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what I was trying to convey was commit to you. Well, I think getting to know yourself is first and foremost. It's your internal compass and how you move, navigate, also make decisions. And if you're uncertain about who you are, the things that will resonate with your spirit and you're not tapped into that spirit, it's easy to be swayed, to be shifted, to be pushed and pulled, but also affected by other people's opinions and criticisms, which, hey, you're signing up for in the entertainment business, so be ready for it. So, I think that requires a bit of commitment to self. So, when I got married to myself in a music video that turned into this whole fiasco online, what I was trying to convey was commit to you.
Learn you. Take the time. There's no reason to be in a rush because oh, grandma says she wants some great-grand babies or mom says or whomever says, "Oh, it's going to be too late for you." Well, that's not the basis of everyone's life, but self is always with you. So, let's start there. And the commitment to show up for you, the commitment to give yourself grace, the to act, practice discipline in the areas that you like to pursue, learn, remain a student at all times. How are you showing up in the world? Are you taking care of you? And then, the magic that does happen from that place is like a magnet. So, when you get right within, things begin to show up in your
life, including romantic love. And then, it's also aligns with the best version or the better version of you, but we're always evolving, so there's always levels unlocked. But, it's great to start from the place of desire versus necessity. We are actually all cool. It's now just about scheduling, budgeting, planning out the proper platform to support it in a major way. Of course, we can't do anything less than right? We have to meet or exceed expectations. It's very important so that there are no disappointments and there's just a lot of, I would say, logistical aspects to making something like that happen and the fans are not alone cuz I'm right there with you.
Girls, you know, I just enjoy being a part of that ensemble. I used to work with so many male hip-hop artists and often the only girl on the tour or the room and it was fun, but it was kind of refreshing to be around, you know, your peers that are women. We worked together as a team as well, which I absolutely love. And we come from different backgrounds and play in different genres and have our own individual careers. So, I thought that was quite amazing to be a part of, but also witness. And now, 25 years later, looking at Halloween costumes, etc. social media, I mean, I get a kick out of it because we're not thinking in 2001 what social media is because it actually didn't exist. So, it's pretty cool to see things resurface and take a
life of their own in the current day. I think when you're dealing with a demographic that's not being fed constantly in mainstream, there's a hunger, there's a thirst or a desire for it. But also, it's a way to connect and go back down memory lane and all of these wonderful core memories that were established during the time of, oh, this specific fragrance that I was wearing, oh, this specific song or album and artist that helped me get through my teens into my womanhood or manhood etc. All of those core memories surface. And so it becomes a whole experience where we all in the audience feel the same way cuz I'm a spectator too by the way on the Brandy and Monica tour. I sat in the audience to watch the ladies and sing
along too because those are core memories for me as a teenager. And to see them also as well I mean it is like a reflection. We grew up in the same time, experienced a lot of the same things, some of the same pressures with the world watching. And so there's nothing but respect there. But for the fans, I mean those are good songs. There's real music, there's composition, there are orchestras, there's bridges, there was time, there were real producers, real musicians, real songwriters, and the process was honored.
There were no shortcuts back then. And I think it cuts through in the music. And to hear that and then live, the arrangements live, it takes you on a journey. So it is a spiritual experience. This chapter for me creatively feels so free, you know, fun. My last album was 2018. It was more of a slow jams vibe. And the one before that was more mid-tempo traditional R&B. But we're bringing in the funk, the party, the celebration, and all of the good memories from a specific time, era, late 70s, 80s. I'm a 70s baby. So, you know, I'm transporting you to my living room. And all of my influences, so all of that is like a concoction for Retrospect. I connected with my younger self on this project, you know, the block
parties, the cookouts, the family gatherings, the skating rink, and I'm not talking about, you know, roller blades. I'm talking about the four-wheel skates. Going to the concession stand, all of those memories from late '70s to '80s again. And in my living room, my dad is a musician. He's always had musicians over for his rehearsals because he to this day still gigs on the road. And I was a witness to the electricity that music brought to my living room. And so, I am reconnecting with young Maya in my mom's go-go boots. I actually have pictures and receipts. But, the pandemic was the confirmation to continue this direction that I started in 2016 in between two independent releases, 2016 and 2018. And um
2020 was the time that I was making playlists that sound very similar to Retrospect. And uh you could find anyone from Teena Marie, Rick James, Prince, and so on this playlist. And I said, "Yes, let's choose joy from now on. The world needs it, and I certainly do." So, that's how Retrospect was finalized. This era of my life, I would describe as the grown Maya era, the grown woman. And is a very confident, seasoned, yet still humble person. I'm actually having more fun now in my 40s than I was as a teenager. Once you begin to learn the ropes, prove to yourself time and time again that you got this, and learn so many other skill sets, and live in that space, of course things begin to flow. The more you do something,
and then you begin to own it, and then you begin to perfect it, and then you begin to just breathe and live it, and actually see the difference. But really enjoy it in that space of being seasoned with room to grow, of course. But I am loving life. I feel very rooted in myself with a solid foundation. It gets greater later. Yeah.
