MAYA

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After a massive 2017, neo-soul vocalist Maya is back with a stellar new single Blackout, about a moment forever lost in time, released May 11.  Produced by the renowned Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac, British India), Blackout is an exciting addition to Maya’s impressive discography.  The young artist has also dropped a video to accompany the track, directed by Grace Moore.

Blackout is ominous, and intuitive – as though Maya knows something we all don’t, and she’s trying to let us know.  Her flawless vocals sit atop a motivated rhythm section with urgency and skill, as her lyrics persuade the listener to pay attention.  Joel Quartermain’s expert touch has propelled Blackout into a whole new dimension for Maya, and as her star begins to rise one can only wonder what’s to follow. Speaking on the creation of the track, Maya says,

“Releasing this single has got to be one of the most exciting times of my career. Blackout means so much to me lyrically and I feel like the production is the next step sound that really represents my aesthetic…Most people have ‘blacked out’ before, whether it’s when they drink, if they black out a bad memory, or if they just forget certain things.  This song takes you through my perspective and how I felt when it happened to me – it was inspired by so many moments of blackout in myself that I still fight everyday.”

The video is as striking as the track itself.  Dramatic lighting cloaks Maya and her sisters, as Maya tries to navigate her own personal blackout.  Maya was specific about her goals for the video, as she reflects,

“The Blackout video shows a cross between the dark reality and positive space. It captures a representation of the dark energies that are felt in those fragile times, juxtaposed with a bright, welcoming space that leads to happiness. The video, set the morning after the night before features the Blackout Girls chasing me out of my dark memories until finally, I arrive at a space where there is no black. There I’m free from the watchful eyes of the blackout and surrounded by positivity and light.”

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MAYA

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I got the opportunity to ask MAYA what her favourite tracks of 2018 are, so you guys can get online and start streaming. Check out her choices below…

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King Princess, 1950:

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I have chosen this artist as her song stood out to me straight away. The melody was so honest. I connected the emotion in her voice but also the story of the music. It is very inventive and she is my newest favourite.

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30/70, Misrepresented:

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I heard this song for the first time helping out in the video and obviously, with a video clip shoot you hear the song a lot, I figured I would get sick of it but no way! This song has stuck in my head in the best way ever since, just reminding me to stand up for what I love in this world. I have huge praise for all the 30/70 family.

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Kllo, Potential:

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I am also close and huge fans with the Kllo, Chloe’s an old friend. I have been following her music since the start and adored this song. I felt it just has such smooth bass lines and melodies. I always find myself lost in their frequencies.

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Labrinth Sia Diplo, LSD:

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I loved this song! I thought it was a really fresh sound. I obviously love the vocals of SIA and Labrinth but also liked the samples Diplo chose.

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James Bay, Wild Love: 

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James Bay has been one I have been slowly getting more and more into. I just love a good smooth acoustic melody when I’m sitting at home and his new music has just been the perfect amount of everything.

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Some crazy good songs there, some I hadn’t hear of yet. Thanks, MAYA, and I love that you highlighted so much Aussie talent in that list!

And of course, make sure you check out MAYA‘s incredible new music video for Blackout:

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MAYA // Photo – LAURA DE VE`

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Connect with MAYA!

Facebook | Website

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AMNPLIFY – DB