What was life like for you before you got into music?
Maye: I was a hair stylist, make-up artist, and a jeweler.
Trunkie:
I loved football from the age of 10! I signed with QPR after training with Arsenal FC for a year. I also played semi-pro for Middlesex County. I’ve always been drawn to anything performative. I enjoyed acting whenever I got the chance.
What’s the live music scene like in Lagos and London? Is anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Maye: Live music is deeply rooted in Lagos from activism to the high life. I am part of a band – watch out for us.
Trunkie:
I’m not too sure if I’m entirely honest! Getting involved in the live music scene is something I’m going to be doing more of. So watch this space!
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, How do you feel about this?
Maye: Music made me come out of my shell – I’ve gone from a reserved person to an entertainer! I’ve realized I have no choice but to show my work to the world or the fans won’t understand me.
Trunkie:
I think it has its positives and negatives, like most things in life. Being able to connect with your audience and push your craft via your phone is amazing! Social media has made it a lot easier for artists to stay in touch and be more open with their fan base.
But has it lowered the quality of music? Are people more concentrated on creating short-form content rather than the quality of the actual song? Possibly. ‘TikTok music’ is a term I’ve heard here and there. But I believe good music will always make it to the masses, one way or another.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
Maye: I love to interact with my fans and well-wishers by keeping them updated with my posts and letting them see my movements and the journey.
Trunkie:
I like to interact and engage with as many people as possible! If you show me love on my socials, I appreciate you and I’ll let you know that too!
Even if I were a global superstar, I’d still try to find time to engage with core fans and show them I appreciate their support. Without them, there’s no me.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Maye: Make yourself seen! Everyone has their phone always – consistency is key and if you don’t release music waiting forever won’t help. And you need a strong team, you can’t do everything yourself.
Asking questions, networking and collaborations are the major keys I bring to my work. Just spreading a good aura and passing the vibe checks, before you know it you’ve made a hit record.
Trunkie:
My view is that the music industry is in a ‘is the glass half empty or half full?’ kind of space. There’s so much music out! Different styles, sounds, and artists. This must be heaven for any music lover and also gives an artist the incentive to strive for stardom!
However, sometimes it’s like I can’t keep up! Haha! We’re almost too spoiled for choice! Back in the day when a project was coming out, you’d know about it and be anticipating it. Whereas now, sometimes I miss a drop and I’m like “When did this come out!? I didn’t even know he/she was dropping!”.
Overall though, in my opinion, it’s in a positive space and presents plenty of opportunities for emerging artists to be heard and music listeners to indulge in a variety of sounds all at their fingertips!
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Maye: I’ve written songs and produced for celebrities the fans know, but I won’t mention names yet. Let me work on my own goals as an artist. People won’t support me if they don’t love our song – so keep streaming Abena! Let’s go!!!
Trunkie:
I feel I’m an emerging artist who still has a lot to offer the music industry. I’ve been making music for a long time and although I would say I’m quite experienced, I still think I have a lot to offer and there are a lot more people out there in the world who would love my music if they heard it. I’m just trying to be heard, and appreciated by as many people as possible, and achieve some personal goals like having a single in the top 10 for example.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Maye: You can’t work alone, give credit to whoever deserves it – including yourself – always make your team happy, and watch your back as you show love.
Trunkie:
That the music business is more about the business than the music! I’ll leave it there, hahaha!
What was your best experience on stage?
Maye: At a show, the female artist who performed before me bet money on two guys to dance to her song while the fans picked the winner. Performing next was I, I came and said it’s only fair we give the girls money too! And the crowd went wild lol.
Trunkie:
I was the first act to get a wheel up on the night of a show. It was a tough crowd who weren’t easily impressed! I knew I had to bring some real energy and vibes. So that’s what I did and they loved it! It felt amazing, I’m not even going to lie!
What was your worst experience on stage?
Maye: I got to perform through a friend of mine, the DJ for the event came with a bad mic due to the rain. It was not good, so I had to rally the crowd close to me and perform with my guitar.
Trunkie:
Oh boy! So, I was warmed up and ready to shell the stage! The beat was literally about to drop and then the music just stopped! LOL! I was just standing on stage staring at the crowd. I was quite new to performing as well so knowing how to navigate in situations like this was new to me. It was only like 2 minutes but it felt like eternity!
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised by.
Maye: If I weren’t doing music I’d be an army officer.
Trunkie:
I got my black belt in karate when I was 9. One of the youngest in the UK. So watch out!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Maye: We had fun making this tune! It took us time to mix and master both of our flavors and cultures but it’s worth the wait!!
Trunkie:
It’s a banger! That’s what I can tell you about it! Lol! Honestly, though it’s a very well-constructed song. The blend of cultures and sounds just complements each other perfectly. It’s one of my favorite projects that I’ve been a part of.
What was the recording process like?
Maye: DJ Khayleb, my boss at the time, told me to create a song that he, sneakbo, and I would jump on. So I co-produced the song with Beatnasti, who then called Biggiejazzy to play bass guitar on it. It didn’t work out cos Sneakbo left Nigeria, but not too long after I was introduced to Trunkie by GMedici, our manager. Putting the pieces together, the rest is history! We made magic!!
Trunkie:
It was pretty simple to be fair! Until we got to the mix and mastering LOL! I’ve got a studio in my room so I just record whenever. Maye sent me the song and when I finally listened to it (cos I was stalling for some stupid reason), I was like “YES! THIS IS THE ONE”! I recorded my verse, sent it over to Maye and we had the first draft of ‘Abena’!
Considering Maye is in Nigeria and I’m in London UK, I think we did a really good job putting this masterpiece together. But like most things, it had its difficult periods. I guess that is what makes the whole process so much more exciting and rewarding.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Maye: I learned it’s easiest to be me and not someone else. And I don’t inspire, I am inspired. I am just a vessel creativity passes through. That way I don’t box or personalize God’s gift. Everyone loves this tune, and I killed it
Trunkie:
I wouldn’t say I learned anything different personally. If anything, it felt so natural and effortless writing my verse because the instrumental is a vibe and Maye killed it!
I was in my element. Plus, there’s no way I couldn’t do my thing when the rest of the song was so good. I can’t let the squad down chalet!
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Maye: Nah lol we all agreed to this one.
Trunkie:
NOPE! Believe me when I say we’ve made many changes to this song! Maye sent me the song a year ago, so it’s not a project we just recorded and released overnight. We made sure that everybody was happy with the final result.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Maye: I just want to thank everyone who has supported us so far on this journey of art. We have more songs coming your way!!
Trunkie:
Thank you to everyone who’s streamed my music and to everyone who is streaming ‘Abena’! There’s nothing better than knowing the art you’ve created is appreciated and recognized!
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