INTRO BY DANA GALO
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF MALIA
Rising singer-songwriter Malia just recently returned from touring with popular singer and producer, Syd. Having just released her first LP, “Late Bloomer," after collecting a strong following from her singles and music video for “Simple Things,” she has only continued to gain popularity. As an LA-based artist, she is known for her positive vibes and casually easygoing energy that translates into her music. She has since gained over 1 million streams on Spotify, and is featured on numerous hits with other artists.
How old were you when you first became interested in music? When did you realize that you wanted to make it your career?
"I first became interested in music at age 5 when we would have music time at school and I noticed it was always my favorite time. I didn’t realize I wanted to make it a career until I was 26 and I hit a turning point in my life where I started to change my mindset."
In your own words, how would you describe your music?
"My music is really just vibrations of different parts of my soul. I would call it refreshing and pure and stems from my soul and or what I’m feeling or experiencing. I think it makes people feel good."
You recently finished up the “Always Never Home Tour”. How was it? What are some of your favorite memories from the tour?
"Tour was awesome, it was my first time and the experience was great. The whole time was fun really, I was surrounded by friends and the audiences were really kind to me so it made it easier."
You also recently released your debut album “Late Bloomer”. What was the process like creating the album?
"It happened pretty fast actually, I flew out to LA for what was supposed to be 2 weeks to create with Nick Green and Rose Tan, but it turned into about a month of solid work of long studio days and then a couple added live recording days at another studio with other musicians. I’m grateful to have had an opportunity to work with a producer in that capacity and also for all the time and hard work on everyone’s part who was involved, including the behind the scenes support. It was a huge learning experience and a symbol of a lot of growth for me so overall a positive experience! And I’m proud of the music and of what we made."
Of the songs on the album, which would you say best represent you as an artist?
"Naked is my favorite song and represents me because its the type of R&B my ears love, and I really enjoy making that feel of music."
Where do you find most inspiration when creating music?
"I find inspiration everywhere, from nature to people, to peers, family, to my reading, etc. It can strike at any moment and comes in many forms for me."
PHOTO BY ROBERT ALLEYNE
Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?
"I would say to never expect anything from me lol, but there will definitely be new music in the mix at some point this year as I continue to share my path and my journey with all the listeners. I’ve been spending a lot of time with self care and becoming more and more aware of my thoughts & the creation of my reality…Actively focusing on the present and not allowing the planning of future events to be too rigid or time consuming. Id like to continue to go deeper with this practice. Basically working to be as authentic as possible with my creations and give a raw, real vibe to the people out there who are listening, supporting, sending love, and honestly those who aren’t as well."