Mya Project Interview

 

Pop music artist, Mya Project!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Europe, between my two parent's countries, Italy and Germany.
I actually spent my childhood in Berlin, and had the privilege as a toddler of being part of the crowd of people watching the Berlin wall come down. During my time in Italy, I learned to enjoy the absolute beauty of the country and the unique history and culture. My friends always like to remind me I have the brain and attitude of a German -  and a soul pervaded with Italian passion.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music? I was born with a perfect pitch, I can play any melody by ear. My mother noticed my gift after I played the piano along with a TV commercial at the age of 3.
I started playing piano when I was 2 and violin at the age of 4. I performed on a stage for the first time at the age of 4. By the time I was 5, I was enrolled in the music conservatory in Berlin to study music and violin. It wasn't really a choice. It was a path the universe created for me. I'm just fulfilling my purpose in this lifetime.

Tell us about your creative process when it comes to writing and composing songs.
It's different every time. Being the songwriter, singer, producer and engineer of my music it's a very challenging task. Sometimes I get inspiration in the most traditional way, I have a feeling, something to say. I put it down into words, lyrics, then I build a music arrangement around it. Sometimes the sound engineer in me takes over the songwriting process. I play a riff with my guitar, or I find an interesting beat on my drum machine. Then I build the structure around it. Then the music I create inspires my lyrics.

Do you perform live often? I love playing at Festivals, particularly in Europe. The organizers are amazing and it's a great opportunity for exposure. I book slots at music festivals pretty much every summer. I do not perform for any venue with a "pay for play" policy. It's an awful practice meant to take advantage of young artists and since I've been in the business for years - nobody fools me.

How do you engage with your audience and build a loyal fan base? It's difficult, I won't lie to you. Particularly when your music doesn't sound like the other major labels music puppets. I do have a team of PRs and promoters that help with advertising any new release, however I think the live shows are still
the most authentic and honest way to build a fanbase. I engage with my audience by posting new videos, live versions and music recording tutorials on my social media. I acknowledge that It's very important to have a social media presence, although I don't like to spend that much time on social media. I like living the real life, interacting organically with the people I love.

What sets you apart from other music artists in the industry? For the past 20 years there's been very little creativity in the industry. Artists look the same. They sound the same. They act the same. The industry has been creating clones of pseudo artists that have nothing to do with music creativity. Most mainstream music acts are just a business tool meant for profit. And the profit goes to the "Industry" (for whatever that means) not the artists. I say: "F..k the industry" and I do what I like. I do what I'm good at. I speak out. I compose my music for myself first, then my audience. And that's what sets you apart from other music artists in the industry. 

You are also an audio engineer. Do you have any favorite apps or plug-ins you use? As any professional sound engineer, I'm a Pro Tools enthusiast. It has been my choice since I started recording.
I'm a big fan of analog outboards such as SSL and NEVE compressors, but I have to say my only choice when it comes to using digital plug-ins is Universal Audio. I use an Apollo audio interface and DSP with many recording and mastering plug-ins. The accuracy and quality of Universal Audio is uncanny. Their digital version on the Manley VoxBox (which I use on my vocals) is very close to the analog one when it comes to quality, precision and warmth.  

Tell us about any collaborations or performances that have been particularly impactful in your career. I had the honor of working for a few years at Abbey Road studios as an assistant sound engineer. I have wonderful memories related to that period. I worked with artists of the caliber of Coldplay, Massive Attack, and Depeche Mode. Depeche Mode's music and production in particular have influenced my music. By working with their engineer, I learned how to "package" my music with class. Depeche Mode is still one of the most influential bands in my music production.

How do you stay motivated and inspired as a music artist? I don't. I don't fool myself into the "thinking positive" policy. The music business sucks. It's one of the most corrupt businesses nowadays. There -  I said it. But that won't prevent me from expressing myself. Mozart was never acclaimed as a genius when he was alive, and died in profound poverty. That didn't stop him from writing some of the finest classical pieces. That's the essence of an artist. As I said before, I don't give a f..k

What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the music industry? I'll be producing music until I die. That's my long term goal. Regardless of fame and fortune, I'll fulfill my purpose until I can hear, breathe and think. And drink a glass of the finest Chianti wine before my last moment on earth. 

http://myaprojectmusic.com