Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayah Dyson. She and her team share her story with us below.
A recent graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Mayah Dyson has always been a lover of music. The ambitious singer/songwriter discovered her passion at an early age with her late Aunt serving as an inspiration. From then, Mayah began singing in her local community, most commonly at her church. The artist got her first big break on Kelly Rowland’s first season of “Chasing Destiny” on BET. Following the show, Mayah continued to chase her destiny and honed in on her skills, which she showcased while performing with Solange Knowles on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
For as long as she can remember, Mayah has used music as an escape from all the chaos surrounding her, and the summer of 2013 was no different. It was during that summer that she lost a close friend of hers and per usual, music became her refuge. The pain from the loss turned into inspiration for “Anthology,” a song written by her and longtime colleague, Shy Lennox, dedicated to their late friend. In 2016, she poured her sorrow into another song titled, “I miss you” after losing her Aunt.
As the ambitious singer she is, Dyson is no stranger to the performing part of the artistry. She has showcased as a solo artist at Essence Festival, 2018 SXSW Music festival, Beantown Jazz festival, and headlined her first show in Paris. Mayah’s sound can be described as RnB flow with the perfect hint of neo-soul vibes. She draws inspiration from legends such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Alex Isley, and H.E.R, to name a few. Mayah Dyson is a ticking time bomb waiting for her moment to blow, and she’s extending the invite to you as a witness. Have a listen to her debut EP “Elevation,” released November 2017, as well as several other singles, available on all streaming platforms. Mayah is also currently singing background vocals for India Arie on her Worthy Tour.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road but I still appreciate every part of my journey thus far. My biggest struggle was when I left Berklee College of Music to move to Los Angeles when I was casted for Chasing Destiny. I ended up having to take off two semesters for the show. After the elimination, I got back into school and was determined to graduate with my incoming class. I took classes for two years straight with no breaks in order to graduate on time. This was an extremely difficult time because I was also continuing to pursue my artistry while in school, especially since I had just gained the exposure from being on BET. I found myself caught in between two lives, one being a student and the other an artist. I was in and out of classes for performances/gigs out of state and writing and recording music at the same time. Balancing homework and finding time to be an artist was not easy.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in writing music, recording music, performing, and I just recently got my bachelors degree in the music business.
A lot of people feel like you don’t need to go to school for music but I feel like it sets me apart from other artists. Because I took the time out to study the business and hone my craft while in college before diving right in. I have a distinct image and sound that set me apart from others as well.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I love R&B music for many reasons. The main reasons being the vocals and I grew up on R&B music! The different tones, riffs, and runs create a warm feeling deep inside my soul and the messages are relatable. Over the next decade I think the music industry will make way again for R&B/ soul artists like myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: MayahDyson.com
- Email: maydyson@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MayahDyson
- Facebook: https://touch.facebook.com/MayahDenyelleDyson/?__tn__=C-R
- Twitter: @MayahDyson
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