Mayah Dyson

Photo Courtesy Of Mayah Dyson

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born and raised in Manassas, Va. I moved to Boston, MA in 2014 to attend Berklee College of Music.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR YOUR HOMETOWN? Boston’s diverse culture allows me to connect and network with people from across the world. It’s also a city that has helped me to grow and find myself as an artist and entrepreneur.

WHAT WERE YOUR INFANT ASPIRATIONS?
Since a young age, I was confident that I wanted to pursue a music career. I do not remember my life without music. My craft makes me the passionate person that I am today.

WHAT HAS BEEN A PIVOTAL MOMENT?
Getting casted onto Kelly Rowland’s reality show “Chasing Destiny” was a pivotal moment for me.

WHY MUSIC?
I believe that every individual has a purpose in life. Most strive to succeed in things they are skilled at. My whole life I have used music as an escape route to flee from the chaos of the world. Numerous things may alter in my life but one thing I can pledge will remain the same is my love and passion for music.

HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY YOUR SOUND?
I would classify my sound as neo-soul/ R&B.

WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE THROUGH YOUR LYRICS?
Love is a theme that seems to re- occur through my lyrics. Love is such a divine feeling that instills beautiful emotions in people. Its a medium to channel out your effusion.

IS THERE A SONG OR MUSICAL PASSAGE THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU EMOTIONALLY?
Yes, “Ready for Love” by, India Arie. This song speaks to me so much, I've cried with it, and I've hoped with it. It's beautiful.

WHAT OR WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
My mother has had the greatest influence on my life. I strive to be the woman that she is.

WHAT’S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
When it comes to writing new songs, I always start with my melody. I love melodies. I play around with a lot of different melodies until something sticks and I start writing lyrics from there. I also have to be in positive vibes in order to get something that I love, whether I am writing/recording by myself or with my producer or co writing with my best friend. It really just depends.

HOW DOES YOU AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE?
It would be hard for me not to be artistic in many parts of my life. I grew up in a family of musicians, painters, dancers, poets, fashion designers, and play wrights. I honestly love and appreciate all forms of art and they translate into all aspects of my life.

HOW DO YOU GET STAGE READY, ANY BEAUTY RITUALS YOU SWEAR BY?
I’m usually backstage with my band and background singers when I’m getting ready, there’s always a positive atmosphere when we’re together. They help put me in the right space before a show and we always pray before going on stage. I don’t think I have any specific beauty rituals that I swear by, but my make-up is always beat before I get on stage!

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
When I’m not working, in classes, or rehearsing, I’m usually spending time with my close friends or just taking time for myself. I don’t this a lot, so I don’t take these times for granted.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
A good day of unwinding to me is my room filled with sounds from Erykah Badu’s album “Worldwide Underworld”, whiffs of rose incents, while I clean my personal space, do my nails and/or hair, or cook dishes that I love. This is when I hit the reset button in my life.