Louis Knight – Maya

By starrymag | June 15, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as singer-songwriter and pop. My biggest goal is to create timeless music. For me, that means keeping the song very organic at its core and then building up production that best serves the tune.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Some of my biggest influences are Jon Bellion, Sam Fender, Coldplay and Queen.

Q) You’ve been compared to artists like Lewis Capaldi, Niall Horan and James Arthur. How does that make you feel?

A) It’s a massive compliment to say the least. It’s definitely validating that I’m on the right track. They’ve all been inspirations of mine at some point or another. I just hope to one day be an influence to younger artists the same way Capaldi has been to me.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Burn This All Down.”

A) “Burn This All Down” is about me losing myself and my relationship with songwriting during the pandemic. It was the first time I’ve dealt with significant anxiety and depression. This song is about trying to find a way out of that place and the frustration that comes along with that

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think people are connecting to the honesty of the song. We all go through highs and lows. If I can be open about mine, then perhaps it can help someone else not feel so alone in a low moment.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) We went with quite a literal metaphor. We knew that we needed fire to be in the video, so we were thinking of what we could do. Since so much of the song is about my relationship with songwriting and trying to navigate my career, I just thought, “What if we lit a piano on fire?” Luckily, my great friend and director, Danny Gevirtz, was all for it!

Q) Tell us about your newest single “Maya” and the inspiration behind the music video.

A) “Maya” is about falling in love in the Netherlands and wanting to stay in that moment forever. I spent a lot of time riding trains in the Netherlands and always found them to be so romantic and inspiring. Even though we were filming in California, I had to make sure there was train in this video.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It tends to vary from song to song, but I typically start with playing a chord progression or melody on a piano or guitar. Next, I start singing to figure out what I’m trying to say. It’s a form of therapy for me and I’m so fortunate to have this outlet.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I pretty much have to be in the room co-producing the whole time. I work with the producer to find the right instrumentation, sonics and melodies that I’m looking for.

Q) You’ve got a 6-track EP coming out soon. What can you tease will be some themes you will be exploring on it?

A) The EP explores a lot of my career and the struggle that comes with it. It dives into love, relationships, and mental health!

Q) You recently performed at The Mint in LA. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love performing at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. I did my first ever open mic there when I was fifteen years old! They have a beautiful upright piano you can play, which is seemingly becoming more and more rare, as I do more gigs.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to collaborate with Sam Fender or Martin Garrix.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I’ve honestly had Sam Fenders’ Seventeen Going Under album on repeat for the last year. There have been points where people don’t even let me play it in the car anymore because I listen to it so much.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) At the moment, social media provides a way for artists to get their music out to new potential supporters and have them be a part of the journey. It’s a special thing.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you so much. I’m so happy that my music resonates with you. Please keep growing with me and I can’t wait for you to hear the upcoming EP.

 

 

 

Listen to New Song “Maya” by Louis Knight

 

Louis Knight Music & Social Media:

Music: Spotify| Apple Music | “Burn This All Down” 

Social Media: Instagram | TikTok