Inspired #243 - Maya Malkin
Toronto artist and creator Maya Malkin has just her brand new single ‘Congratulations’ - a melodic pop filled track filled with healing power. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Beyonce: I know this is a semi-overused answer but, she's just so iconic, and she pushes boundaries when it comes to songwriting and performance. She's so incredible to watch.
Dua Lipa: Her song structures and fast-paced lyrical rhythms have been really inspiring for me in my solo project/new music writing.
Kelsy Karter: I only just discovered her, but I was blasting her album the entire drive to Edmonton, where I went to write and record my album. She was a MAJOR inspiration for a lot of the sound and vibe of this record.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
So many! I really love adventure. I used to be obsessed with The Goonies because it was just such a classic, epic tale of "kids go on a hunt to find the legendary lost treasure."
Recently, I got really into that show Locke and Key, I devoured it in like a day and a half. Anything involving, magic, mystery, and adventure is right up my alley. I love storytelling so any film, show, or book that pushes the boundaries of reality I find fascinating because at that point the opportunities become endless, which is exciting - ANYTHING could happen!
Both of my parents are/were in the film industry while I was growing up, so I've literally been surrounded by films my entire life, there are too many inspiring ones to name!
3. What city do you find the most inspiring?
I went to London when I was in high school, and I remember just being so in love with the city. The architecture, the winding sidewalks, even the cars looked vintage!
I love any place that is entirely different from what I'm used to being from Canada. But in general, I have to find inspiration wherever I am, because otherwise, I wouldn't be able to write any more songs, haha. Which I appreciate because it allows me to push myself to be inspired by where ever it is I happen to be.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
My entire life my mom has made me feel like anything and everything is possible. She's always willing to help in any way she can, and she always offers solutions when I present problems.
She's been majorly inspiring for me and has really helped me get where I am today.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
Anger and apathy, haha. I was feeling really fed up with the state of the world and what feels like a never-ending popularity contest.
I channelled a lot of my sass into the chorus of this song - I wanted to be like, "who freaking cares, we're grown-ups, why does this still feel like high school?"
I've come to realize that a lot of the people I have felt judged by growing up are just as, if not more, insecure than I am. So at that point, if the "popular" people who are placing judgments on others, therefore, creating a hierarchy are just as unsure of themselves as everyone else, then what the heck even is any of it. It doesn't mean anything.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like to inspire people, especially young womxn, to speak up for themselves, to take up space, to heal from their traumas, and to go after what they want. I used to jump on my couch and scream Taylor Swift lyrics with my roommates when we were going through heartbreak or whatever it may be, and I've gotten some messages saying that my songs have provided this same amount of comfort for other womxn, and that makes me so happy. A girl told me she sang "Congratulations" while jumping on her bed, to try and get over a bad break-up and that it was helping her get through it. So yeah, that's the goal, really.