Arize: Do you think moving from South Africa to Los Angeles has affected your music style any?
Absolutely. When I grew up in South Africa I mostly listened to pop. I still do, I listen to all kinds of music because it’s inspiring but I am more interested in listening to R&B because of the way my voice has matured.

Arize: Your voice is soothing…kinda got that Amel Larrieux and Sade type of vibe to it, do you get bothered when people draw comparisons to you and other artists?
Well that’s a first. I had never heard of Amel until I came to America. And I immediately became a fan. Sade on the other hand I was always familiar with. But no I am not bothered by comparisons at all. I think it’s flattering. Especially when you are compared to the good ones.

Arize: Besides the fact that you could probably hit higher notes than 99% of the singers in this industry (4.5 octaves!) what do you think separates you from the pack?
I love what I do. I want to work hard. I want to sing. I know where I am going in the future. And I am going to work hard to get there. This industry is a tough one, and you need a tough skin. I am as real as real gets. I have been through it all. And I am representing the woman and men who have been through what I have been through. My songs and music will tell all. You’ll see.

This industry is a tough one, and you need a tough skin. I am as real as real gets. I have been through it all.

Arize: Why do you feel like a lot of real singers never “blow up’”? Is that a fear of yours?
Like I said this industry is tough. And you need a great support system whether it is your manager or your closest loved one. And with that comes trust. I think most singers are afraid of failure and that’s why they don’t put it all out there. But if you love what you do and you believe in your self, then you should work hard to get your own success. Only good can come from it.

Arize: Do you prefer studio sessions or doin’ it live?
BOTH…when I am on stage its like something else comes over me. I hardly remember anything I do live. The energy and the response, whether its good or bad. When it’s bad I work even harder to get the good response. But the good response lasts a long time. And that’s my high when I am on stage. But in the studio it’s a completely different high. It’s a different mindset. I am very creative. My brain is running 150 miles per hour. Is that possible? It’s exciting.

Arize: I heard L.A people are some of the worst critics…you think you’ve been getting enough love or do you feel slept on?
They are! But I have been lucky. I have not been here long enough to feel the wrath of Los Angeles and its critics. But what I have gotten so far has been nothing but love. And the critics…well I look forward to them. Nobody said it was suppose to be easy.

When it’s bad I work even harder to get the good response. But the good response lasts a long time. And that’s my high when I am on stage.

Arize: Any major collaboration in the works? Anybody you are just dying to work with?
I am working with a few producers right now. I want to do this right. My music. My sound. People whom I really want to work with are Mary J. Blige, Sean Puffy Combs, Keisha Cole and Jay Z.

Arize: “Kinda Love” is hot…a definite single. Have you been trying to get this song or any of your material played on the radio?
We are talking about things and trying to set a game plan, but no, not yet. Soon

Arize: One word to describe yourself. One word to describe your music.
Committed. Soulful. Thank you.

Maia-"Kinda Love"

Links:
www.myspace.com/thesingermaia