After making a huge impression with her previously released singles 'Face It', 'Colors We Dreamt' and 'Lost My Love' earlier this year, New York-based singer and songwriter Maisie May is back with her sensational new EP, also called 'Face It'.
Channelling the rich and vibrant direction of acts like Dorian Electra, Charli XCX, and Silver Sphere, 'Face It' makes for a wonderfully smooth and shimmering return for the young artist. With its subtle production levelled perfectly against her own soaring voice, this new collection marks a crucial moment in her fledgling career.
So with new EP out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was my voice. I have been singing for as long as I can remember. My mom always tells me that after my first day of kindergarten I asked her, “HOW many years do I have to go to school?” And she said “About 12 more years, why?” And I said “ugh. Because they won't let me hum in class!” Singing has always brought me joy.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up on Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morrisette, Dido, Sheryl Crowe, Natasha Bedingfield, Avril Lavigne, Shakira, the list goes on… I always loved listening to the female powerhouses.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I technically didn’t ‘own’ it, but I remember I would always steal my mom’s Blondie album, “Parallel Lines.”
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Toxic” by Britney Spears. Such a pop anthem and it would be so fun to perform!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I often write music at the end of the day, after coming home from my restaurant job. I think of it as a way to wind down. I’ll often have a glass of wine and write at around 10pm. It feels like a form of self-care when I write music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Caroline Polachek, Ok Lou, Dorian Electra, and SOPHIE.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Charlie XCX.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When I sit down and write music, it always starts with myself. I’m looking to cope, to observe, to celebrate something, etc. But when I get to the final stages of a song, I get this massive amount of joy when I imagine sharing it with people. The idea of taking this thing I originally made for myself, and then realizing that there’s a chance someone else might resonate with it... that truly is the most rewarding part of being a musician.
And what is the most frustrating part?
One frustrating part about being an independent musician is that I find myself having to do a lot more than just making/performing music. I work a part time restaurant job so my budget is low. I can’t afford to hire people to do the business side of building my music career so I often find myself spending days at a time working on stuff like that. The business side is really important so that more people can find and connect with my music, but it’s a bit exhausting when I have to do it all myself and still find time/inspiration to write music, and to work my day job.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is this: Try your best not to take it personally when people don’t connect with your music. Don’t see it as a negative thing, see it as a beautiful thing. Everyone has different tastes and that is what makes art so special. Our differences in opinion about art is what allows it to keep going, and to be ubiquitous. If we all had the same opinion about art, there would be far less discussions about it, and far less motivation for people to make more of it.
This piece of advice has not only given me more confidence to put myself out there, but it has changed the way I view other people’s art.
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Maisie May's new EP 'Face It' is available to stream now. Check it out in full via the player below.