1. Tell us about Mai – we haven’t heard of you before, tell us where your music is bubbling from?

MusicbyMAI is a solo project I’ve been working on over the last year or so with producer Paul Frazer.  Songwriting has always been a tool I use to express my emotions and the experiences I come up against. From a young age I’ve always turned to the piano when feeling stressed or wanting to escape into a musical world for a few moments.

I usually write from a deep emotional state whether angry confused, exhausted - it’s my way of processing.

2. How would you describe the sound of Mai?

I’d say it’s still pretty early days but I’ve tried to restrict myself musically to Bass, Beats, String layers, Keys, loads of Vocals and NO Guitar!

3. You’re a woman, who seems to be following the trend of ‘self releasing’ – what is your take on the music industry for women?

I suppose if I wait for the industry to come to me it’s never going to happen.

The more gigs I do and the more I experience what it’s like to be a woman in music the more I want to keep doing it, even if its just to inspire one other woman to step out and be authentic, uncompromised and embrace the technology out there that’s become available to us. 

I’m inspired by the boldness and courage of women like Amanda Palmer who’s self releasing using Patreon and just worked with the amazing Imogen Heap without the record label ties that would usually get in the way. 

I loved the passion and unique vulnerability of Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill and have always been a fan of Bjork’s production. 

I love Laura Mvala’s new material too - it’s so fresh and I remember seeing her at the Pyramid Stage playing piano and thought - she’s incredibly talented and her music is deeply moving.

4. Your track ‘Hold Me’ – what is it about?

I suppose it’s a song in two halves. The first half is like an observation and the second half my reaction to what I see/ feel. It’s a song written out of frustration with this overload of technology and that spirit inside all of us that makes us want to be held and feel secure.

Life is so fast and the ‘digital’ seems to cloud out reality and the ability of so many (including myself) to be mindful and fully present. I particularly see the effect of this with parents being so absorbed on their phones instead of enjoying the beauty of each moment and connecting with their children - we all do it to some extent. 

5. Walk us through the video to ‘Hold Me’ – what’s the story behind that?

The first character seeks to rescue the second character from being absorbed in technology and they go on to enjoy the experience of being on the beach and ruin the tablet - my favourite part! 

I love the freedom and abandonment children have when they’re in the sea - it’s cathartic. 

Directing the video, editing with Tom and sorting out costumes and prop’s to keep in line with my passion for feathers was great fun. I’d love to do it again.

6. Your sound seems to be one which would fit with the festival crowd, is that your intention?

Totally I love festivals, there’s nothing like being outside with thousands of other people and the buzz you get from the crowd behind you is immense. I love to connect with as many people as possible and hoping to get out and grow a fan base of people who connect with my sound and message.

7. Have you performed at any festivals this year?  What has the reaction to your music been like?

Yes, I have a couple this year coming up I’m looking forward to and really hoping to get the right team around me so I can build up to the festivals in 2017. 

After gigs I’ve had people come up to me and say my music was ‘like healing’ to them which was pretty sweet. I love the fact that a lot of girls come up to me who like that I’m using technology and not relying on a couple of blokes to press a load of knobs. One guy called me a ‘tech head’ in the studio the other day, which made me laugh.

8. Are there any releases or albums planned from Mai?

Yes, a second track is coming out 1st July and another in August just because people kept nagging me at gigs and online and I think it’s nice for people to hear what I sound like before coming to a gig etc. I have a load of songs ready to record that I’m mega excited – watch this space.