Marykate O'Neil, is a New York City based American indiepop singer-songwriter from Hudson, Massachusetts. Marykate has so far released four critically acclaimed albums and has a relatively small but very enthusiastic fanbase. Following 2002’s self-titled Marykate O'Neil album, 2006’s 1-800-Bankrupt, and most recently, 2008’s mkULTRA EP, 2009's Underground presents a collection of exquisitely crafted, impeccably literate pop songs. With her work previously hailed by critics as “deeply authentic and original” (Rolling Stone) and “pure magic” (Filter), Underground reaffirms O’Neil’s exceptional talent for heartfelt, bittersweet songwriting. O'Neil's music is melodic timeless pop while her semi-satirical personal narratives land right in modern times. While attending Boston University, O’Neil ended up singing and playing guitar in the indie-pop outfit Piewackit. Though the band had a deal with IRS Records and was pulling off shows with Ida, Mary Lou Lord, Juliana Hatfield, Lois, and Elliott Smith, things fell apart, and O’Neil moved to New York City.

In 2002, she recorded her self-titled debut album, financing the project with pre-approved credit cards. The record caught on among fans of literate pop, and reached the top 10 of the CMJ charts, which monitors airplay on music on college and independent radio stations.

Along the way, O’Neil befriended likeminded musicians and writers and found herself working in Nashville with singer -songwriter Jill Sobule, Brad Jones (Josh Rouse, David Meade), and Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo, Sleater Kinney). O’Neil is also known for her DIY ethic and typically records song tracks in her home as well as doing her own album artwork.

The Nettwerk music group picked up “1-800-Bankrupt” and re-released the album, broadening O’Neil’s exposure. She has toured Europe and as well as holding a consistent East Coast tour schedule. She either plays solo or is accompanied by a rolling group of friends and fellow songwriters typically: Jill Sobule, Jim Boggia, Ken Maiuri (Pedro The Lion), and Ira Elliot (Nada Surf) among others. Marykate O'Neil’s music is a blend of metropolitan indie high society and Music City's tradition of sanguine, heart-crafted songwriting. Marykate has had songs featured in several independent films including the Sundance Award winning film, Stephanie Dailey. Several of her songs have been covered by Japanese pop star and actress Tomoyo Harada.

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