Recorded from her Berklee dorm, produced with ASTRØMAN, and featuring acoustic guitars, warm keyboards, and a gentle steel guitar, Fiona Marais’ take on Billy Joel’s classic soared on social media, earning a repost from the legend himself.

Fiona Marais delivers a powerful rendition of Billy Joel’s Just The Way You Are, a song that has stood the test of time with its warmth and sincerity. Produced alongside ASTRØMAN, the cover is a delicate blend of acoustic guitars (played by her father David Marais), rich keyboards, and a gentle steel guitar that glides through the arrangement, adding depth without overpowering the song’s intimate feel. Every element is carefully placed, allowing Fiona’s vocals to shine, soft yet confident, controlled yet expressive, capturing the essence of the original while making it unmistakably her own.
Recorded straight from her Berklee College of Music dorm room, the raw authenticity of her performance resonates. There’s an unpolished charm in the way she delivers each lyric, as if singing directly to someone across the room. The stripped-down production enhances this feeling, creating a balance between nostalgia and personal interpretation. The warmth of the acoustic guitars, the low-ends comfort of the keyboards, and the airy steel guitar work together to frame her voice in a way that feels natural, effortless, and deeply personal.
The cover quickly gained traction on social media, drawing in tens of thousands of listeners who connected with its sincerity. As shares and engagement grew, the song caught the attention of Billy Joel himself, leading to an unexpected yet powerful moment, his personal repost of Fiona’s version on Instagram.

A nod like that from a legend is rare, a testament to the impact of a well-performed cover and a reminder of the power of a great song in the right moment. This isn’t just about a viral post; it’s a clear example of how music, talent and a great songs create real momentum.
Accel Artists and Goathead continue to carve a path where good music meets the right opportunities, and the new freshly signed Fiona Marais is a shining example of how great work, careful planning, and undeniable artistry lead to growing success.
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