Maye: Music Flows In My Veins

It is not everytime you stumble on someone whose music knowledge spans different genres. Maye, a music producer and now, artiste, speaks to Guardian Life about what makes his debut single “Catch Cold” unique and the inspiration behind his music.

1)    When describing your music, one word that comes to mind is versatility. From Afrobeats to Reggaeton, you have explored almost several music genres. What influenced this musical diversity? 

I am influenced by a diverse range of artistes who inspire me to always want to try something new – that’s majorly where the versatility comes from. I am also big on collaborating with different artistes, exploring new genres and experimenting with different sounds. Because music changes quite often, I always want to make sure I stay fresh by being on top of my game without losing my authentic self.

2)    Apart from the talented musician we know, what else does Maye do? Also, describe a typical day in your life. 

Aside from being a singer, I am also a music producer. My daily routine is when I wake up in the morning, I pray, run some errands, have breakfast then settle into writing songs and making beats. If I get a song idea, I go straight to the mic and record. In the evening, I take a stroll around my neighbourhood; spending time in nature helps me clear my head and inspires new creativity. I also love board games like chess as it keeps me focused on strategizing while hanging out with my friends helps me unwind and stay grounded. We usually just talk about the happenings in society and all the exciting activities happening within Nigeria’s music industry scene.

3)    Looking back, what events would you say led you to start a career in music?
So there are several reasons:
My mom told me to join the children’s choir when I was little and I obeyed.
I saw the response to my first freestyle on Olu maintain Naughty Instrumental after disturbing my Bro for weeks to link me up with his artiste and friend J O and he did. Thereafter, I met his music producer “Emdizzle”; watching him create music really gingered me to want to sing and produce my own music. From there, I met Issac Shed who helped me release my first single.

4)    Breaking out in the music scene isn’t as easy as it sounds. Are they any challenges you have faced or continue to face?

As an aspiring artiste in a very saturated market, it is not always easy to get the attention of labels or distribution companies that will want to listen to what you have. It doesn’t also help that I am more of a reserved person. This is why I am really excited about working with the team at Quville; they have been very helpful in providing the right kind of support and guidance that a new artiste like me requires to succeed. They are very experienced label managers and have access to the right kind of network that can really help me take my musical career to the next level.

5)    With your first major single “Catch Cold” coming out soon. What would you say listeners should expect? 
Catch Cold is about a guy throwing shade/subs at an ex who didn’t appreciate him while they were in a relationship and now telling her that he is a Big Boy. It is a very catchy song and will resonate with many people.

6)    Songs just don’t happen; there is a process behind them. Given this, walk us through your creative process, from writing to recording. 
I make freestyle from melodies then rewrite them for better quality then use a day or two to come to it with fresh ears.

7)    Compared to a few years ago, how well would you say you have grown as an artiste? Also, where do you see “Maye” in the next five years? 
I see myself as a continuous work in progress. I always strive to get better than the day before, in terms of my work ethic, making deliberate attempts to put myself forward for more shows and really building my fan base and music audience. In the next 5 years, I hope to have impacted people with my music and really give them an opportunity to reflect on their life moments when they hear my songs.

8)    Not to put much pressure on you but if you could choose only one music genre to sing forever, which would it be and why?
I will choose afro beats! It is really the genre of music I can say it’s ours and it can be fused with other genres: pop, R&B, rock, and gospel. There is just a feeling when you hear those African drums and percussions coming together and it releases happy pheromones into the soul that changes your mood automatically.

9)    Every artiste has someone they look up to in the industry. Name some of the artistes that inspire you and how their sound helped you find your voice.
The first album I knew off heart perfectly was Asa then Wande Cole. Micheal Jackson was always the last song for the night, and Burna Boy made me understand that you don’t have to let them see you coming with the lyrics and vibe.