Daily Inspiration: Meet Maya Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Richardson.

Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey! I go by Mayarich, and I am a singer, songwriter, vocal producer, and freelance audio engineer based in Atlanta, GA. This February will mark my two-year anniversary of moving to ATL! I lived in New York for about seven years where I studied musical theatre, followed by audio engineering prior to moving to Georgia.

As cliche as it sounds, I’ve been singing all my life. I knew early on that more than anything I just wanted to sing. When I was in 2nd grade I sang the national anthem for my big brother’s 4th-grade graduation and that solidified it for me. It was a sort of funny foreshadowing for my future growing up as I went on to sing the national anthem alottttt, in high school. Basketball games, football games and even my own volleyball games. Around this time is when I was heavy into musical theatre as well, which later inspired me to pursue it in college. I got to play Dorothy in the Wiz as a junior, then the title role in Aida my senior year. I’ll always have a soft spot for theatre but my efforts eventually steered more toward becoming a recording artist and writing more original music.

Since I’ve been in Atlanta I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with an amazing producer team who have creatively brought out the best in me and constantly inspire me. Shout out Mave and Justin! In the last two years, I’ve been blessed enough to network with some really dope Dj’s, musicians and other creatives who have made the journey I’ve been on even more special. As the new kid on the block, I’ve truly been stunned by all the love shown for me and my art. I dropped my most recent single Last Call in April 2022, and now at the top of the new year, we’re celebrating over 20,000 streams on Spotify! If the little girl who sang the national anthem in 2nd grade could see us now.

It took me getting older to truly understand why we say art imitates life. I learned you have to go through things, good and bad to really have something to write about. I’ve been writing new songs based on my lived experience as a twenty-something years old hopeless romantic navigating this crazy life and some magic has been made in the process. I’m really excited for my music to reach a broader audience filled with people who can relate and truly feel seen when they listen.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy. I’m naturally an optimistic person and someone who believes everything happens for a reason. So even when things are rough, I try my best to see the brighter side. When I uprooted myself from New York and moved to Atlanta, that was probably the most difficult time of my adult life thus far. Prior to covid, my time in New York consisted of me being blessed enough to be able to take care of myself and never have to worry about how I was gonna pay rent. After moving states away and putting all my things in storage never to be seen again, I had to learn one of the hardest lessons of my twenties. How to ask for help. It humbled me. I was so used to being able to do it all on my own for so long and this feeling of needing help was foreign to me. After swallowing my pride I was shocked to learn how many people in my life wouldn’t and didn’t bat an eye at the thought of helping me out.

The journey of the independent artist striving towards, what sometimes feels unattainable dream of having their passion be their main source of income, isn’t a glamorous one by any means. But it’s a worthy one. It’s a character-building, wisdom-creating, eye-opening, humbling journey. Despite the hard times, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer, songwriter, and I often vocal produce on my records. Vocal production entails me coming up with the melodies and harmony stack ideas that get stuck in your head after you’re done listening. As a vocalist, I would say I’m most known for my tone, my agile runs and my low, warm, sultry, alto notes. But tone is definitely my most recurrent, and honestly, my favorite compliment! I love it because it’s unique to me. I’d have to say I’m most proud of that. Funny enough, I’ve had people only hear my speaking voice and assume I’m a singer, I guess just because of my low rasp and timbre.

What matters most to you? Why?
Right now, what matters most to me is being at peace with self. Doing what makes me happy and doing what’s best for me mentally, physically, and spiritually. No one can ever truly know what goes on in someone else’s mind, ya know? People carry things with them that they don’t speak on, and sometimes that weight can get very heavy. I’ve learned to naturally be a good person to others you have to start with how you treat yourself. In my opinion, you’ve got to treat yourself with love to be able to love on others properly.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayarichsings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayarichsings
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayaRichardson_
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/pmrich?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1

Image Credits
Deshawn Crawford and Lasonte Bacon.