Maruja Retana once started a career as a psychologist, but quickly realized music was her real passion in life. Now, as a singer/songwriter, she loves to do it all: writing music and lyrics, making beats, recording, and singing her heart out on stage. She performs weekly at big events and parties all over the Netherlands, Europe and occasionally in NYC. As a songwriter, she has worked with several top Dutch producers, DJ's and songwriters such as Fedde LeGrand, Allan Eshuijs (Evacuate the dance floor), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams), Tearce Kizzo Keaz, and Geert Huinink (Tiesto), to name a few.

 

She signed a management and publishing deal with Sony in 2011, and has since been writing and recording nonstop in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the US, and the UK, always sharing her passion and talent for infectious pop music with influences of rock, urban, funk and dance music.

 

Maruja's first single 'Right through me', a catchy and melodic dance pop record, was released by Spinnin Records in November 2011, after it got over 600k views on YouTube within a month, without any promotion.

 

Her ultimate goal is to connect with her audience on every level, and to make music that not only stays up to date with the current trends, but that has a timeless quality to it that rises above and beyond typical pop.

 

Maruja's greatest influences are: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, and every song with a great melody, thrilling beat and with genuine soul.