In the tale of love, our mind and rational thinking are overshadowed by the desires of our hearts. At times, the infatuation is so powerful that it often takes over and propels the person into an unreasonable stage of yearning. Navigating this state between dream and reality, London singer/songwriter Maya Lane releases ‘I Don’t Know You Yet.’
On her upcoming EP, ‘The Hurt and The Healing,’ Maya Lane takes the time to capture her experiences during the post-COVID era, when she felt thrown into the deep end of adulthood. Using songwriting as a therapeutic tool of expression, she makes sense of her feelings. She shares that working on ‘The Hurt and The Healing’ offered her a sense of closure.
Adding to her growing list of accomplishments, Maya Lane was this year’s winner of the American Express Unsigned competition, which allowed her to perform at BST Hyde Park alongside Noah Kahan as the headliner. She reveals more about the application process and how she found out the great news.
Maya Lane is on a promising journey towards making a mark as a rising pop/folk singer-songwriter. Her presence carries a genuine sensitivity and honesty, exploring relatable topics. Due to be released on September 4th, ‘The Hurt and The Healing’ will serve as a soothing tool for love-struck souls, with Lane’s sonic evaluations acting as a guiding force for others.
Your new single ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ is the latest teaser of your new EP, ‘The Hurt And The Healing’. What role does this track play in the full EP concept?
With the EP I wanted to take the listener through these different stages of growth and overcoming something challenging. ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ sits in a moment between a dream state and reality. Much like the EP, as the song progresses I feel like it takes you on the journey of coming to terms with the reality or a new chapter of life.
What inspired the messaging of ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’?
‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ is the age-old tale of imagining you love someone before you actually know them. It came from the idea of thinking you’ve fallen for someone but when in reality you have fallen for a made up version in your head, or you’ve dreamt up the ‘perfect’ person all together. ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ sort of acts as a yearning lullaby.
Your new EP will be released on September 4th. How did the writing process for this project help you with your own personal healing journey?
For me being able to write my feelings down and turn them into a song is the most therapeutic thing. It helps me untangle, process my emotions and put a lot of things to rest. Making this EP allowed me to close one chapter and step into the next!
What period of your life acted as the canvas for this EP?
I think like most people I struggled during Covid and also coming out of it, especially when trying to navigate all the change that was going on in my life. ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ is actually the oldest song on the EP, I wrote it just as I had finished school and during a time when I felt as though I’d been thrown in the deep end, into the adult world. On reflection I think the EP really shows and displays the growth I’ve experienced and lessons I’ve learned since then.
What was the most helpful piece of advice you received when you were starting out?
Two things!
1. Be yourself! I know everyone says it but there is already one of whoever you are looking up to or comparing yourself too! Stay focused on what feels right and is authentic to you and there will be people out there who connect with it.
2. Keep going! The music industry can be a tough place and you are constantly dealing with rejection. Remind yourself why you are making music, (for me it’s the joy it brings me and the ability to connect with others) and just keep going! You never know what’s around the corner 🙂
You performed at this year’s BST Hyde Park, supporting Noah Kahan, as the American Express Unsigned winner. Could you please tell us more about this process, how you applied etc?
I actually found out about AMEX unsigned through a friend who had seen it advertised. I applied that evening and to be honest I wasn’t expecting to hear anything back as over 4000 people applied! I feel very grateful to be one of the winners and to be a part of the Unsigned roster alongside the other incredible musicians!
How much time did you have to prepare for your BST set? What was important for you to incorporate in the set time you were allocated?
I found out when I was in Nashville so I had around two months to prepare, which was so nice as often gigs come in very last minute! I really wanted to make sure I had a mix of new and old songs to keep it interesting for the audience! I also asked the audience to pick a song which was a really nice interactive moment.
How was your experience performing at the festival?
Oh my goodness, it was the best. To open for and then get to watch some of my favourite artists was such a dream. It was really special and something I’ll never forget seeing that many people show up early and sing along. I feel as though I was able to fully get lost in the performance and enjoyed every second of it!
What would be your ultimate festival line up?
Ahhh such a hard question!! There are sooo many artist I would love to see play at a festival on the same line up, but a dream day would have to include Fleetwood Mac, Kacey Musgraves, HAIM and I would loveeee to see Chappell Roan!
The day before your EP release, you will perform at the Grace. Will it be a part of the EP release party? What can your fans expect form this show?
Yes! I am currently planning it all and I can’t wait to bring people into my world and show them what a ‘Maya Lane’ headline show is like! I’ve always been a little nervous to headline a show as I’ve spent so many years supporting, but it feels like the right time with the EP coming out. Without giving too much away all I can say is there will be two amazing support acts, new merch, some fun freebies, and of course the chance for us to all hang out and meet 🙂
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and dreams for your career?
Oooo so many, if I started writing them down we’d be here all day! The main thing is to be able to continue doing what I love the most, which is writing, releasing, playing my music live, connecting with people all round the world! And hopefully one day I can headline Glastonbury hehe!
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Words: Karolina Kramplova