A captivating story since its beginning,
Mary V I Harrison’s musical journey spans across continents and genres,
through passages of challenge and success
Mary V I Harrison’s musical journey spans across continents and genres,
through passages of challenge and success
The award-winning songwriter and composer was born in England into an entirely musical family—her mother, “always singing”, and her cousin, the late Jim Daly, a famous Irish blues pianist who has played with the likes of Van Morrison and Muddy Waters. Raised in Australia from a young age, Mary was classically trained as a musician and singer, yet grew up with a deep love and appreciation for virtually all styles of music. To this day, she describes her music as eclectic, influenced by “all the greats of all the genres”, with a soft spot for pop.
Her other major influence: ordinary people, pursuing their dreams and excelling at what they love. Her ultimate goal is to encourage others to step out of the shadows and be fearless—something she herself has done. After sustaining a serious vocal cord injury in 2016, Mary lost her ability to sing. Forced into silence for a long time, she learned to listen and truly tune into her surroundings. Her skills as a writer—and more specifically, a co-writer—flourished. During the Australian Songwriters Conference only a couple weeks later, the songwriter who couldn’t speak began a collaboration with a songwriter who couldn’t hear, Christine M. Kerr. The result, their song “Invisible”, went on to win numerous awards, including the Adult Contemporary categories in the 2017 UK Songwriting Contest and the 2018 Australian Songwriters Conference Song Contest.
These were among the first of Mary’s many awards for her work as a songwriter, as well as under her pop moniker, Lady Alderney, a sound reminiscent of Cannons and Carly Rae Jepsen. Lady Alderney’s music has had multiple sync placements on The Young and The Restless and has aired on the radio alongside Mary’s other work as a collaborator.
Always striving to keep kindness and positivity at the core of her musical creations, Mary remains as busy as ever, cooking up songs for Lady Alderney and other artists around the world, writing for sync, and attending songwriting retreats. She is currently finishing up a suite of four pieces of music, including a string quartet piece, a full orchestral piece, and an a cappella SATB arrangement—each of which will be released separately in 2023/2024.
Music is ingrained in my soul. I hear it and see it and feel it everywhere. I can't help but share it.
I sing to the birds. I sing to the river that flows on the other side of the hill where my home is.
It flows in the air around me, wraps its arms around me, and colours my world.
I strive to share these colours and sensations in everything I write.
— Mary V I Harrison
"Mary is not only a joy to be around, but a fabulous lyricist and co-writer.
I love how versatile she is, being able to write to any genre that comes her way,
from country to k-pop, she’s adaptable and keeps me in line when I veer off track"
Lynn Bowtell -10 time Golden Guitar winner,
Artistic Director of the CMAA Academy of Country Music.
I love how versatile she is, being able to write to any genre that comes her way,
from country to k-pop, she’s adaptable and keeps me in line when I veer off track"
Lynn Bowtell -10 time Golden Guitar winner,
Artistic Director of the CMAA Academy of Country Music.
“Mary V I Harrison is a consummate songwriter and music entrepreneur.
She has successfully landed songs in television as well as launched several artist careers through the power of her songwriting.
Working with Mary over the years as a co-writer and client, I have always been impressed with her
catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics and most of all, her focus and professionalism.
She is a world-class writer with songs as delightful as her personality.”
Gilli Moon - LA based multi-award winning Australian Singer-Songwriter,
CEO of SongsAlive! and Crea8ve,
Podcast and TV host,
She has successfully landed songs in television as well as launched several artist careers through the power of her songwriting.
Working with Mary over the years as a co-writer and client, I have always been impressed with her
catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics and most of all, her focus and professionalism.
She is a world-class writer with songs as delightful as her personality.”
Gilli Moon - LA based multi-award winning Australian Singer-Songwriter,
CEO of SongsAlive! and Crea8ve,
Podcast and TV host,
“I love writing with Mary. Her passion and knowledge
about songwriting and the music industry are valuable qualities she brings to the table.
Along with this, she brings strong ideas with meticulous attention to detail for song evolvement and refinement.
Calm, cool, and collected, with many achievements,
Mary’s experience and ongoing endeavours with songwriting
inspire so many, especially those who work with her.”
Shirley Lynn - Australian (North Queensland)
Indie Artist and Singer-Songwriter
about songwriting and the music industry are valuable qualities she brings to the table.
Along with this, she brings strong ideas with meticulous attention to detail for song evolvement and refinement.
Calm, cool, and collected, with many achievements,
Mary’s experience and ongoing endeavours with songwriting
inspire so many, especially those who work with her.”
Shirley Lynn - Australian (North Queensland)
Indie Artist and Singer-Songwriter