INTRO BY KAT VISTI
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAIYA
Singer-Songwriter Maiya recently released her latest single “No Stopping Me Now,” which is more chill and relaxed than her first debut single “Sidelines.” “Sidelines” premiered on Kings Of A&R and raked up over 100,000 streams on Spotify as well as attention from KDLW 106.3 radiostation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We sat down with Maiya to get more details about her singles, her musical influences, and much more!
When did you first become interested in music and when did you decide you wanted to be a musician?
MAIYA: “When I was little I used to watch the movie about Selena Quintanilla’s life and she inspired me to become a singer. My mom also sings and growing up and watching her also made me want to sing. I started singing when I was four years old with the choir at my church. When I was five I started singing country song covers and New Mexico spanish music at local festivals. I also sing the National Anthem at rodeos, UNM Lobo games, Albuquerque Isotopes games and other events. I continue to sing at local festivals, restaurants, and anywhere I get the opportunity to sing. So music has really always been a part of my life.”
Who are some of your musical influences?
MAIYA: “My first inspiration to become an artist was Selena Quintanilla.Some other artists that inspire me are Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Etta James, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith.”
Back in December you released your debut single “Sidelines.” How did you decide for this to be your first single?
MAIYA: “I decided to release Sidelines first because i wanted to come across as a young, fun loving, carefree type of person. No Stopping Me Now is a little more deep and i wanted to show people that I love to have fun, but that I'm also a serious artist which is why No Stopping Me Now was my second song to drop.”
You recently released your latest single “No Stopping Me Now.” Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?
MAIYA: “I wanted to write a song that would help people overcome difficult times. No Stopping Me Now reminds people that even though it is easy to focus on the bad things that are happening, we need to look past them and look at the good times and appreciate every little moment we've got.”
How do you think each of these songs represent you as an artist?
MAIYA: “Well both songs are slightly different. Sidelines is fun, upbeat, and a tad bit more carefree. No Stopping Me Now is a little bit slower, and the message is more apparent, but its still very catchy and great to jam to. However both songs show not to give up and to be positive and as an artist I want to inspire others. So even though the songs are different musically, they are rather similar contextually.”
What are some goals that you hope to achieve as an artist?
MAIYA: “My goal as an artist is to inspire people and brighten their day. Whether that be only one or one million. All I want is to shed some light and joy into people's lives.”
Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?
MAIYA: “My goals for the future include writing more songs, recording them, and performing them live. I will be doing a couple local shows this year and singing at restaurants. I would also love to tour sometime in the future.”