Maya Ghose – Where There Is

By starrymag | December 30, 2021

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Indie Pop Rock.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Nirvana and Ms. Lauryn Hill

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your first song “How He Looks at Her.”

A) “How He Looks at Her” was one of my first songs I ever wrote and my debut single. I used to watch a lot of rom-coms when I was younger, and always admired the gentlemen portrayed in the movies. “How He Looks at Her “is about seeing reality, but also still having hope. It’s about finding that special someone that looks at you like Ryan Gosling looks at Rachel McAdams.

 

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

A) I think fans relate to that hopeless romantic feeling. Seeing others happy in relationships when you are wishing for the same thing can be difficult and I think “How He Looks At Her” portrays that well.

 

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

A) I like to start out with a chord progression, finding the rhythm of the song first. Once I am happy with how the chords fit together, I start experimenting with melodies over the chords. Usually, I write the melody and words at the same time. I find that the words guide the melody and the melody guides the words.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your debut album Where There Is?

A) My album, Where There Is, explores themes of loyalty, independence, strength, betrayal and love. It feels like my entire self is in these songs.

 

Q) What songs on the album challenged you the most creatively?

A) “Killing Me” and “Wallflower” were the two songs that challenged me creatively. “Killing Me” was originally seven to eight minutes long with endless background vocals and harmonies as the song went on. We decided that it would sound better shortened and had to shift around different parts. “Wallflower” challenged me personally creatively because I worked really hard on the lyrics trying to make them unique. It’s the longest song on the album and has a different sound that separates it from the rest of my songs. Figuring out the best ways to build the song up while also keeping it raw challenged both me and my brother.

 

Q) I really like your song “I Don’t Want This.” And it’s a Billboard Top 50 hit, congrats! Which tracks hold a special place in your heart and why?

A) Thank you! I’m very excited to have an official Billboard Top 50 song and I cannot thank radio enough for giving me an opportunity to share my music. I think my song Where There Is holds a very special place in my heart for many reasons. I wrote it about 4 years ago, and it has kept growing on me since. I feel Where There Is captures a lot of emotion that you can get lost in, and that’s also why I love performing it.

 

Q) Your brother Brayden helped out with production of your new album, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) Brayden and I made sure to work as a team, and he always made sure I was happy with his ideas. He knew that I had a vision for how I wanted the songs to sound and, thankfully, he knows and understands me well (one of the many perks of working with your brother!). For instance, when planning out the song “Gravity,” my brother and I immediately agreed that the song was calling for violins. He worked on the main idea for them, making them sound beautiful, and I would help out with the melody and give input as well. We have become very good at compromising and trusting each other’s ideas.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out Where There Is?

A) First, I hope for my listeners to just enjoy the music for the music. These songs have been with me for a long time, and I am so grateful to be sharing them. I am a passionate songwriter and musician, so I hope that listeners will be on the lookout for upcoming releases!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) There is not one particular venue that stands out. During a performance I am all about the fans that come out to listen and gaining a connection with the audience.

 

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

A) Ms. Lauryn Hill because I love her lyrics and the framework of her songs. She is incredible and so original. Her background vocals and harmonies have been a major inspiration for my album.

 

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

A) The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This album is so good. It has got funky beats, beautiful gospel songs, and every chorus of Ms. Lauryn Hill is so catchy. The songs are amazing, especially “Tell Him,” which captures a ton of emotion.

 

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

A) I want my fans to see the real me. I love posting videos of me singing at home in my room; I feel it let’s people see into my life a little more.

 

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 for all the support! This album means so much to me, and I really appreciate everyone.