Mariko Farrell writes songs and sometimes stories. She’s performed across the U.S. and internationally, both solo and with an eclectic mix of bands. After studying classical music at UC Berkeley, she explored jazz and musical traditions from around the world, including Indonesian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin styles.
She spent years traveling and studying, mostly throughout Asia—including extensive stays in Bali where she studied gamelan. She later performed in Bali on tour with Gamelan Sekar Jaya and worked as a musician in Japan, where she was a soloist at a geisha nightclub. She has also sung with the Arabic music ensemble Aswat. These experiences have influenced her music and storytelling.
For Living Books, Mariko wrote the story, composed and produced the music, and directed Maggie’s Farmyard Adventure. She also co-directed and wrote songs for Sheila Rae the Brave, another title in the series.
Her music has been featured in Disney theme parks, Nickelodeon shows, and Fisher-Price toys. She’s also worked as a sound designer across various media, including creating a quadrophonic sound design for an outdoor art installation in San Francisco.
She wrote the story and music for Hostage, a solo musical based on her experience of being taken hostage in South Korea.
She is currently finishing her album House Occupied, with songs available on streaming platforms.