What is your name? 
My name is Maya Donovan 🙂 

What is your genre of music? 
I never know exactly how to describe my music. I always call it “singer/songwriter,” if you consider that a genre. I think it has elements of lots of different genres – I draw from folk in the intimate/confessional style of my lyrics, and I also borrow some harmonic elements from blues and jazz.

Give us a little bio about you. 
I grew up in Brooklyn and am still based there now. I studied voice at LaGuardia High School which is a performing arts school in Manhattan. A few years ago I graduated from Wesleyan University where I also studied music. I play piano and like to tell any stranger who will listen about my deepest anxieties in song form. 

What made you go into music? 
I’ve been singing and writing songs for as long as I can remember! I’ve written about everything from my unrequited middle school love to my hypochondria during the pandemic. Music has always been therapy for me. It’s how I process my biggest and smallest thoughts.

Who are your influences? 
Lately, my writing has been heavily influenced by artists like Weyes Blood, Fiona Apple, and Julia Jacklin. I’m so moved by the music they make. 

Are you signed?
I am currently independent!

You released your new single “We Should Get Dinner,” tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
“We Should Get Dinner” is a song about friendship and negotiating the way that it is both complicated and at times more simple than we think to maintain friendships in our adult lives.

Describe the track in two words. 
dancing // crying

What was the writing and recording process like? 
This song took shape very quickly because it really came from a place of intense frustration. The sentiment was something I needed to get off my chest, so the words just poured out. I wrote it in my apartment one morning and then played it at a show a few days later. The recording/production process was much more drawn out and happened over the course of many months because we put a lot of layers and details into the song. It was so fun to watch the song evolve, but it definitely took a lot of work to get it to where it is now!

Who did you work with on the single? 
I made this song with my frequent collaborative partner Gabe Leeman. He’s a gifted producer, bassist, guitarist, and songwriter! I have a lot of trust in his ear. 

Will we see a music video for ‘We Should Get Dinner’, and if so what can we expect from the creative process? 
There’s been talk of a music video:) If some sort of visual project does end up getting made, I will really be relying on the expertise of friends who are filmmakers. 

Can we expect an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect from it? 
I’ll be releasing some more songs throughout the summer and ultimately they will form a little EP. As is the case with pretty much everything I write, the music will be some sort of lament. Each song will be dressed differently in terms of production, and arrangement, but they will all be lyric-centric with a story to tell.

Do you have any live shows coming up? 
At the moment I’m focusing on recording and producing music, but I will certainly be playing in NYC throughout the summer!

Let us know where we can get tickets if so. 
You can always find my upcoming shows and a ticket link on my website ! Otherwise, I also announce shows on my Instagram . 

What else can we expect in 2023? 
A few more new songs and lots of chances to come see me play live.

Where do you see yourself in 5 Years? 
In 5 years I see myself going on tour, playing for bigger audiences, and writing for other artists too! 

What quote or saying do you always stick by? 
“Early is on time, on time is late.” I’m such a stickler for being early. It annoys everyone around me, but what can I say – I hate being late! Unless something is really wrong, I always show up at least 10 minutes early.

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? 
I can’t forget… – my set lists + extra paper and a pen in case I have to rearrange it last minute – to apply a healthy layer of chapstick before I start singing – to have a big cup of water at my side – to breathe – to find a focal point in the audience where I can look while singing

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? 
I can’t forget… – my set lists + extra paper and a pen in case I have to rearrange it last minute
– to apply a healthy layer of chapstick before I start singing
– to have a big cup of water at my side
– to breathe
– to find a focal point in the audience where I can look while singing

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
TikTok Instagram 
You can also follow along with my music on my website