A Conversation With Maya Lane
A Conversation With
Maya Lane
Maya Lane’s debut EP ‘Childish Games’ introduced her as a vital new talent in the UK folk-pop scene. Blending the pop appeal of Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift with the classic songwriting of Joni Mitchell, it established a first wave of tastemaker support for a young artist with a ‘70s soul and style. Next up for the London-based singer-songwriter is the new single “24F“, which represents her first new music since the release of the EP.
Listen HERE. Watch the official video HERE.
We caught up with Maya to have a natter about her life and career so far.
NSG: Good morning Maya and how are you, what have you been doing so far and how’s that going?
Maya Lane: Good morning! I’m really good thank you, so excited to be sharing music again. As I’m writing this I’m currently on my way to a songwriting session!
NSG: Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Maya Lane: I have lived in London my whole life. I feel really lucky to have grown up somewhere so diverse and with so much to offer. London obviously has a great music scene, so there was always an abundance of gigs to watch and play, which as a young artist was and still is really inspiring.
NSG: How did your journey as a musician begin?
Maya Lane: Ever since I can remember I have loved music. I was always the kid who would put on shows for my family and take part in all the talent competitions. I grew up listening to a wide range of music from soul to rock to reggae, but I was especially drawn to the timeless sounds and captivating lyrics of folk artists of the 70s like Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. I started playing live at the age of 12, performing anywhere I could (festivals, pubs, open mics) and my love for performing has just continued to grow.
(24F Single art Work)
NSG: You have just released your new single “24F“, I must say it’s a beautiful song! Wanna tell us all about it?
Maya Lane: Ahh, thank you so much! I wrote “24F” about experiencing a moment that takes you back to a phase in your life that holds uncomfortable memories, but with hindsight, you are now able to look back on it differently and heal. In the song I use the plane analogy to represent looking back at past trauma and how once you zoom out and step away from the moment you can see it from a different perspective. I do have a funny little story behind my reason to release this song first. At the time I wrote this song, I was feeling a little confused and lost as to where to take my music next. I actually named the song “24F” on the day we wrote it, (picking a random seat number) and almost two months to the day later, I got on a plane, got handed my boarding pass and it said “24F“, some might say a meaningless coincidence, but I took it as a little sign that I’m heading in the right direction.
NSG: How would you describe your sound and who have been your biggest influences musically?
Maya Lane: I describe my sound as pop music with country and folk influences. I take a lot of inspiration from the older timeless artists I mentioned before; Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell. But I also love contemporary artists such as HAIM, Adam Melchor and Kacey Musgraves. I think they’re all incredible songwriters and musicians and I love how they aren’t afraid to cross genres and be themselves.
NSG: To date, what has been your biggest WOW or defining moment as an artist?
Maya Lane: To be honest, it’s so hard to pick one moment, I feel so lucky to be able to write and release music and call it my job. However, if I had to pick one moment, it would be going on my first writing trip to Nashville. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing and being able to go out there and collaborate with and learn from some amazing musicians was an unforgettable experience.
NSG: What is your dream as an artist?
Maya Lane: My main goal as an artist is to continue to put out music that I’m proud of and that is authentic to me. I dream of the day my music will take me on tour around the world and audiences will sing my songs. I would also love to headline Glastonbury (but wouldn’t we all haha)
NSG: Name three artists we should be listing to.
Maya Lane: I’ve just discovered an artist called Debbi Dawson and I love the sound she’s creating (think classic country melodies with a modern twist). I’ve had Noah Kahan‘s album ‘Stick Season’ and Lexi Jayde’s new single “Bandages” on repeat recently too.
NSG: If you could sit down for dinner with any three people from history, past or present, who would they be and why?
Maya Lane: I would love to sit down with Dolly Parton, her music is phenomenal, and she appears fun, kind and super smart. To have made her way so successfully in a male-dominated industry at a time when it was so challenging for women is so inspirational. Taylor Swift, no explanation needed! I have loved her since the day I saw her Red Concert when I was 9 years old. Lastly, I pick Florence Welch (Florence And The Machine) and try to convince her to go vintage shopping with me afterwards.
NSG: What is your favourite food/meal and who’s it cooked by?
Maya Lane: I am such a foodie, so I could talk about my favourite meals all day long. My all-time favourite food is Sushi, I could eat it every day and never get bored. But I have to say my Dad is also an incredible cook, everything he makes is so flavourful, I love to cook with him and learn his tricks!
(Maya Lane_Credit: Melody Berkery)
NSG: If you’d not have become a musician what other career do you think you’d have pursued and why?
Maya Lane: Since music has always been such a huge part of my life I probably would have still gone into the music industry, whether as a songwriter for others or something more business-focused like A&R or publishing. If I had to pick something outside of music I would have loved to go into the fashion industry. I am obsessed with vintage clothes (especially from the 1970s) and spend a lot of my free time rummaging around markets to find vintage gems.
NSG: How is the rest of 2023 looking for you?
Maya Lane: After diving into this next chapter with the release of “24F” I’m looking forward to the rest of the year. I have lots of gigs/shows coming up and am planning to continue to release more music!
NSG: Thank you so much for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Maya Lane: Thank you so much! Please check out my social media for information on live shows, updates on new music and some vintage fashion content hehe!
To follow Maya Lane on Social media, click on the links below
