Maya Songbird

Let’s refresh our memories, shall we? It’s been a minute since I’ve written about my latest Muses. But a while back I was ruminating on how much I love MAYA SONGBIRD. Maya is my MUSE and I got questions. Is it her tantalizing voice that drips from the speakers? Is it the way she captivates crowds in her velvet dresses and vintage jean jumpsuits? Is it the glitter that freckles her ebony face like tiny constellations against the night sky? Shit, maybe it’s her Twitter feed, which by the way is hilarity, and you should follow the queen at @YOMayaSongbird…

Whatever IT is, Ima have to give thanks. I have a crush on you Maya. Can you tell?

Maya Songbird and I both stay in East Oakland, an area notorious for stifled dreams and the suffering that ensues. But Maya and I also know it as a place where families go about their lives, cultures merge, delicious food abounds and hella roses grow from the cracked, concrete streets.

Maya is set to release a new project called Writing My Life. The EP is a collaboration with West Oakland resident, Trippy Swaggart. I enjoy anything that brings folks together, so I sat down with Maya to talk music, muses and her upcoming release!

Who were your musical muses growing up?

I lived for the Whispers. Every Sunday, after church, when we got in the car, I swear like magic “Rock Steady” would be on. My mom would wait until we got around the corner from church to turn the volume of the radio up and there we were. My mom played a lot of Natalie Cole, a lot of Phyllis Hyman, and her absolute favorite was Mary Wells. I got exposed to a lot of Motown because my mom is way older than me. She was born in 1948 and so she had played a variety of music for me growing up. I appreciate that. I really loved the Clark Sisters. But more so my own musical discovery of artists like Alanis Morissette! OMG! Jagged Little Pill was the soundtrack of my pre-teen life. Thinking about boys who broke my heart and such. I also appreciated Pat Benatar and I lived for Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.

Seattle shout out! Woot Woot

By the way, where are you originally from?

I’m from San Francisco. Born and raised in the historical Castro. I am a Castro kid. It was very colorful and free. It was like growing up on a rainbow.

What made you move to Oakland?

It wasn’t by choice. I just couldn’t afford San Francisco anymore.

What do you love about Oakland?

I love how Oakland is adapting to be some type of Flower Child epidemic. Has a lot of great artists the world should know. Oakland needs a Reality TV show. Oakland is cute.

What get’s on your nerves about Oakland?

The wannabes. The limitations. I see a lot of people that grew up in Oakland that are very limited. Whereas people that grew up in San Francisco, it’s a little bit different. It’s less violent. It was very diverse in the nineties. Growing up. It was open-minded. The schooling is better. But I do see Oakland progressing and opening up more. I do see it becoming more of a Melting Pot. I hate gentrification though. But it’s ok to love your community and to want to make it better. I love to see people doing that.

What’s your favorite song that you’ve ever written?

I would say The Emperor is my favorite song because it’s very magical for me. Its what I want in a relationship and I was able to put it out there. Hopefully the universe manifests. And people like it. It’s groovy.

What do you look for in a man?

I look for someone who is equally yoked. Someone who allows me to have my freedom but let’s me know I’m loved. Somebody who sees me as their equal, the person that let’s you stand beside them, not behind them. I don’t wanna be second Commander in Chief. I wanna stand next to that person and rule some shit with them. I’m the Empress, he’s the Emperor.

Why do you call yourself the black Anna Nicole Smith?

Because she’s a November Sagittarius like me and she was carefree and she lacked tact. I find myself being similar to her in liberation. She was comfortable in her body. Even when she gained a lot of weight. And we both love to be in the spotlight. However, I am taking precautions not to end up like her. I stay away from drugs.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

The superpower I have right now is the ability to feel what people are feeling intuitively. The universe can reward all of us with the ability to know.

What’s hard for me is knowing things that are bad. I have to remember that when things close, other doors open.

If I were to choose to have a superpower it would be to always get my way.

Because my way is correct. My way is morally right.

If you could give one piece of love advice to a young lady, what would it be?

Let no man call you bitch. Always make sure that he treats you equal to him. Make sure that man wants you to fly and not die. And until you meet that type of man, keep it tight.

Why do people label artists as crazy?

It takes a bold person to be able to walk through that door of creativity and immerse themselves into the juices. It’s a different world. This planet is so basic. Not everybody is able to achieve, to see the creative path. Everybody wants to be creative in their own right. Or be a part of creative shit. But a lot of people don’t want to jump into that world for real

I’m not crazy, bitch, I’m creative.

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WRITING MY LIFE comes out HELLA soon. What can you say about this brand new album with Trippy Swaggart?

