MaryJane Thompson, born deaf due to bi-lateral atresia running in her family, is making waves as the singer and keyboard player of Wellington’s two-piece band, Deaf Edge.
Despite significant hearing loss, Thompson’s passion for music has never waned. From a young age, she would immerse herself in music, singing along to favorites like Jeff Buckley and Lauren Hill. Reflecting on those early experiences, she describes how the sound felt external, always just out of reach despite cranking up the volume.
At the age of 20, Thompson’s life changed dramatically when she received a bone-anchored hearing aid. “It was amazing to hear my voice for the first time,” she recalls. This newfound ability to perceive tones opened up a world of understanding and expression previously unknown to her.
Simon Cummings, the band’s guitarist, was drawn to Thompson’s extensive catalog of over 1000 songs and spoken word poetry. He admires her unique approach to music, which blends dream-like folk with experimental elements. Working closely together, Cummings relies on visual cues from Thompson during performances to navigate musical changes seamlessly.
For Thompson, the songwriting process is intuitive, waiting patiently for words and melodies to emerge naturally. She meticulously records herself, ensuring pitch perfection by sensing vibrations and matching frequencies within herself. Thompson admits she doesn’t know any other deaf musicians personally, a sentiment echoed by Deaf Aotearoa CEO Lachlan Keating, who acknowledges Thompson as a trailblazer in the realm of deaf singers.
While deaf rappers using sign language interpretation have gained visibility, Thompson stands out for her vocal achievements within a community where singing remains uncommon. Keating notes the growing trend of sign language interpretation at major music events, underscoring a broader movement towards inclusivity in the music industry.
Currently, Deaf Edge is busy crafting a new EP, poised to further cement their unique place in both the local music scene and the broader community of artists breaking barriers.
Related topics:
KANYE WEST ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM MUSIC INDUSTRY
WHAT HAPPENED TO GRETCHEN WILSON COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER?
HARRY DANIELS, TIKTOK SINGER, SIGNS WITH UTA