From the dynamic landscape of RnB/Soul artists emerges the exciting voice of Maya Hirasedo. A Japanese native raised in Melbourne, Australia, the young singer-songwriter combines motifs from her roots with old school and new era sound to complement her deeply tonal voice.
With stylistic influences from greats like Brandy, Amy Winehouse and Destiny’s Child, Maya’s music is imbued with evocative, moody instrumentals balanced with flowing melodies, evoking a wide spectrum of emotion.
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
Growing up, I was inspired by artists like Brandy, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna and Beyoncé. My parents would also play Sade, Lauryn Hill and Michael Jackson in the house. That fostered a love for music. Music was my first love. It’s always been a healer for me and my way of expressing myself. The feeling music gives me as a listener and as a creator… is unmatched. I’m blessed to have people around me that constantly inspire me, artists that I adore listening to and fans that appreciate my music.
What differs you and your sound from other rising R&B singer-songwriters in the music industry?
In a time where so many artists sound similar or have similar styles, I think, just having a unique voice and my own style separates me sonically. I also think a lot of people are surprised by my vocals. They are usually confused how 5ft me has such a thick voice.
Your new debut EP ‘Times I Fell Pt. 1’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the project?
‘Times I Fell’ is a concept project that I started working on back in 2019. Part 1 is about the times I fell in love. It encapsulates love, lust and euphoria. I created the songs during my time in New York, Toronto and Melbourne.
The process was rough. Being on a tight lockdown in Australia really hindered my creativity but I got a chance to work remotely via Zoom and FaceTime with some really amazing artists such as Kaleem Taylor and Gen Bello.
A good amount was created in person with some other songwriters/artists like Phi11a, Jerome Farah, Hamley and producers HAMLEY, ARTT, and Larce Blake. moedoisnice engineered the entire EP and co-produced on almost every song.
Visually, I really got to see the project come to life when I collaborated Zac Harris who directed the video to my most popular single ‘I Know.’
I also got the chance to work with Madeline King and her team on the visuals for ‘Sinking’ and ‘True Love’. We shot both videos in Broken Hill and it was an incredible experience.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
‘Safe With You’ means a lot to me. It’s so honest and encapsulates what being in love feels like to me. I would really like to create a video for this record. Hopefully I get a chance soon, and for my other song ‘Put It Down.’
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments?
Wow moments for me happen when I see how much people really gravitate towards my music. It’s still early days for me, but I appreciate each and every person that listens to the music I create.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Do it because you love it and have a team that supports you. There’s going to be moments that really push you to your limits or times you feel frustrated. In those moments, you have to remember that you’re doing it for to really ground yourself. Having that team who understands you and gets your vision. It helps with that grounding and makes everything you set out to do so much easier.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
The sky’s the limit. I’m unsigned and completely independent. We’re able to travel and perform again. The potential is endless.
Anything else you would like to add?
Part 2 will be here soon!!
‘Times I Fell Pt. 1’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Maya Hirasedo
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