she admired. Her husband of 10 years, Billy Droze, a very accomplished artist in his own right was on tour, and Lithuania just happened to be one of the stops.

The couple went on to record multiple albums together, with Marija lending her angelic harmony and lead vocals. Most notably, the hit song “Raging Rivers”, that has been on the Bluegrass Charts for more than a year, topping out at #5. A classic duet with her husband that introduced her nationally into the genre of Bluegrass music.