Love rarely follows a straight path. It moves through moments of certainty and doubt, closeness and distance, heartbreak and healing. On her latest EP, Rotterdam based independent pop artist Mari Ova transforms those experiences into a deeply personal collection of songs that feel both intimate and universally relatable.
After unveiling each track individually between February and July, Mari Ova has officially completed her third EP, a contemporary pop project that captures the emotional complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the courage required to begin again.
Rather than presenting listeners with a traditional release, Mari Ova chose to tell her story one chapter at a time. Each single introduced a different emotional landscape, gradually building toward a complete narrative that explores the many stages of love and self discovery.
The EP features six tracks, including the emotionally charged “I Was Real,” the reflective “If I Stay,” the introspective “What I Need,” the atmospheric “Tonight,” and the recently released “If I Could Fly,” a collaborative duet with Dutch artist GNTL. The project is completed by a remix of “I Was Real” from Spanish DJ Antono, who reimagines the song through a more electronic lens.
At the heart of the project is Mari Ova’s ability to combine honest songwriting with a modern, polished sound. Her music embraces contemporary pop while incorporating electronic elements that give each track a sophisticated and stylish character.
The final single, “If I Could Fly,” released on July 30, serves as both a conclusion and a new beginning. The collaboration with GNTL adds another dimension to the story, highlighting themes of connection, longing, and the emotional distance that often shapes relationships.
Meanwhile, Antono’s remix of “I Was Real” offers listeners an entirely different perspective on one of the project’s most emotionally resonant songs. By introducing new textures and electronic influences, the remix demonstrates the versatility of the original composition while expanding its emotional reach.
What makes this EP particularly compelling is its sense of authenticity. Mari Ova doesn’t rely on exaggerated storytelling or overproduced emotions. Instead, she creates space for vulnerability, allowing listeners to find pieces of their own experiences within each song.
With this release, Mari Ova continues to establish herself as a distinctive voice within the independent pop landscape. Thoughtful, emotionally rich, and sonically modern, her third EP stands as a compelling reflection on love, loss, growth, and the transformative power of music.
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