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A singer-songwriter, a Ford model and even a drama teacher, Maiysha has certainly been busy on her road to stardom. Nicknamed “Denise” after the character in The Cosby Show because she was so “quirky” growing up, Maiysha was influenced early on by the musical greats in her father’s music collection, like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder and Prince. Her own album, This Much Is True, reflects these influences in what Maiysha describes as its “progressive soul” sound. With a dozen original tracks and a wicked-cool cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer,” this album feels out everything from love and heartbreak to the struggle and redemption every artist finds in his or her work. Now, with a Grammy nomination for her very first single, “Wanna Be,” Maiysha is finally getting the press she deserves. We were delighted to catch an exclusive interview with her about the album, her Grammy nod, improvising when things go wrong and appreciating what matters most.
We are so excited about your album! What are some things you feel it expresses about you?
Thank you! You know, I named the album This Much Is True because it’s exactly that: a collection of truths about me. It’s an eclectic album, and that’s because it’s expressing a lot of different aspects of my personality. Sometimes I’m bold; sometimes I’m confused, flirtatious, angry, scared or hurt. But, ultimately, I’m always optimistic, and I hope all of that comes through in my songs.
What do you hope people will take away from it?
I hope that people will take away a little bit of me, because I put a lot of myself into it, and I hope it leaves them wanting to hear more!
Did you ever think you would be nominated for a Grammy?
I certainly hoped I would be nominated at some point and hope I will be again, but didn't expect it to happen so early in my career—after all, I haven’t even released a second single yet!
Other than being really busy, how has your life changed since being nominated?
Well, since my nomination was for the first single off my first album, life hasn’t really changed much. I’m still trying to get my name out there and my music heard. The Grammy nod is definitely a huge help in doing that, but there’s still a lot of work to be done!
Has your personal style changed at all?
I’ve always had a pretty strong and eclectic personal style, but my music career, in addition to allowing me to flourish as a singer–songwriter, has definitely given me room to spread my wings, fashion-wise. Obviously, my choices have to be very strategic—after all, a lot more people are watching—but at the end of the day, I always do me!
Have any new fashion trends caught your eye?
I try to stay up on trends, but that doesn’t mean I follow them. I think you have to know yourself well enough to know what works for you and leave the rest to everyone else. For instance, I’m not sure I’m feeling this return to minimalism because I love to experiment and mix it up a bit, like a bit of classic rock, like leather and studs, or a little Boho chic or ’80s glam. Whatever I'm feeling at the moment. However, if I do go minimalist, I wouldn’t mind having a great monochromatic moment, one strong color head to toe. Not sure I can pull that off though!
You are definitely talented and gorgeous. How do you feel about being a role model—in music, acting, beauty and even in womanhood—for so many people?
Thanks again! To be honest, it took me such a long time to “find myself” that it’s sometimes weird to think of people looking to me as an example. But all I can be is myself, which is a flawed individual, like everyone else, and be honest about who I am. At this point, I’m still very much a struggling musician and emerging artist who’s also battled an eating disorder, had a great modeling career and many, many broken hearts. If I’m a role model for anyone, I hope it’s for my strength and resilience. I take risks, and sometimes I fail, but I always get back up.
What do you hope to inspire in others?
I hope I inspire others to seek and find their purpose and to commit to it, no matter what. It took me a long time, seven years, to get my album made, and there were plenty of points where I nearly gave up, especially since I had a modeling career to fall back on. But music is my first and eternal love, and that’s my real fallback. No matter where it takes me, I’ll never regret the struggle that got me here.
Have you met any of the performers or celebrities who inspired you?
I actually met jazz singer Cassandra Wilson; Natalie Cole, my childhood idol; and Res, an urban/alternative artist, while I was out at the Grammys. All three of these women have influenced and inspired me in different ways at different points in my life, so it was beyond cool to come in contact with them. It’s a great reminder of why I do what I do.
Are there any you’d still like to meet?
There are tons of artists I’d love to meet. Stevie Wonder, Robin Thicke, Chaka Khan, Adele, David Bowie, Annie Lennox...the list goes on and on. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance!
Have you had that moment where you’ve thought I’ve made it?
The Grammy nomination was very validating for me as an artist, but I definitely haven’t had the feeling that I’ve “made it” yet. I’m not really sure what that would feel like, but, in all honesty, I kind of hope I never get there because then I’ll stop trying!
What has been the most challenging performing gig you’ve had so far?
They’re all challenging for one reason or another, but, last summer, I did an outdoor appearance where the DJ misplaced the tracks I was supposed to sing over...and seemed to have no interest in finding them! I had to wing it for about two minutes—an eternity when you’re on stage—until my manager finally intervened and the DJ magically found my CD. Total nightmare!
You’ve certainly had a lot of success, but what are you most grateful for in your life?
I’m most grateful for the opportunity to make a living at what I love and to have the unconditional support of my family and friends...and now, my fans!
What’s next?
Next up, I release my next single and continue to do a lot of performing, which is my absolute favorite thing in the world. The rest has yet to be revealed, but I’m looking forward to it!
And so are we.
Click here to listen to songs from Maiysha’s new album.
