Multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and exhibited visual artist Lyia Meta releases her brand-new album, Always You, a collection of jazz pop-flavored songs exploring love, life, and fun via a lyrical collaboration with songwriter Denise Dimin.
Lyia Meta explains, “In my entire career as a live circuit performer and an artist, I have found that being true to myself and my influences is what makes me the artist I am proud to be. What is uniquely ‘ME’? Who I am is very simply heard in my music!”
With her nonpareil contralto voice, Lyia Meta conjures up suggestions of Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. With a musical background that reaches all the way back to childhood, Lyia Meta’s voice has always stood out but it’s not just her range that’s unique. She blends smooth and sultry jazz tones with well-trained operatic techniques to create a signature style that’s well-loved on both sides of the Pacific: her home bases of L.A. and Malaysia.
CelebMix caught up with Lyia Meta to find out more about her creative process, how she got started in music and the evolution of her tone.
What three things can’t you live without?
Family (not limited to blood), music, knowledge.
What inspired your new album, Always You?
Love! The inspiration started with one song, ‘ALWAYS YOU,’ and it took flight from that. ‘ALWAYS YOU’ was written for ME by Los Angeles songwriter Denise Dimin. I felt a deep emotional connection to the subject of the song. It is essentially my life on stage written in verses. The album that ensued was a natural process.
Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record the album.
I never believe in overthinking the creative process when recording. I usually allow myself to just BE and not force the outcome. Perfection is found in imperfection. We are all flawed — why pretend to be otherwise? I don’t spend hours in a vocal booth. It only makes me feel anxious.
How did you get started in music?
I was born into a musically inclined family but never wanted to make music my life. It always seemed to be a very emotionally draining art and, in my own perception of things, one that brought much chaos to family life! However, that changed, and I pursued it after meeting my partner and musical director, Zack. I discovered myself in that chaos and he essentially mentored me, but always allowed me to grow into who I was meant to become.
Where are you from?
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. But I was born in Melaka (now a historical city).
Did your hometown impact your sound?
In a way, yes. I am Creole Portuguese by descent. We love music! However, the traditional art of my local music culture didn’t impact my sound. It was the music we heard on the radio that impacted my tastes and influences in music.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
Strangely, I never had any one artist or band that I was influenced by. My favorites were all rock/metal and blues bands, and the pop music from the local radio station. Anything from Black Sabbath to BB King. Later, when I pursued music, I listened to music from various artists all over. One of my favorites has to be the jazz-rock group Blood Sweat & Tears, as well, of course, as Clapton and Carol King.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
My tone is indeed evolving! For me, ‘tone’ is the mood and emotional quality I try to express in my music. But on a broader perspective, it plays a crucial role in reaching and reconstructing my listeners’ perception of the message I try to convey. This I do by creating the mood through my music to evoke certain emotions.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
As a songwriter, I draw inspiration from my emotional state of being. I write when I’m terribly caught up in personal turmoil that stems from external forces. Lately, it’s been about the political climate and being suppressed.
What can you share about your writing process?
I don’t have one. I’ve always been unpredictable where my songwriting process is concerned. It can be during my long walks or sitting alone in the car. I will usually start with a melody or an idea of a beat. But it rarely shows its true self until I get the lyrics in. Then all hell breaks loose!
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
There are many! Adele. Arctic Monkeys.
How do you define success?
My happiness is being able to create constantly and perform the world over for an appreciative audience.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs? New material?
I can be found on all social media platforms and my music is on all digital streaming sites.
I’ll be heading to India to perform at The Dream TV Fashion Festival which showcases international runway models the world over. I’ll be the featured international act.
I’ve always got collaborations I’m working on, year-round. Creating new music has become my lifeblood! I’m not done yet! But for now, there’s the release of ‘ALWAYS YOU’ and this album is a much-anticipated offering!