Being an artist isn’t easy. But for singer-songwriter Maia Zakay it’s worth the struggle – it’s her passion. Simply put, Zakay is the future of R&B music – she’s a vibe.

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Many music lovers compare Maia to Ariana, who Maia names Ariana Grande as one of her inspirations and why she got into music. Maia started singing for fun at the tender age of three years old and has never stopped. She’s pretty much a self-starter and that’s the type of music we are drawn to.

Despite 2020 being a challenging year, the songstress released her debut album “#SpeakUp” independently, (click HERE, to check it out). Identify LA got the chance to speak with the songstress on her inspirations and what the future holds.

Identify LA: What inspired you to become an artist?

Maia Zakay: I've always loved music from a young age and sang covers of songs for fun, but I never took it seriously until I turned 17. I started going through dark times in my life and needed a way to feel better about various situations. That's when I wrote my first song called "By Myself." I showed my dad, and he immediately freaked out and got me with a producer who brought my music to life. My first day in that studio is where I truly fell in love with the art of songwriting and producing. When I put my song out on SoundCloud and started seeing all the positive feedback, I realized how it has helped others feel less alone and even stopped them from taking their own lives. From then on, I knew that I wanted to do this as a career. My passion for helping others is what drives me to continue creating new songs, and there is seriously nothing that compares to the happiness I feel when I work with anything in music.

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IDLA: 2020 was a challenging year for many people. How did you use these challenges to create more music?

MK: As an artist, it is your role in society to stay creative at all times. My team and I are always looking towards the future and building towards the overall goal. It's essential to focus on the positive that is happening instead of paying attention to the negativity that may be around. As a result, I managed to work on a project with the super-producer Scott Storch and a prominent rapper (to be released in 2021). I also am more than halfway finished with my new EP, which I am very excited about.

IDLA: Favorite single of yours and why?

MK: My favorite released creation so far is my song called "2 NICE.” I'm proud of how it turned out because it helped me and many others feel powerful in times of need. I wrote this song when I felt like I was too nice to people who took it for granted - so it was a way for me to get my anger out and take my power back.

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IDLA: Which artist(s) would you like to collaborate with and why?

MK: One of my music life goals is to have a song with either Drake, Post Malone, or Justin Bieber. However, I respect so many artists and would be just as blessed to collaborate with such people as Bazzi, Russ, Iann Dior, Kid Laroi, and the list goes on. They are all insanely talented artists that inspire me, and I bet I will learn so much from them!

IDLA: In your opinion, what makes a good artist?

MK: A good artist will always stay true to who they are and will not be changed by monetary gains. They always keep the purpose behind their music as a #1 priority! A good artist will stay humble and remember where they came from once they reach a bigger stage.

IDLA: What's next?

MK: I completed a project with “Scott Storch.” I have also collaborated with a prominent rapper that will also get released in 2021. I am currently working on an EP and have already recorded the first few songs. The future looks bright and exciting! Who’s coming with me?