This project was at a time when I truly re-discovered the magic and the liberation in mind meeting pen and paper. During each session with Trippy, we wrapped with at least one song complete. One session, two songs. The first song let me know exactly what I wanted from this project and that’s manifesting the things I want not just for myself, but for the planet.

Ideally, I wrote a better world for myself AND the world. All peace and positivity. Writing my life. Writing our life. Peace.

CHECK OUT THE VISUAL FOR DUMB PHONES from Writing My Life HERE! - Madlines

JANUARY 20, 2016 MUSIC

Maya Songbird Writes Music for the Wild and Weird
The Oakland singer-songwriter's disco-infused electropop tracks are lessons in self-love.
By Erin Baldassari
Maya Songbird.
BERT JOHNSON


If you had to know only one thing about the singer Maya Songbird (Maya Ivy Benton), it's that she wears her heart on her shoulder — literally. The San Francisco native has an upside-down heart-shaped birthmark at the top her left arm — an image that appears in her promotional photographs and is the logo of her multimedia company, Wired Weird Entertainment, which she plans to launch on January 28. It's scrawled in chalk, silver gel pen, and paint on the walls of her East Oakland live-work space. And, it's a handy metaphor for the unabashed self-love she champions in her music.

Songbird is gearing up for the release show for her new EP, Queen of Darkness (Ratskin Records), which takes place on January 28 at an underground West Oakland venue and doubles as the launch party for her new business. Although she's been making music in the East Bay and San Francisco full-time since 2009, she said Queen of Darkness represents her unfiltered artistic expression and devotion to the occult, an identity she's cultivated since she was a teenager. She joked that if the "prince of darkness" is Satan, then that makes her Satan's mom, and indeed, she plans to enact a magic ritual at the beginning of the performance before taking the stage.

But despite Songbird's dark aesthetic, her three-track EP is surprisingly effervescent. Producer Oji mixes piano riffs and bass lines with spacey synth sounds as Songbird's voice glides over a disco-infused, infectiously danceable beat on "How the Sun Shines." "Wicked Attraction" offers ominous organ samples that loom over poppy snare drum snaps. And "Delicate Chemistry," which Songbird herself produced, is an explicitly sexual, thumping electropop tune with rich, velvety vocals that exude desire.

The EP is a buoyant departure from the down-tempo, neo-soul mixtape, Writing My Life, which debuted earlier this month on the Afrofuturist collective Bad Girl Confidence's website. On the tape, Songbird's viscous crooning drips like syrup over producer Trippy Sanders' expansive, galactic samples.

Songbird compared the two projects to her hair — half of which is dyed a white gold and, on the particular day I spoke to her, was tinged with streaks of aquamarine and purple. Writing My Life, she explained, is like the naturally dark brown, accessible side, while Queen of Darkness is like the colorful, rainbow side — a protest against oppression, fear, self-loathing, and hate.
"I'm standing up for a lot of things," she said of the EP. "I'm standing up for my right to be Black, my right to be dark Black, my right to be witchy, my right to somewhat be Satan's mom — you know, just being my artistic, crazy self."

And that's the other thing to know about Songbird — she's not afraid of contradictions. She acknowledges and accepts seemingly opposing beliefs, such as simultaneously praying to a monotheistic god and practicing witchcraft. But those polarities aren't paradoxical to Songbird. As she explained, "Without darkness, there is no light."

Songbird always felt like she was different. "My soul has lived on other planets," she said. "That's why I'm so weird on Earth." Growing up in San Francisco's Castro district, she said she spent her teenage years roaming the streets late at night, haunting clubs and other forbidden places. Her house was a refuge for neighborhood friends who felt ostracized at school or who were coming to terms with being queer. She's never been afraid to express herself and wants to inspire others to do the same. That's the message she wants to send in her songs: That it's okay to be different, a little crazy, wild, or weird.

Her entertainment company, Wired Weird Entertainment, will be her "platform to corrupt the planet," Songbird said, only half-jokingly. She plans to use its website to promote other artists, hawk wearable and visual art, and branch out into directing films and music videos, among other endeavors.

She has also teamed up with fellow musician and artist Amra Island for a collaborative album they're calling Polo Apachery, set to be released on Ratskin Records later this year. And Songbird is hoping the upside-down heart logo, which she calls her "weird stamp," can one day become a symbol of liberation, especially for young women.

"I'm so pussy powered," she said. "I'm excited to be a voice for the wild, weird women who are not afraid." - East Bay Express

I have known about the music of Maya Songbird for a number of years, so it is long overdue that I bring this very creative and eccentric Bay Area based artist into the pages of the SF Bay View newspaper. Her debut album, “Writing My Life,” has just been released, and she has a number of gigs locally where people can go check her out for themselves.

