Ten years ago Maria Muller decided to sell everything she had and train as a classical singer, a decision that many of us would simply not have enough courage to do. She kept only what was essential, packed them in a suitcase, and had one last look at the life and house that she had built from the rear view mirror as she journeyed to the airport to begin her new life. We caught up with he to talk about her life since she made this life altering decision and her musical journey.

Hey Maria! So we hear you are gearing up for the release of your new single “Lost”.Can you tell us what we can expect from the new single?

The new single “Lost” expresses deep vulnerability.  However, in the end there is a resolve to honour one’s self which in truth is the greatest love of all.

Do you remember how you got into music? Have you always wanted to be a full time musician?

I have always loved music. I believe it started when I heard my Mum singing everyday as she washed dishes. Mama had a beautiful voice. I lived and breathed songs as a teenager and young adult. My desire to be a full time musician came later in my life. This was not by choice. My family were very pragmatic. They did not believe a career in music would offer any security. However, it was a calling from my soul that I could not ignore. When I had the resources I could use to follow my dream, I did.

How do you think you have changed and evolved as an artist since you began your music career?

My passion for music instilled great discipline in me. I struggled but kept on and on. It is not easy to be a musician. It has been a quest, where I started out brave and determined. I burnt all my bridges and gave up all security. However, to this day I need to take deep breaths for the courage to follow my calling.

Who would you say influences and inspires your song writing the most?

Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy) and Rufus Wainwright.

What can we expect from you in the future? Are you currently working on new material, and are there any live performances scheduled?

Yes, I am currently working on three new songs.  The Lyrics are done and now I am concentrating on the melody as well as the instrumentation. I hope to be planning live performances with Warner Music Singapore in the near future.

Can you tell us a little bit about your song writing process?

I always start with the Lyrics to a song. As I read the words and open to the emotion, the melody follows. I have to quote the iconic Opera singer Maria Callas when she taught in Masterclasses at Julliard in New York: “Don’t just sing … make the words clear … the words are important”.

What encouraged you to write “Lost”? What is it really about?

I was going through a very turbulent time in my marriage at the time. I am painfully private. It was something that my partner and I had to work through. It was about heartache and not being heard. Relationships are tough to navigate without authentic communication. We managed to speak from the heart after that dark time and now we are stronger.

And finally… if you could give one piece of advise to a musician just starting out in the industry what would it be?

Do whatever it takes to breakthrough the glass ceiling.  Know who you are and be YOU. Don’t be a copy of anyone else because that gig is already taken. Lastly, network, network, network and take deep breaths.

Lost is released on August 17th, and with new music already in the pipeline make sure to check out Maria's socials so you dont miss anything...

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