In this interview spotlight, I chat with Maya J about her new release (Princess), AI in music, dream collabs, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Tell us a bit about your newest single “Princess,” what is the back story?
“Princess” is a song for all the princesses out there. Sweetness and strength are not mutually exclusive, but sometimes people have to learn that the hard way. I really wrote it in the midst of anger and other mixed up emotions surrounding my kindness being taken for weakness, unfairness to me as a woman in the music business (and entertainment as a whole) and finally standing up having a conversation when the person is shocked after I make moves. Hence the line, “You left your dirty footprints, so why your eyes stuck wide?”
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this release?
I was trying to show a different side of myself within my music catalog. I know I’ve shown my sensual side and my emotional sides within music, but never the sassy girl who stands up for herself. The people who listen to me finally can have some of that side too. I consider myself tempered, but I also have some self awareness. I always say that I’m kind of like a Sour Patch Kid [Candy]; you’re gonna taste a bit of everything — a little bit of sweet, and a little bit of sour — when you pop me into your mouth. Seriously, this theme and message needed to be heard. Just stop trying me and we can be best friends. haha.
Aside from the lyrics and story material, I really wanted to blend some different styles together, which I’ve always done, but with this in particular I wanted to bring my violin into it, and actually play live. I’m excited that I created a piece where there is a beat and violin solo bits throughout. As a musician, I hope to do more of this where it makes sense to. I never force anything, and my violin in this was all in-studio improvisation. It just felt right.
This AI thing is getting way out of control. I have students using ChatGPT to write death metal songs about country music…and country songs about being sad. You can feed some Ais a text prompt and create a Hollywood-quality short film. How do you feel about this new wave of technological innovation?
I personally am so terrified of AI, because now I have seen what it can do. This is why AI was such a huge point of discussion during our SAG-AFTRA strike last year. The only entities creating a film should be humans, with human skills and human talent. No one is against technology used as an assistant, but when technology becomes the creator, humans begin to lose complete control. Unfortunately, that is starting to happen. If we let this get too much further without putting legal limitations on it, then I feel humanity as a whole is in danger. I mean there is so much dystopian literature on this topic, but I think it felt so distant to people that no one viewed the dangers as real to them until recently, where it’s almost too late. Technologies and AI have already taken normal jobs and created a difficult workforce for the masses, and now AI is killing creativity. The saddest part is that with AI videos floating around, no one knows what is real or not. The line between fact and fiction is too blurry now, and that harms all industries and our political system. Corporations are in the mindset of, “Who needs an artist when AI can do it faster and no one really cares about authenticity anymore?” This is why we need laws, regulations and limitations on how far things can go with AI. We cannot let AI replace real actors, real musicians, and real humans. It has gone too far, and hopefully we pull the reins before it’s too late.
I know it’s hard…but what’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time? If not favorite, in your top 3?
Okay. I love so much stuff, old and contemporary, so let’s see. I’m just going to tell you the first things that come to mind!
Rihanna – icon. Riri, I have some songs for you so if you happen to read this, DM me!
Sade, Roberta Flack, Carly Simon, and Vivaldi. Boom.
What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?
I have been doing this for so long I don’t even know how to deal with not doing it. The drive to create, write songs, act, all of that is innate. It’s like I’m on autopilot. Even on bad days — which I definitely have — it always seems like there is a creative type of plan in my head.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? Please plug them with a link so readers can check them out.
Sade and/or Lana Del Rey. Honestly the vibes would just be insanely beautiful.
Where is the best place to stay connected with You?
Instagram — @mayajenkinsforever and sign up for email updates at thisismayajenkins.com or mayajmusic.com
I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off?
STAY SPARKLY! xo – Maya J.