For the people who like The Internet, Odd Future and musicians like Sza, Maya Songbird is right up your alley. I love being able to profile the diverse terrain of music and culture in our Black community. Check out Maya Songbird in her own words.

M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us a little bit about when you decided that you wanted to be a musician?

Maya Songbird: Well, I knew when I was a little girl that this was my career choice. It’s been a long journey and an uphill battle for the world to understand just that. I have nonetheless been faithful to what I love throughout all of the adversity – a serious test of patience!

I should have known it wouldn’t be the easiest, going for what I want with so many opinions set against me. And that started way early in my life, the opinions of my own family members. Every Christmas they would line us up and ask what the grandchildren wanted to be when they grow up, and my cousin would say marine biologist and here comes Maya saying I want to be a singer and being told that is more of a hobby, not a career choice.

So it always felt like some type of rebellion, and it started me on my journey for sure, you know, because I knew what I wanted to do and that is sing. So I did just that. And I am still doing it, but I have expanded so much into much more than I ever thought I would.

And I completely took it all on officially in 2009 after losing my third job in the course of three years. I was like, “OK, this is really funny the way life is turning out,” and the rest is history. I hope, not in vain, because surely that would be super lame and I don’t even know what I was thinking this whole time.

Some days I feel I would have been better off being a pediatrician or something because I am really great with kids. Can you picture that, Dr. Maya? Agh, well maybe next life.

M.O.I. JR: How do you define the music that you make? What does it sound like?

Maya Songbird: I would say SOUL in the context of nothing paradoxical. The music I make is in direct contact with my soul expression. My soul is a super rainbow attached to a black cloud. Pretty much always straight forward, you know, nothing in between ever.

Those who hear my music know that it is Maya’s Soul Expression, not Maya and five other people. That is Maya Ivy Spencer Benton’s (government name) Soul. The Songbird.

Maya Songbird
Maya Songbird
My music has no limitations. Never any boxes. I am always filled with unlimited expression. I never have a censor.

I believe in destroying comfort zones with a metal baseball bat. My music sounds real. I want to make the world always feel good.


M.O.I. JR: Can you tell us about the recent album that you came out with?

Maya Songbird: “Writing My Life” is the official debut. I have had many projects over the years, such as Mayasongbird.Bandcamp.com, yet this album in particular I am super proud of because it was done in a time of growth and transition.

Shit, life is so hard. Every studio session for this project was a complete release. So it’s a lot of my energy streaming through, also my strength and softness. Compassion.

M.O.I. JR: Who did the production? Why did you pick them to produce your sound?

Maya Songbird: This project is produced by the legendary Trippy Sanders, also known as Stephen Rigmaiden in the house world.

We kinda picked each other. It is weird how things work out, you know. I was friends with Trippy’s sister since forever and she was always like, “You and Maya have to work together.” And then, randomly, one day I ended up at his studio space, in 2011, not even knowing it was him – and the rest is history.

M.O.I. JR: Who is featured on it?

Maya Songbird: The project is mainly just Trippy and I, with the exception of Milo Hiroshima on the rhyming section of the last song on the project, “Perception.”

M.O.I. JR: Where do you see yourself as a musician in five years?

Maya Songbird: In five years, I see myself as the Momma Musician traveling the world with her babies in tow. Also branching out and opening my own entertainment company, Wired Weird ENT.

A lot of folks don’t know that I do primarily all of my video directing and editing with the exception of a few videos. So going more into the film territory with a Black mind like mine, I am destined to win and open a whole new portal of magic for those who are in tune and completely understand.

M.O.I. JR: Do you have any performances coming up?

Maya Songbird: I will be performing at Oakland Minds’ Hella Oakland Halloween party on Friday, Oct. 30, 685 35th St., Oakland; Saturday, Nov. 7, at Grease Diner in Oakland; and Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Oakland Convention Center.

Subscribe to www.MayaSongbird.com for all upcoming performances’ details and other fun.

M.O.I. JR: How could people buy your album? How can they follow you online?

Maya Songbird: My album is currently streaming exclusively at BadGirlConfidence.com.

You can find me online at the following places: Soundcloud.com/mayasongbird, Twitter.com/yomayasongbird, Instagram.com/wiredweirdent, Vimeo.com/mayasongbird. - JR

The melodic and soothing, yet forceful voice of Maya Songbird is one to be admired and loved. Maya is an Oakland resident and is blessing the city with her talent, love and light. Maya is not only a powerful songstress she is too a lover of vintage clothing and fashion.

Take a few moments and see why Maya Songbird is in love with music and vintage fashion.

1. When did you begin your interest in music?

I developed an interest in music at the age of 4. That’s the age when I discovered my voice. That’s when I actually fell in love with music and knew that I loved to sing!

