When it comes to the realm of pop music, Maya Kuriel is quickly becoming a household name. The Seattle native and current Los Angeles resident, has been mesmerizing audiences with her one-of-a-kind vocal melodies and songwriting talents.
Maya’s musical career began at the tender age of four when she started making songs. She developed a love for songwriting and recording as she got older, and by the time she was 16, the foundations were laid for the music starlet she would become. In the future of 2020, the 23-year-old singer has already established herself as a pop sensation with the release of her breakout track “Intoxicated.”
In 2021, Maya released her debut EP 21 Years to Realize, which has since accumulated nearly a million streams. The EP is a potent illustration of her development as an artist, both emotionally and creatively; it highlights her gifts as a songwriter and performer. Featuring six songs, the project helmed standout cuts like “Messy” and “Obsessed With Me,” both of which serve as a welcoming addition to her catalog. The following year, Maya’s rise to stardom continued with tracks such as “Helpless” and “Love You Now That It’s Wrong.”
Maya’s approach to beauty and fashion is a natural extension of her artistry, and it’s an integral part of her overall brand as a pop singer-songwriter. Differentiating herself from her contemporaries, the musician’s distinctive aesthetic gives her songs and performances an extra dimension. In both her music videos and live shows, Maya is often seen donning daring and fashionable outfits, demonstrating her appreciation for aesthetics. Maya’s style choices are a reflection of the messages she spreads via her songs, which frequently center around themes of self-love, acceptance, and empowerment.
Keep scrolling to delve into our in-depth interview with pop superstar Maya. Not only does she open up about her rise to fame and her creative process as a musician, but she also reveals her personal beauty secrets and gives an inside look at her journey as an artist.
To begin with, I’d love to hear more about your upbringing and how you became the person you are today. What sparked your interest in music?
I’m a first-generation Korean American and I started singing when I was 4. My parents are a huge part of what sparked my initial interest. I grew up in a house full of music and was exposed to all types of music genres and different languages. My dad would play his guitar each day and even when I was a baby, my parents would have me fall asleep to classical music.
I’ll never forget my 10th birthday, when they gifted me a professional studio session. I chose the song Innocence by Avril Lavigne. Shortly after, my dad set me up to learn a free recording software called Audacity and I started recording covers of my favorite songs at home. At 16, I mustered up the courage to begin to write my own music and never looked back.
Your music has a very distinctive sound—how do you go about crafting and refining your sound as an artist?
Honestly, I’m still crafting and refining my sound every single day. I’m an independent artist, currently, so I have full creative freedom which I’m so grateful for. My main genre is pop but I don’t like to be put in a box. I often open myself up to experimenting with R&B, soul, and even jazz and classical music for school projects. I’m currently obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Songwriting and Music Production and I’ve learned more in the last couple of years than I ever thought I would. Knowledge is power so the more music theory I learn, the better and more mature my music becomes.
As far as someone influential that’s forging their own path or known for setting trends, do you have any beauty icons?
I would say Rihanna! I think it’s so admirable and beautiful that she started Fenty Beauty when she saw a void in the industry for inclusive makeup products. Especially when I was growing up, as a POC, it was discouraging to see very little women on TV or in beauty campaigns that looked like me. Makeup should be for everyone to enjoy. I think Rihanna is a great example of pinpointing a problem within the beauty industry and tackling it head-on.
We all have those holy grail beauty products that we can’t live without. Do you have any that you would consider your personal favorites?
I absolutely love the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara. For years, I was on the hunt for a mascara that didn’t make my eyelashes look clumpy or droopy. I’m so glad I found it! I also couldn’t live without my Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer from Fenty Beauty. I just get the clear shade, Glass Slipper. The shimmer that it gives my lips is incredible and it’s the perfect finishing touch to any look!
It’s important to take time for ourselves and practice self-care—do you have any specific beauty or self-care rituals that you make a regular part of your routine?
Yes, I have recently been loving my Gua Sha. It’s such a peaceful way to wind down. I do my skincare and then use a good moisturizer before I do it at night. Staying hydrated is also a huge part of my self-care routine, as well as taking baths! I love to end the night with a bath and bath bomb. I find that if I take care of myself and feel good, that will set me up for success the next day!
As far as self-expression, where does the world of music and beauty collide for you?
Music and beauty collide when it comes to all of my music campaigns such as social media content, photoshoots, and music videos. Picking out the perfect makeup look for a new song is so exciting! I enjoy doing my own makeup and being able to make creative decisions.
I’ve been branching out more, using colors I would never have touched before and it feels so liberating to be able to creatively express myself through my looks. It’s an additional plane and tool for me to amplify the message of my music even further, all while boosting my self-confidence as well.
With all the demands of a career in music, it can be tough to find time for ourselves – how do you make sure to carve out time for self-care and beauty practices in your busy schedule?
This one is tough because I’m still finding a healthy balance. I just try to remember how good I feel when I set aside extra time for myself. I’m aware that self-care is necessary for me in order to not go insane!
Your music often deals with themes of love and relationships; what inspires you to write about these topics, and how do you hope your music will resonate with your listeners?
Most of my music is written from personal experiences and my friend’s experiences. If I’m going through something, I’m usually able to observe how I’m feeling, catch it, and write it down, which is something I’ve had to learn. I know that certain situations that I go through are most likely not unique to just me, so I love when people say that they’ve gone through the same things and that they can relate.
I find comfort in the music I listen to, and I’m grateful that I can share such vulnerable topics through my own music and bring comfort to others. I want to tell a story with each release and whether people can relate or not, I hope that they enjoy it!
Last year, you had a truly phenomenal run with singles like “Helpless” and “The Devil Works Hard” among others. What’s in the cards for 2023?
I’m excited to make and release lots and lots of new music. Like I mentioned before, I’m still experimenting with my sound so each time I step in the studio it’s a brand-new experience. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned from music school and apply it to my new releases as well. Hopefully, lots of upcoming shows and my goal this year is to be booked for a festival or as an opening act! I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me and I can’t wait to share my music with as many people as possible in 2023.
