Maria Long
Member Since:
November 15, 2006

Location:
Bonnerdale, AR

Country:
UNITED STATES

Music Genres:
Singer-Songwriter, World, Classical, Urban Gospel, Celtic, Latin, Mountain Gospel, Reggae, Acapella, Jazz, Hymns, Praise & Worship, Folk, Retro 80s, Retro 90s, Bluegrass, Inspirational, Retro 70s, Pop/Adult Contemporary, Rock, Modern Worship

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Maria Long
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"The most AMAZING songs are the ones written from the heart! :)"



In a society where talking about God is quickly becoming a thing of the past, Maria Long brings a different approach. She is up front about what she believes and will share with anyone who asks. Her lyrics are personal and vulnerable about her experiences and struggles with God. They are clear because Maria never wants people to be mistaken about where she stands. “Christ is everything to me!” she states. She views her music ministry as more than just an opportunity to perform the songs that God has given her. She believes that God has given her these musical talents to speak out on issues that are affecting teens today like: suicide, sex, drugs, and lack of purpose. Through powerful testimonies and sharing the stories behind her songs, Maria gives her audience a meaningful experience that they can all relate with, and challenges them to STANDOUT for God.


Music has always been a huge influence in Maria’s life. During her childhood years her parents were in a traveling singing group and toured all over the US. At age 2 Maria wrote her first song. She has performed on countless stages for many church events and programs. Her passion for making music that speaks to the heart came early in her life when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 12. In high school Maria traveled around Texas as a singing recruiter. Then when she attended SWAU in Texas she traveled to youth conferences, retreats, high schools, camps, campmeetings, and churches all over the U.S. sharing God and music with many teens her age. In her Junior year in college, she decided to become a student missionary on a tiny island called Yap. She taught 6th and 7th grades that year and found a new passion for her life in addition to music. It was there that she made the decision to become a teacher.



After getting her degree in Elementary Education, Maria became a teacher and found her career very fulfilling. During her time as a teacher, in addition to teaching a full load, she also taught guitar and choir for grades K-10, and still found time to write and perform Christian music throughout Arkansas and Texas. After three years in Arkansas, God led her into a public high school ministry position for Andrews University in Michigan. Maria spent her time traveling and performing throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. She also established “The Basement”, a weekly public high school ministry in Berrien Springs and then began to train and mentor teens in starting their own ministries. After being told by teens over and over that she needed to make a CD and that her music meant so much to them, she realized that God was telling her to move forward with her music ministry.




Maria recorded her debut album Here With Me in the summer of 2006 and released it October 14, 2006 at the Attic Christian Rock Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For this album, she found her songwriting inspiration in various places. Some of her songs originated with time that she spent with God in His Word. Others were written through personal struggles she was dealing with. “In Love” was a song that came when Maria was just overwhelmed by God and His Amazing presence. “Here With Me” and “Inside” were written because of experiences that she has had ministering to teens from “The Basement” who are struggling.




It is this kind of personal touch that is the trademark of Maria’s music and ministry. Through Myspace.com, she ministers to hundreds of teens and answers questions of those who are having difficult times or are simply seeking someone who cares to give spiritual advice. Maria Long has a bright future ahead of her. She says often, “God is blessing me faster than I can give Him credit.” God is opening many doors for Maria’s music, her life, and ministry and as long as He continues to open them she will step through…





**Recent News!**
*CCM Magazine has chosen Maria's song, "INSIDE" for their New Music Collection vol.1 with artists like Anberlin, The Almost, Nevertheless, and Building 429.


*CCM Magazine also listed maria as one of the top independent artists in Christian Music today and made her a selection for the Reader's Choice Awards.


*Artist Ovation Talent Search has selected Maria as a judge favorite and semi-finalist in the competition.


*Maria has shared the stage with Jars of Clay, Kutless, Family Force 5, Run Kid Run, Jason Morant, and more....





JOIN MARIA's MYSPACE! :)


  

LIVE AND UNCUT ACOUSTIC VERSION


Inside

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myspace.com/marialong
Influences
Starfield, Barlowgirl, Nevertheless, Fireflight, Superchick, Jack Johnson, Five for Fighting, Howie Day, Nichole Nordeman, Jennifer Knapp, Bethany Dillon, Krystal Meyers, Vicky Beeching, Kelly Clarkson, Evanescence, Sheryl Crow, David Crowder Band, Skillet, Kutless, Pompeii, Natasha Beddingfield, Leeland, Michael W. Smith, DC Talk (I miss them!), Phillips, Craig and Dean, Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Crystal Lewis, Racheal Lampa, FFH and soo many more.

Testimony
God has always been a huge part of my life! I was raised in the church and felt God speaking to my heart at a very young age. Being with Him has made all the difference and has saved me from making some really bad decisions. My life has been fulfilling and meaningful because He blesses me with so many moments! I'm in love with Jesus and cannot wait to meet Him one day!

My Type of Peeps
people with a sense of humor, talented at whatever they do especially if it's music, inspiring writers, amazing storytellers, creative thinkers, free spirited, world travelers, history buffs, and people that watch The Office & Oprah...lol :)

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