Meet the Joni Mitchell-inspired rising star making timeless music you need to know.
In 2022, it’s hard to make songs that stick: with music coming our and at our ears, it’s always special when a song arrives and it hits the right spot. Maya Lane has set out to make that kind of music. Inspired by the likes of renowned singer-songwriters Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, as well as the more current Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves, she wants to create the kind of tracks that stand the test of time.
Digging deep into herself, Maya Lane is ready to share what she’s found, and her debut single teases just how much she has to give. Dropping ‘Still The Same’ last month, the 18-year-old has got us itching for her first EP, due out later this year: it’s a nostalgic song full of the heart of the people who inspire her, innovated with her unique outlook and delicate songwriting. We get to know the rising star to find out about her brand new song and where her journey is taking her to next…
Congratulations on ‘Still The Same’, your debut single! How was the release?
Thank you so much! I feel like it’s been a long time in the making, as I’ve been working on my music for years. Being able to finally release ‘Still The Same’ has been so exciting and rewarding.
What does the track mean to you?
I wrote the song about feeling like everything around you is changing but you are still the same person at heart. This is told through a vivid breakup story. Whilst, the storyline of the breakup is imaginary and not written from personal experience, I can obviously deeply connect to the main message of the track.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?
For as long as I can remember I have loved music. From the moment I could talk I’ve been singing and making up songs. Being able to pour out my feelings and emotions into songs is the best thing. I think one of the most memorable experiences was when I went to my first concert at the age of 10. I saw Taylor Swift’s Red tour at the O2, and was just completely blown away. I remember standing, staring at the stage with my mouth wide open in awe, thinking this is what I’m going to do. Realising that my biggest passion could be my job and part of my life made me fall in love with it even more.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I take inspiration from everywhere! I grew up listening to a wide range of music, from folk, reggae, pop, hip hop to rock, but the music that I’ve always been most drawn to is 60s and 70s folk and country music. The storytelling songwriting of artists like Bob Dylan and the effortless, timeless vocals of Joni Mitchell forever inspire me. In terms of when I’m writing my songs, I often write from personal experience, but I also love putting myself into other people’s stories and using my imagination. I find that books, films and photos are also super helpful when doing so.
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
Authentic, Heartfelt and Timeless.
You’ve been sharing your folk-pop takes on songs by the likes of Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, tell us a bit about covering these kinds of artists and what they mean to you?
One of the things that helped spark my love for music was covering my favourite artists. I actually started gaining a following on Instagram by covering songs weekly, alongside playing weekly gigs (singing covers and my original music). I love being able to take a song that people know and seeing their reaction when I make it my own.
If you could collaborate with any musician in the future who would it be and why?
That is such a hard question, as there are so many incredible artists I hope to collaborate with. I would love to write with Kacey Musgraves. Her album Golden Hour made me realize that you don’t have to be tied down to one genre and has really influenced my music.
Where do you hope to be this time next year? What about in 5 years?
Creatively, I’m a super ambitious person and dream very big, so there are so many things I hope to be doing in the next few years. If I started typing out my list of goals we would be here forever (haha)! I can’t wait to be playing more live shows and festivals, in bigger venues around the world. I’m also really excited to keep releasing more music and seeing people connecting, loving and listening to it.
What’s coming up next for you?
I’ve got so many exciting things planned that I can’t wait to share with you. I’m really looking forward to releasing my EP later on this year.
Press play on Maya Lane’s ‘Still The Same’ below now.
