In the space of just three beautifully realised singles,
Maya Lane’s blossoming talents have been hailed by tastemakers and folk-pop connoisseurs alike. Still just 19-years-old,
Maya’s elegant voice and timeless songwriting has earned comparisons with artists both contemporary and classic, spanning famous names such as
Kacey Musgraves,
Taylor Swift,
HAIM and
Joni Mitchell.
While a new name to many people, Maya has been honing her craft away for the spotlight for several years. Her dedication is now rewarded with a fresh landmark moment as she today releases her debut EP ‘Childish Games’. It features her three recent singles – ‘When You Need Me’, ‘Childish Games’ and ‘Still The Same’ – and is completed by the brand new song ‘Closing Down’. Listen HERE.
‘Closing Down’ introduces another side to Maya that we hadn’t heard from her previous tracks. Moving into grittier, ‘70s folk-rock territory, the song sees Maya commanding some Stevie Nicks chic in a song which feels like a thread between classicFleetwood Mac and the modern pop-leanings of Maggie Rogers.
Maya says, “‘Childish Games’ was the first song written for the EP in my first session with Jonathan Quarmby, and I immediately felt that we had created a song so authentic to me. As we continued working together, I could see the evolution of sound we were creating, each song sounding unique yet tying together cohesively. This culminated in the final song ‘Closing Down’, which describes my experiences struggling to process traumatic and challenging experiences.
I decided to name the EP ‘Childish Games’ as whilst each song tells a unique story, the common theme between them relates to struggles of growing up and transitioning from teen to adult.”
All four songs on ‘Childish Games’ were written or co-written by Maya, and they were produced by the Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winner Jonathan Quarmby (Lewis Capaldi, Tom Walker, James Arthur, Sam Ryder). Her other co-writers, both here and on other so far unreleased songs, include Benjamin Francis Leftwich (Holly Humberstone), Hayley Gene Penner (Lennon Stella, The Chicks), Jonny Latimer (Ellie Goulding, Anne Marie), Katie Rae (The Shires) and Wayne Hector (Tate McRae, Birdy).
Maya Lane has been writing and performing music since childhood. Seeing Taylor Swift’s Red Tour was a formative experience, while the soul-bearing style of Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Golden Hour’ album further influenced Maya’s own writing. While empowering, youthful, aspirational artists are her main interest, the storytelling songs of Bob Dylan have also been an inspiration.
The London-based artist shares more of her personality on social media, where she has recently shown followers around Stockholm and shared snapshots of the life of an emerging singer-songwriter. Her bohemian dream child fashion tips are also a big draw, with her looks shared by brands including RIXO, Queens of Archive and Un-Nye. Meanwhile solo acoustic performances of songs by Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus show that her talent is undeniable.
Fiercely ambitious, ‘Childish Games’ is just the start for Maya Lane.
Maya Lane will play The Boileroom in Guildford on the 17th November supporting Jill Andrews. Tickets are available HERE.
‘Childish Games’ EP tracklist:
