Classically trained, nurtured with Pop music, living in 2 countries, England and The Netherlands – in the electronic music capital of the world (Amsterdam), Maya Lavelle’s music creates rhythms and vibes that stand outside what we have come to expect from pop.
Interview Meikee Magnetic
Where were you born and where are you now?
I am from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where I lived and went to school, graduating from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in Advanced Composition. I was born in Yugoslavia and I also spent some time living in Buckinghamshire, England. My music is primarily influenced from living in the electronic capital of Europe – Amsterdam. Now I live in Los Angeles where there are more opportunities for my music career.
What childhood memory of yours stands out the most and why?
As a child, I would often play on the rooftops. I had such a liberating and free childhood. I fear for children nowadays who have too many rules imposed on them.
Describe the defining moment of when you discovered your musical gift?
I was humming melodies that I dreamt of that didn’t exist and I started writing them down. I went to music school when I was 6 and my teachers were astonished by what I could compose on the piano.
Who would you like to be as an artist?
I would like to be an artist that helps people escape reality.
Your music videos are very well polished, professional and creative. ‘This Ain’t The End’ tells quite the tale, how would you describe that tale?
Thank you! It’s a song about love and infinity. In my world no one ever dies for real, because the legacy lives on and even corpses get to feel passion and sometimes drink bourbon in the garden.
Where did you film ‘Free Your Mind’ and how big of a production was it?
We filmed it near Belgrade. It was quite big with a crew of 56 people. I had to stay in the freezing lake for over two hours in my dress, deep in the mud, getting poked by twines and twigs. This was a rural area with no water or electricity and we also had to fight a siege of mosquito’s. In the end it was such a great experience working with so many talented people. I love shooting in these tough locations, because it gives me an adrenaline rush. If you’d like a peak behind the scenes here is the ‘making of’ video CLICK HERE
How would you like to influence others?
I would like my fantasy to become their fantasy. My music is like an experience that would take people to quirky places and introduce them to remarkable characters.
Other than music what else intrigues you?
I am a big fan of cinema. Movies play the lead role for my inspiration, hence I enjoy taking a big part in producing my music videos. I am also responsible for the realization of the project, artistic direction and sometimes I direct the video myself like in “Ben”.
Some of your favorite things:
Thunderstorms, Horror stories, Old cartoons, Gothic architecture and Surrealism in relation to art.
Future plans:
Releasing my new music video for the song House On A Rocky Road where I had a big production team on, a crew of 63 people. This video was quite challenging to shoot. From big horse flies stinging me and having to shoot on 35 degrees with bleeding legs, losing the crew in the middle of the night in the mountains with no network and electricity, to chasing my car down the hill. I think you’re going to love this one. Adventures on my trip through U.S.A. including Las Vegas and Austin and making new songs in Los Angeles. I am also looking to license more of my songs for film and TV.
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
Anti-cliche with a wild twist.
MORE INFO:
www.mayalavelle.com
www.facebook.com/MayaLavelleMusic
