Nonostante la giovane età Maya Jane Coles ha un curriculum da fare invidia a ben più stagionati colleghi. A conferma del suo talento esce ora il suo primo album intitolato “Comfort”, un’autoproduzione in senso stretto visto che Maya lo ha prodotto, ideato e mixato nel suo modesto studio domestico; ha suonato ogni strumento e creato ogni singolo suono, incluse le parti vocali in alcune tracce e per non smentirsi ha anche disegnato l’artwork del disco. E si è rivelata anche molto simpatica nel rispondere alle nostre domande, leggere per credere:
-Can you tell us something about your beginnings as a dj and producer expecially, since I read you started quite early?
I’m a producer first and foremost. My first music passion was 90’s Hip Hop & R&B, that’s how I first got into production. I later discovered House and electronica when I started going out more in East London and I decided to have a go at producing more club based stuff, which then lead on to the DJing. When I was 17 I managed to get myself set pair of Technics 1210’s and started from there.
-I suppose Miss Kittin, a pioneer of the female djing, was one of your role models when you started. Can you tell as how did you get to work together on the track “Take A Ride”?
Yes definitely. Miss Kittin is a pioneer of female Djing but also a pioneer of being a female electronic performer and producer which is why I wanted to work with her. It was very organic working together. It was initially through e-mail but we got on really well and when we met instantly became good friends.
-On the other hand Kim Ann Foxman can be considered one of your peers. Are you good friends beside your collaboration on the track “Burning Bright”?
Kim Ann like pretty much all the other guests on the album have either become friends of mine were friends before working together so the album is very special in that way. I’ve not met Tricky in real life yet though but we are in e-mail contact and have written a track together so I guess it’s a start ;)
-Your collaboration with Tricky is very intriguing. Can you tell us a bit more about the work with him? Were you a big fan of Massive Attack in their original line up?
I was definitely a huge fan of the trip-hop sound growing up and Massive Attack certainly was a big influence. I’ve actually remixed both Massive Attack and Tricky previously before I made the track for him. He and I worked remotely on the track so I haven’t met him yet but he delivered the vocal exactly how I had envisaged it in my head.
-One thing that´s clear listening to the album is your way with strong melodies. There´s a catchyness in your music that is often missing in the music of your male collegues, with maybe a couple of exceptions such as Trentemoller. Do you agree with me?
Haha. That’s a bit of a loaded question isn’t it ;) I’m glad you like the melodies and hooks in the record. I don’t think I am better or worse at writing a catchy melody than my male peers though I appreciate that many male electronic producers are more about having the heaviest bass sounds. But I can also think of many male artists that write beautiful songs and melodies. I just make the music I make, put it out there and hope that people might like it.
-Always talking about melodies. Do you have songwriters you look up at when it comes to write catchy tunes like the ones you wrote for “Comfort”?
My musical influences are so eclectic it’s hard to isolate anyone in particular, but I’ve always listened to a lot of vocalists across different genres so the inspiration has come from a lot of different places. I think genererally I’m into softer tones though and less obvious singers compared to some of the traditional powerful vocals you get on some dance tracks.
-I think the feel of many of your tracks is happy-sad, sweet and sour. Is it something that you aware of and do you compose with that kind of balance in mind?
People have said that to me before. It’s not always intentionally. I do prefer music that is a bit darker in general and carries a lot of emotion. If all elements are happy the music just sounds a bit cheesy I think, and it can often be very one dimensional.
-Are you going to promote “Comfort” touring, and which kind of shows will you bring on the stage?
My chosen means of performance is still Djing. I don’t feel like I have an idea for a live set up that I’m completely happy with and I don’t want to do something that is disappointing for either myself or the audience. In 2013, I will have played everywhere from Coachella to Fuji Rock to Sonar so hopefully as many of my fans will get to see me play as possible.
-Are there any remixes of your in the pipeline for the rest of 2013?
Yep I have a few on their way but am not sure exactly when they will be coming out. I’ll give you a hint, one of them is the second to last track on my Essential mix from May this year ;)
