Maisy Kay is a versatile singer-songwriter with one of the best voices around. A theater influence with a self-described “dramatic flair” makes her a must for anyone growing repertoire. CelebMix chatted with the singer about her influences, how she describes her sound, and what’s behind her music.
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How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as an alternative, almost avant-garde pop, but with a dark dramatic flair. I also try to keep it pretty organic production-wise, I think you can’t go wrong with a good piano and cello.
What are some of your influences?
Some of my influences would be Freddie Mercury, Céline Dion, Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston. My mother used to play “No More Tears” (Barbra Streisand) all the time, and I used to dance around the kitchen to it. That sort of music holds a special place in my heart and definitely shaped who I ended up being musically.
In that realm, did they inspire you to sing or something else?
They definitely inspired me to sing, I loved how powerful their voices were, how they could move listeners to tears with a single note, and that’s definitely something I long to one day achieve within my own music.
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I’ve heard you’re a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera, what brought on that love?
Phantom of the Opera was one of the first musicals I watched as a child. I’ve always loved musical theatre, but something about the darkness of that piece combined with the angelic voices really struck me. Ever since then, I told myself one day, I would play Christine. It truly brought my passion for singing to the next level.
Tell us about “Enough”
Enough is a very important song to me. It’s the song that helped me come to terms with myself. When I wrote that song, I felt very insecure, very overwhelmed with how others wanted me to be, or how I thought I had to be in order to be better. That song is truly a cry for help, when I sing “can I be enough for you?” it is a question aimed at that inner critic that I think all of us deal with, that voice that says we aren’t good enough, we aren’t talented or attractive or smart enough, whatever that may be. I ended it on such a dramatic high because I wanted my voice to feel exhausted like I was finally done with it all. The soft piano after it all is supposed to represent the peace of just accepting that this is who you are, and it’s not something to be ashamed of.
You’ve done a tonne of covers, do you have a particular favorite?
I think my favorite was The Show Must Go On, Freddie Mercury is an absolute inspiration to me, and that song is heartbreaking and yet so powerful. The fact that I got to do my own interpretation, with an orchestra as well, it was just so surreal, there’ll never be another moment like that.
What is your ultimate goal to accomplish as an artist?
My ultimate goal is just to keep writing, keep broadcasting my message. If I can make one person smile, or feel better about themselves, if I can improve someone’s day, that’s what it’s all about to me. Sharing and experiencing with other people. Music is such a beautiful thing, it truly stays with you forever. I pour my heart and soul into my lyrics, and I hope in return listeners will hear it, and feel all the emotions I felt creating it.
Anything in particular that you’d love your fans to know about you?
I’m a huge gamer, I have a rescue cat (more of a cat-dog really) named Freddie Mercury, because obviously. And I freaking love jalapeños.
Can you share with us any plans for the future (touring, E.P. releases, etc…) ?
We have plans to release a new record and go on a radio tour very soon. An EP is also in the works, with what I feel is the best material I have ever written. Keep an eye out for the next few months, they should be pretty exciting!
If you love Maisy and want to learn more, you can head to her website here.