Bagpuss
Doris Day
Mr.Ozio
Led Zeppelin
Big Train
Bjork
Dizzy Gillespie
AFX
Lara Croft
Fingerbobs
Logic audio
Blur
Sounds Like
"...(Eliot's single 'Shine') with vocals from Maria Ilett whose voice sounds very similar to the late Kirsty McCall. The vocals are beautifully sung and grip you from the offset"... - DJ Pataan, DJ Mag
"There’s such a sweet, naïve charm about Maria Ilett’s voice that only a Dementor could fail to be swept along on it’s summery breeze”... Nightshift Magazine
"Maria Ilett masters a gorgeous jazzy, trip-hop sound which is impossible not to fall in love with"....Tim Hughes, Oxford Mail
Maria Ilett and Smithys Bond cover "You Only Live Twice" now available on iTunes!
An album made up of Bond covers from Oxford bands called "A Quantum of Covers" is available now on iTunes and for every individual track downloaded 49p goes to Children In Need and for every album purchased £4.90 will go to the charity.
For more info from the BBC website & to listen to samples of all the songs click on this link:
GO TO iTUNES AND SEARCH FOR "QUANTUM OF COVERS" http://www.apple.com/uk/itunes/
I sing, play guitar and programme the bleeps and he makes the beats.
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we have special guests who play with us.
(We like brass instruments)
I am Maria Ilett and this is my band…..his name is Richie Wildsmith.
Maria has been writing songs for as long as she can remember.
Her solo songs move from the simplicity of acoustic arrangements to the beautiful electronic. She is an Oxforder with strong ties. Ok, so what’s she all about? Think Trip-Pop, Natural, fresh, honest songs like little stories. Maybe you’re sat on a train gazing out the window thinking; well her music is the soundtrack to one big daydream.
“There’s such a sweet, naïve charm about Maria Ilett’s voice that only a Dementor could fail to be swept along on it’s summery breeze” – Nightshift, April 2008
Strong on natural accent with memories, photographs and films being just as much an influence as music; (To name a few…The Life Aquatic, Donnie Darko and Thunder Rock – stories within stories within stories…) Picking her images carefully, she was photographed by Banksy’s photographer, and is working with a fantastic illustrator, Tiernen Trevallion, for her new ep.
"...(Eliot's single 'Shine') with vocals from Maria Ilett whose voice sounds very similar to the late Kirsty McCall. The vocals are beautifully sung and grip you from the offset"... - DJ Pataan, DJ Mag
Maria has played live at venues from the prestigious 100 Club in London and Tearoom Des Artistes at a Sunday Best night to the wonderfully intimate Betsy Trotwoods. She’s supported Norman Cook on the Radio 1 stage at Glastonbury Festival and played on the mighty main stage at this years Cornbury Festival supporting the legend that is Paul Simon.
"Maria Ilett masters a gorgeous jazzy, trip-hop sound which is impossible not to fall in love with"....Tim Hughes, Oxford Mail
She works with the coolest of producer dudes including Gilles Petersons tip for the top hip hop virtuoso GHOST and the supremely talented Jim Eliot (Kish Mauve) of Kylie Minogue '2 Hearts' fame. Her vocals have been featured on Ministry Of Sound and Sunday Best compilation albums alongside Royksopp, DJ Shadow and Fat Boy Slim.
NEWS FLASH HOAX WARNING: I hate hoax warnings, but this one is important. If a man comes to your front door and says he is conducting a survey and asks you to show him your bum... DO NOT show him your bum. This is a scam; he only wants to see your bum... I wish I'd got this warning yesterday. I feel so stupid and cheap...
maria ilett and smithy band's Friend Space (Top 20)
Hi Maria, hope things are going well. If you need any cds duplicating, for promos or to sell, drop me an email. Just send your contact details for a free sample CD!
hi maria, how ya doing ? long time no speak ! hope you're well. my new lot "brassneck" are playing the 'jericho tavern' in oxford on fri. 12th december if you can make it..... sid. brassneck.
Hey Chicsta.... how are you? Haven't heard from you in a while (well I've been away also..) but just wanted to send you some love and hope I get to see you soon... ju x
Hi. Thank you! We enjoyed your sound. You've really got some catchy and refreshing tunes. A pleasure to listen to. It was great to support you too. All the best with upcoming gigs. We're next playing at the Jericho on the 4th December. C. E
Hi Maria Well done at the Port Mahon, We enjoyed your gig and drinks with your tribe. Still can't believe the sound engineer is doing the same course that we did at Witney! Love and best wishes Sarah xxx
Did I ever tell you? I really should not like you at all because... your blond beautiful,young and have got an amazing voice!! and a figure to die for... arghhh I'm going on a diet tomorrow he-he.
Seriously I am enjoying listening to your songs, and I will def get to one of your gigs and have a catch up. All the best to you and your band. Lots of Love Sarah XXX
Hey Maria! Was lovely to met you too. I am not really playing live at the moment just trying to finish off my album and stuff.Hopefully see you around soon. When are you playing next?? xox
Thank you :-D I had a good day (try playing Jenga with some vodka ... hilarious...)
I'm so curious about those photos, I bet they will bring back lots of good memories :-D Remember the little plant you and your mum gave me on my bday in Oxford, I still have it ;-) (alive and well)
hi,good to see your doing well.i found some video footage yesterday i shot of you,not sure if you ever got it?let me know if you want it...all the best johnny
We are playing in Florence Park, Oxford this Wednesday 6th August at 5pm: FREE ENTRY!!
Bands, DJs and circus performances will entertain the crowds during the day as well as free workshops and activities from noon, followed by a massive bonfire and a feast cooked up on a barbecue.
hi maria thanks! festival was cool though think we're all feeling a bit fragile after weekend! if you can make it down that would be cool, no worries if not! all going well with you? x
