Maya Malkin - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Maya Malkin. We discussed how new song “Hypocrite” is the breaking point of her upcoming album when there’s no holding back, what she hopes listeners take away from the song, what the recording process was like, more details about her upcoming album, what’s next for her, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Of course :), thanks for having me!
You said new song, “Hypocrite” is “like the breaking point. It pretty much starts from the beginning of the end of the relationship, and takes you to the ultimate end”. Tell us more about writing the song.
Well the "It pretty much starts from the beginning of the end of the relationship, and takes you to the ultimate end," quote is actually in reference to the record as a whole, but Hypocrite definitely is the breaking point of the album. The song itself doesn't really offer a conclusion, but it's more just the moment that I snap. I think when you love someone, it's easy to sugar-coat how you communicate with them and the things you say as to not hurt their feelings or avoid conflict. But on Hypocrite, there's no holding back. That pre-chorus lists off all the things you've been thinking in your head forever, but haven't said out loud to the other person. And then the chorus is meant to be the cathartic "yell it to the skies" moment. I knew that because of this energy, distorted electric guitars and hard-hitting drums would be necessary. Robbie and I had a lot of fun making this one. It feels very 90s coming-of-age movie soundtrack.
You’ve said the song was therapeutic for you and that you think it will be for listeners as well. What do you hope fans take away from the song?
I feel like I was raised in a world that would really rather if women remain silent, polite, and docile. I hope that the mantra of this song, which is essentially just me standing up for myself, and refusing to accept shitty behaviours and mindsets, can inspire other women to do the same. Or at least offer some catharsis to them as they yell the lyrics in their car or jump on their beds, etc.
Can you tell us more about the recording process? What came easiest in the process, and what took more time?
This song was probably one of the easiest to record on the album. It was already fully written, which wasn't the case with most of the songs, so Robbie and I really just had to focus on what the aura of the song was. We wanted it to be an upbeat, driving song that got listeners excited and referenced classic 90s pop-rock without sounding dated. I think we did a good job!
Robbie and I work really well together and tend to see eye to eye on most things, so the recording process was relatively painless in this regard. I think the longest part of the process was probably the drive from Montreal to Edmonton, haha, but that's my own doing. I don't like planes :).
You’re set to release your debut album, which includes your recent singles. What can you tell us about it so far?
I can tell you that I'm very excited. I can tell you that I'm very proud of myself and this record. I can tell you I'm very thankful to everyone who has helped put it together, my team, friends, and family are all unreal and essential to this process. It literally could not be done without them.
I write songs to understand how I'm feeling. A lot of the time, I don't really understand my emotions until I express them in songwriting form. The album has a lot of anger and frustration in it because I was upset at the time I was writing it. In one of the songs on the album called Untouchable, the first line is, "as if you get to go on existing, you're such a piece of..." and I remember hearing it back and wondering if I really wanted to suggest that someone shouldn't get to go on existing, because ultimately, I obviously don't believe that. But songs are really just emotions, and this album is all about honouring what I was going through at the time, even if some lyrics may not be the nicest, or if I no longer feel as angry. Hostage, Congratulations, Hypocrite, and Seriously are all reactions to having been treated badly and are an ode to holding myself accountable for my own wellbeing and happiness, even if it means walking away from something that meant a lot to me at a point in time.
A lot of women have reached out to me saying how much the music has helped them through their own shitty situations, and that's the ultimate goal, so hopefully, the record as a whole can offer the same therapeutic experience for anyone who can relate.
What else is coming up for you in 2022?
I'm currently prepping for a show in NYC on May 4th, which I'm excited about. It's an all-female Breaking Sound showcase. Other than that, putting the final touches on the record, and most likely touring it once it's out! Hopefully, COVID allows us to play a nice Canadian tour and maybe some international showcases. I was awarded a grant from the Ontario Arts Council for album 2, so as soon as I'm finished with album 1, the plan is to get to work, so I can keep the songs rolling out consistently.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
Thank you for having me! I collaborate regularly with the Canadian Women's Foundation, which advocates for gender equality and against gender violence, so I would encourage anyone reading this to donate if they can. Here is the link.
Follow Maya Malkin:
Follow Sound In The Signals:
No comments: