MAETA IS THE FUTURE OF SOUL AND R & B
Maeta is letting it be known that her time is now, and she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. From her chart-topping hit “Through the Night” to her latest upbeat EP with Kaytranada “Endless Night”, Maeta is solidifying her spot as one of the top musicians to look out for. Check out our exclusive interview with her to learn all about her come up in the industry and what lies ahead in the near future.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
You signed to ROC Nation about 5 years ago. Tell us about how this happened and how you feel working with them 5 years later!
Well, I started off doing Instagram covers and was inspired by Justin Bieber since that’s how he also got discovered. So, I began posting them weekly and my manager at the time was sending them to anyone he knew at the time who was at different labels.
Omar Grant was one of those people and he’s now the Co-President of Roc Nation so back then after he saw it, he flew to Indiana and met me. We had dinner and I was signed a few weeks later! It all happened so quickly.
You just gave me a little panic attack because I can’t believe it’s been that long; it really doesn’t feel like it. Roc Nation is huge on artist development. They pretty much signed me from nothing, being such a little weirdo with no stage presence, followers, no music out, so I’m proud of how far I’ve come based off where I started.
I’m grateful that they took a chance on me. I feel like labels aren’t doing that as much anymore. It feels like you kinda already have to be famous or more established to get recognition from them.
Is that why you still do covers when you have live performances sometimes?
I don’t think I’ll ever completely stop doing covers, I love singing other people’s songs! It feels more fun than just singing my own. It’s exciting for me to switch it up sometimes so for the rest of my life I’ll probably always do covers every now and then!
Once signed, you moved to LA alone, didn’t have much money and had to adjust from being in Indiana with your family to alone in LA. Take us back to this time in your life at 17/18 years old and talk about what it was like for you.
It was ruff starting off! I was listening to this song earlier and it was like “Cheers to the days we were struggling” and I thought to myself, damn I really made it out! Back in the beginning, I was just so excited to start recording. I was in the studio daily for like 4 months straight.
When I got signed it wasn’t like come move here, it was more so like come down for a few months to record then go back home to Indiana and we’ll see, but I didn’t want to go back home!
I thought I was going to instantly blow up and become Beyoncé in less than a year, but life was like… Maeta, it’s not that easy! I’ve learned overtime to manage my expectations to avoid major disappointments, things hardly ever work out exactly how you plan it to anyway so I’m just trusting God throughout it all.
I love Don Toliver’s “Swangin on Westheimer”, but I also really like yours. It gives the song a feminine touch. Take us back to what made you choose to cover this song and what that process was like.
I’m not going to lie, I was with a man at the time and the song came on and I was like, I want to remember this moment so I’m going to cover this song. I love taking more masculine music and making it soft and feminine. It’s seriously one of my favorite songs I’ve ever put out, to this day! I still listen to it pretty often.
Maybe I’ll get to work with him one day. I wanted him on my song “ASMR”, but it didn’t end up happening so maybe one day in the future. I just started working on my debut album not too long ago, so anything can happen so we will see!
Your “Habits” EP that was released in 2021 has 7 songs. Ever since I first heard “Sending My Love” I haven’t been able to live without it since! Talk to us about the inspiration behind it.
The Habits project was about me having a crush and trying to get him to like me. Then I went through all the shit which inspired a lot of the music on that project. The track list for this project tells a story, which is why I love it.
If you had to play only one song on this project for someone who’s never listened to it before, what would it be?
Probably “Bitch Don’t Be Mad”. It’s not really my vibe anymore but it’s sassy, shows off my vocals and talking about a man like always!
You’ve spoken about how early on in your career you felt like you had issues with older and more experienced men in the industry about things you didn’t really know or understand. You wished that the younger you knew to stay strong, understand that knew that you must maneuver in a male dominated industry with emotional men and not letting that affect you. Can you elaborate more on what that time in your life was like and other lessons you’ve learned?
I’m still going through this now, but I would say that people can make you look bad in certain situations, but you can’t worry about making everyone else happy while letting yourself down. I’ve learned that how others perceive me is outside of my control. As long as I’m moving through life with the morals I believe in while respecting and treating people right while having a good heart, that’s what will get you far in this industry.
You went on your first tour last year and performed here in America and Europe. You did so well, it was great to see you at your Atlanta show be in your element. How was that experience like for you?
I was so nervous about the European crowd because I didn’t know how they would feel about me and each city was different, but they were really passionate and loved my music. They loved the music and when I think back on it, Paris was the most amazing show, and the audience was going crazy! London had the biggest audience, and I had to pick a bigger venue because of it!
Amsterdam was so interesting because they were so respectful to the point that I thought they hated me a little lol. Now I think they were just appreciating the performance but overall, it was an amazing experience.
You’ve talked about having stage fright and getting more comfortable with live performances. What are some things you’ve done to loosen up and get more comfortable with it?
I’m still learning that it’s my shows and that I’m in control of the crowds. For the most part, I take things as they come and try to see what the vibe is while I’m performing. Sometimes people will hold up weird signs, I’ve been yelled at by people in the audience who want me to perform certain songs, but it is fun to people watch and see the diversity of my audience.
What was the process of finding your sound as an artist?
Honestly, I’ve loved so many different things but my A & R who signed me (he’s also Rihanna’s A & R), I completely trust him. We’re very close and work hard to make the process flow as best we can. It’s been fun seeing what does and doesn’t work and experimenting with my sound. I never put out songs I don’t like but sometimes it will happen, and he always ends up being right.
For those who don’t agree or believe in you, their place in your life will find itself. I used to think I knew everything, and I still do lol but trusting your team and being open to new ideas is the key to progressing in this industry.
