ABOUT
The Mara
Founded in 2022 on the sun-soaked west coast of Taranaki, The Mara brings a fresh take on indie rock, blending global influences with a signature Kiwi twist. Their sound is a vibrant fusion of Latin, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European elements, layered over the feel-good energy of a classic New Zealand summer.
Meet the Band
The Mara is made up of a tight-knit group of musicians, each bringing their own unique style and energy to the mix:
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Jordan Jones (vocals, guitar, songwriting) – A songwriter who draws inspiration from his diverse upbringing across East Africa, the Middle East, and New Zealand.
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James Mora (drums) – Brings high energy and creative rhythms that drive the band's dynamic sound.
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Barbora Varnaite (keyboard, accordion, vocals) – A lover of Latin and reggae piano, with an eastern European accordion style that adds depth to the band's sound.
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Richard Grant (bass) – A globally experienced musician, known for his melodic and intricate bass lines.
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Mason Bailey (saxophone, wind instruments) – A rising jazz talent who adds a rich, dynamic brass layer.
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Jason Vinod (lead guitar) – A Wellington-based guitarist with an exceptional command of melody and tone.
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Jake McComb (fill in bass, composition) – An absolute weapon on the bass, keeps the band in line and an all round good guy
Live Experience
The Mara are known for their high-energy live shows, creating an atmosphere that gets the crowd moving. With upbeat, danceable rhythms and infectious energy, they have audiences dancing, singing, and chanting along—whether at an intimate venue or a festival stage. Their performances go beyond the music, often featuring unexpected surprises like balloons, confetti, and even bananas, making every show a unique and unforgettable experience.
Gaining a fast-growing reputation, The Mara have shared stages with top acts such as Summer Thieves, Sojourn, Flaxxies, The Slacks, Black Comet, Tait Kora, and Coterie.
They’ve also performed at festivals including Shipwrecked (Te Arai, Auckland), Luckystar (Dickie Flats, Coromandel), Seaside Sounds (New Plymouth), Backyard Bass (Ahititi), and the TSB Festival of Lights (New Plymouth).
PHOTOS
Mr. Professor Man –
A Music Video with a Message
One of The Mara's standout projects is the music video for Mr. Professor Man, directed by Nomad Films. Featuring 18 local child actors and filmed in a school setting, the video highlights the challenges faced by neurodiverse students and the need for greater understanding and acceptance in the classroom. The concept was deeply personal to the band, and the project became a community effort, involving a talented local cast and crew. The video gained national attention, featuring on TVNZ’s Breakfast Show, where the band had the opportunity to share the story behind the song and its message.