she’s a hard lady to metaphorically get a hold of, that maya jane coles. when she’s not in the studio producing or remixing tracks by the greatest talents in the business, she’s scooting off around the world to show people what she’s made of behind the decks. not that we need much convincing really, her recent performance at space ibiza left us in no doubt as to the power of the girl from london. productions, potential and talent- she’s got them all coming out of her ears. we dragged her away to a zen place to talk about her loves and passions…
MAYA! AT LAST! You’re a busy little bee… and one that I saw in action at Kehakuma recently. How was it for you?
Kehakuma’s been a great introduction to playing at Space. I’ve played a few small gigs on the island in the past but Kehakuma’s been my first experience playing at one of the bigger parties. The crowd’s been really cool and receptive and something about the club still feels a little intimate even though it’s so big which is nice.
You don’t half smash it on the remix front, Mrs. I’m picturing you in a studio surrounded by every gadget imaginable in order to produce such impressive results. Is there a particular piece of technology that turns on your inner nerd?
Hmm I’m really not a tech nerd at all… I like the simple things when making music. I’m a real geek when it comes to perfecting my sound, but just give me a computer with Logic, a mic, keyboard and bass guitar and that’ll keep me happy for a long, long time. I mixed my tracks on cheap hi-fi speakers and headphones for the first 6 years of making music at home. No one noticed!!
So, summer in full swing, Maya on a roll. What’s been the highlight so far for you?
I’d say visiting friends and family in Japan has been a huge highlight. It had been a couple of years since I’d been and it’s my favourite place outside the UK so it was nice to actually have a bit of chill time. The last 10 months has been so manic, I think I really needed it!
A manic ten months you say... Talk us through it.
I’m currently working on my album and also working on my first couple of production jobs for major labels. Producing for other bands and singers is something I’ve always wanted to do so I’m excited to finally be exploring this avenue on a larger scale. I want people to see all the different sides of what I do and gain more listeners from outside of the electronic scene. Certain stuff I do in one project might not appeal to certain followers of my other projects and so on, but what I do is so diverse I want there to be something for everyone to like. I get too bored sticking to just one sound.
And taking it forward, what are your plans?
I guess now it’s showing people what I can do outside of club music. I mean people know I make music outside of that, but I want people to really see all the different sides to what I do. I want my music to be universal and reach out to people far beyond the electronic scene. Well that’s my aim anyway. I’m influenced by so many different kinds of music, and I guess that is reflected in my productions.
Anybody you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to work with?
Thom Yorke and Erykah Badu. Together on one track. Now that would be sick…
// THE QUICKIES // A piece of music you couldn’t live without.
Lamb - Cotton Wool (Fila Brazilia Remix).
The first record you ever bought?
I remember getting my mum to buy me a couple of Now compilations and a 7” of a Dub/Jungle tune I heard at the fun fair when I was really young, but I think the first ever album I bought myself was Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP.
A song you know all the words to?
Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On.
Your favourite producer/DJ/artist ?
There are too many! But Trentemoller has always been a big inspiration when it comes to electronic music. I remember around the time his really early releases came out I had just started getting into House and Techno. His productions amazed me and really turned me on to that kind of music. //
A cause you are passionate about.
Equality, human rights.
An artist you strive to be like.
I only wanna be myself.
Your favourite thing about you.
My ability to be in two places at once.
Passion is…
’Til you die.
Space Magazine
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