You’ve said your A & R challenges and pushes you to be at the top of your game. Why do you think it’s so important for artists to have the right A & R for them and what are some things you’ve learned about yourself through yours?
As artists, we like to think we can do everything and even if we can, it’s good to have someone who is good at doing their own thing too. Do what you’re best at and allow the A & R to play their role as well. They figure out the producers, features, so many small things that pull it all together. I’m so grateful for mine!
When I think about lessons I’ve learned from my A & R I think about the song “Cool Cat” on “When I Hear Your Name”, I was being lazy to hit the high pitch notes or on “Through The Night” I was fighting the ending but I trusted him and it ended up being such a big moment. So, pushing myself and not accepting mediocrity has been big lessons for me. Songs are like a painting and is never done until you put it out!
You opened for Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R. What did you learn from live performances at their shows?
One thing I took from those experiences was that it’s ok to feel uncomfortable or humiliated. Sometimes you have to push through the fear and just go for it. Those shows were so scary because no one knew who I was, the crowd wasn’t singing along with me… I pretty much was like here I am! Which can be the most awkward and uncomfortable thing sometimes, but it rips the Band-Aid off which builds your confidence and willingness to keep going.
Now it makes me appreciate fans who learn my songs, go out of their way to come to my shows and I’ve had people tell me they became fans of mine after seeing me at those Jazmine Sullivan shows, so although it’s scary I think it’s worth it.
What I learned is that I had to start working the crowd, move around the stage, get use to being on tour, not getting drunk every night before shows, maintaining my health and wellness so I can put on a great show.
Your latest project, “When I Hear Your Name” has 13 tracks that are all fire. Many think it’s your debut album, but it is an EP. Lucky Daye, SZA and The Dream all worked on this project as well. What is your current favorite song on this project? How long did it take to complete it?
This EP took me a few years to complete. We started it in like 2020/2021 and when personal things happened in my life, I took some time off and was trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted in my life. So, it was like a restart when I came back and I’m glad it all happened the way it did.
My favorite song is the one I worked on with The Dream, “See You Around”. It’s actually the least streamed song on the project but I love it so much. I was crying while recording this song and going through the motions of losing someone so it’s always emotional for me, but I love it so much, and the beat too.
You co-wrote a song with SZA when you first got signed about 5 years ago. What song from “When I Hear Your Name” is it?
It’s called “Anybody”, and we’ve had it for years but what’s funny is we added it to this project at the last minute, it wasn’t even supposed to be a part of it! My A & R wanted to put it out but since the vocals were 5 years old, I re-recorded it quickly so it could make the deadline. My friends had been hearing that song for years, so they were happy I finally put it out lol.
I think it’s so crazy that you hung out at Beyoncé show with Jay Z! What it like meeting him? What advice has he given you about your career?
I’m so mad that I even told that story because people were going off on me! I said that we caught eyes and lots of people on TikTok were taking it the wrong way! It was a Christmas party, and a few people were telling him how it was going to be my year so when he asked me if I was ready, I said, “I’ve been ready!” And he was like don’t give me that bullshit answer lol.
Every time I see him now, I’m in my head like say the right thing! When I saw him at The Book of Clarence movie premiere, he was telling me how people were talking about my BET Soul Train Awards performance and that things are finally starting to take off and to keep pushing and keep going and stay consistent.
Your “Do Not Disturb” EP released in 2019 and features 6 songs. It features the sensual song “Press Play” and the very self-love banger “Baby Girl”. When you think about your first project to the current music you’re working on, how much would you say you’ve sonically improved as an artist?
I think back then I was trying to figure it all out. Taking what I could get song wise, struggling to get people to work with me, things like that. I’ve grown into a woman; my music has more soul and pain now.
You’ve been on tour all summer with Chris Brown and you’re featured on his latest album. What has it been like working with him as well as being on tour together?
It’s been so much fun, the tour was incredible and we loved him and his team. I learned so much watching his show and truly miss the whole experience.
You’re currently working on your debut album. When do you think we can expect it? If you could get any feature you wanted, who would you love to have on it?
It’s still in the works, definitely early next year if I’m being realistic. It’s all about love of course, and is also very introspective. Doesn’t sound like anything I’ve done. No features yet, but would love to do something with Chris again, or maybe a rapper… open to all the possibilities! John Mayer is a dream as well.
You’ve mentioned that if you could spend more time doing things outside of music it would be owning a pet sanctuary and possibly mentoring or teaching kids. Talk to us about your passion for these things and how you would make that part of your life someday.
I love animals so much I can’t even help it. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to adopt any and everything. I lose sleep thinking about animals in danger or pain so would love to one day put that to use!
Earlier this summer you released your highly anticipated dance EP “Endless Night” produced by legendary DJ Kaytranada. In your opinion, what is the most underrated song on this project and why?
The most underrated song on the project to me is “Turn Me On“. It’s so sexy and free and never gets old to me!
What are a few hair and beauty products you would never go without?
I love Weleda Skin Food from Whole Foods. It’s so thick that you have to mix it with an oil, but seriously it leaves your skin so hydrated. It’s a scent to it but the product is organic! Someone I just met with amazing skin told me they use beef tallow for their skin, and I ordered it to try it out for myself.
People always ask me what I do to maintain my curls and sadly I don’t take the best care of my hair, and I use random products I’m gifted and don’t have a routine for it. I do use Got 2 B to slick my hair back. I also tried The Doux hair mousse, and I love that on my curls!
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Photographer: Juliet Wolf (@julietwolf)
Creative Director: Child (@childartiste)
Hair Stylist: Jason Alarcon (@jasonhaiir)
Makeup Artist: Dion Xu (@makeupbydion)
Wardrobe Stylist: Soki Mak (@sokimak)