2. Who is your biggest musical influence?

I absolutely adore Sade! She is elegant, talented, and Super Stylish! I listened to a lot of Sade growing up and I always admired her style of singing and the difference in her music based on what was being played on the radio at that time. Sade to me changed the music game tremendously and has remained true to herself throughout her career! She will forever be my musical influence and hero.

3. What genre would you consider your style?

I consider my genre to be Electronica/Pop/Funk/Experimental. However you never know what you might hear when Maya Songbird is on the track! I love creating new sounds and intriguing real music lovers. I definitely make music for the open minded.

4. Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself being the leader of a Move and Groove Movement! Restoring great music back into an industry that has lost direction and is over saturated with the same sound, lyrics and voices! It is definitely a new day and I plan to bring the sunshine!

5. Why do you like vintage clothing?

Vintage Clothing and I are in love actually. I have a bit of an addiction to vintage clothing! Shopping vintage is like hopping in to a lovely time machine and bringing back all the fabulosity of previous decades. I feel fly, stylish and beautiful when I rock my vintage clothing. I also feel connected to the person who rocked it before me. We have the same taste in fine clothing! It also feels good to know that they rocked the fly outfit in their decade because I am definitely rocking it in mine!

A beautiful woman with a beautiful voice, doing what we love, rocking vintage fashion with pride.

Check out Maya’s beautiful voice at http://www.reverbnation.com/iammayasongbird - Examiner

Editor’s Note: Every Monday, Wear Your Voice highlights an artist that is radically unapologetic and boldly wears their voice. This week, we share with you the magical world of Maya Songbird, an Oakland based artist who continues to push boundaries and stay true to herself. Follow Maya on Facebook ,Twitter , Soundcloud. Stay in the loop at mayasongbird.com. All images: Leon “Dnas” Sykes

Musical Style:
I would say my musical style is pretty Avant-Garde. I have no box in my magical world of creativity and I touch on any subject…bounce around across dimensions of genres. I can get pretty wild but always remain Regal.

Musical Influences:

Music of Yesterday. I am pretty, grunge and dark, a bit much whimsical. However I do enjoy Classic Jazz sounds. A lot of 80s Electric. Can’t see my life existing without The Whispers and The Isley Brothers. I enjoy Music with Layers that come unfolded as you dive in with your ears. Always up for the journey to explore and hear.

How long have you been singing?
My whole life. Well since the age of 4. That is when I discovered my voice and I showed my family my talent and my dad bought me a kid mic and PA shindig and my friends would come over and I would be a mic hog. I also got my first taste of performance at 4 when my mom had me sing to the choir director and she cast me as Miriam in the church play. I got to sing ,act, and play the tambourine.

Dream musical collaboration:

Can I really make a musical wish right now? Me’shell Ndegeocello. Someone please tell Me’shell how much I love her. She touches my heart so much and she is born in November like me.
If I could open up for one artist it would be:

Gonna roll that musical wish dice again. Hmm, The Whispers! Oh my God. Little Maya would live so much. They are coming to town on 11/28. It would be a dream come true!

How do you Wear Your Voice?


I Wear My Voice every time I open my mouth because I am Sagittarius lady and we tend to speak before thinking! I make sure to wear my voice everyday I exist on this Green and Blue globe via Music, Film, Wearable art, and my peculiar clothing selection. Also you can find me putting my foot in my mouth daily on social media. I wouldn’t see my life living without wearing my voice because I hate to see how many injustices fly here. It is like so unreal how injustice is the norm. I am constantly fighting for my rights, your rights, the rights of cats, the rights of black cats, the rights of women and trans women, and most importantly the rights of BLACKS. I also really dislike we live in a world that has poverty and feel fame and ego should be done away with. Born with my super hero cape and heart on my shoulder literally (I have a heart birthmark on my shoulder), I take on the world, daily. Maya is never afraid to speak and I can’t wait for the day where all is free to Wear their voice. Thank the heavens for Wear Your Voice Magazine. You are changing the world one voice at a time.

Anything else you want WYV readers to know?

In addition to dropping my full length debut, “Writing My Life” produced by Trippy Sanders. I will be making my first local Label debut on Ratskin Records with
A three song ep titled “Queen Of Darkness” which makes for a cool Acronym #QOD. I produced one of the songs on the project which was pretty experimental and a serious go Maya moment.
Also some fun upcoming expansions more into the film world under my own entertainment company, Wired Weird Ent…I have been directing and editing my own videos for some years now with the exception of four videos. So to be fully moving forward with my own Entertainment company well the world better be ready to board the spaceship to Planet Birdie. It is out of this world and fully Outrageous. Check out some of my video work here at vimeo. - Wear Your Voice Magazine