Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Maya J

Hollywood triple threat Maya Jenkins, simply known as Maya J, has taken the entertainment industry by storm. Whether she’s on the stage, on the screen, or in the studio, Maya J is a force to be reckoned with, and fans have eagerly been waiting for her next single to drop. Well, that wait is officially over. Today Maya releases “Hurricane,” and Pop Culturalist got the inside scoop on what inspired the song.

PC: You’re an actress, singer, and songwriter. How did you discover your passion for the arts? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Maya: I’ve been through a lot of changes, and I had to grow a lot to get to and appreciate where I am now in my life. With acting, I had wanted to be an actress since I was around nine, but I wasn’t really able to say it out loud until I was thirteen. I’m the baby of the family, so it took a little bit longer to find my voice as a human and find out what exactly my passions were and how to express them. However, I was always very outgoing, assertive, and talkative, just like I am now. Everyone at Pavilions and Publix was like a BFF.

Before I was fifteen, the only acting I had done was in front of my family. I went to performing arts schools where an audition was required to attend, and there was a heavy daily concentration on your area of talent—and for me, my major area was music. I was never in theater classes or theater camp; instead, I was put in music classes and music camp. That certainly doesn’t mean that I love music more than acting; it just means that music found me first. Acting found me later in life, but that’s okay. I appreciate and love each art form’s position in my life and career. My comfort zone lies in performing arts being all around me, and my family life and schooling are probably a huge part of that. The careers of family members include a professional artist, an orchestra director/conductor/music teacher, a broadcast journalist, and a scriptwriter.

When I was younger, I was insanely nervous to even make a school project presentation, and it was hard to talk in front of groups in organized settings. Truthfully, I was rarely comfortable singing or speaking in front of crowds until later on. I grew into someone who could take my art public instead of being a little more private with it. Honestly, I’m proud of that, because I’m not afraid anymore. I’m equal parts songwriter/singer and actor, and I don’t want people to ever forget that. I am finally comfortable in my own skin and with what I choose to do in my career path.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Maya: My love and obsession with all of this throughout my whole life has been a huge influence on my career and why I got into it. As far as a person, I would have to say first and foremost, my mom. I think she has had the biggest influence on my career because she taught me about drive and having a good work ethic—about having the highest standards when it comes to what you present to the world. Sloppy, incomplete, or lazy work was never acceptable to her, and now it isn’t acceptable to me. I was raised to know that if you are going to do something, then you need to do it with the utmost effort, passion, care, perseverance, and morality. That foundation is amazing for any career, and I believe that it especially has helped mine.

PC: How has acting made you a stronger musician and vice versa?
Maya: I think acting has made me a stronger performer because it crosses over in many aspects. The music videos are full of acting out the emotion of the song. I became a stronger actor over the years, and I think that acting definitely improves the quality of many singers’ music videos. Being a musician has made me understand the job of acting from a creative standpoint. I’m glad I can view the industry issues from both lenses.

PC: When you look back at your journey as an artist, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Maya: One of the biggest moments that stands out to me is when I filmed my first music video for “Come Find Me.” I was so happy that day, and everything went right. I think part of it was the excitement level I had too because it was my very first music video shoot, and that was around the time where my career started to change a lot. Everything was getting bigger and better, and I was feeling hopeful. I’ve learned since then that things don’t always go that smoothly. Anyway, the day of that shoot continues to jump out at me as an extremely happy moment for me during my journey as an artist.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Hurricane.” What inspired the track?
Maya: Well, “Hurricane” is a song that I wrote about the ups and downs of emotions in a personal relationship with another person. I did grow up partially in South Florida. I’ve been through more than one hurricane, so I’m pretty well versed in hurricane jargon. I’ve even lived through the year where four major hurricanes made landfall in one season. Hurricanes are not exactly fun, but there is an excitement you feel when it’s coming and school is out and you are about to hunker down with your family in a hallway slumber party to keep away from the windows. That to me was parallel to a relationship where you somewhat dread the person but at the same time, you still have everything to do with them because you can’t get away. My short description is “Hurricane” is basically describing a stormy love life in the poetic form of hurricane metaphors and similes.

PC: It’s been a year-long wait for this single. How did you decide on “Hurricane?”
Maya: I have so many songs written and so many other songs actually in the works, but I feel like “Hurricane” was chosen by the Universe to be my next single. I went back and forth on “Hurricane” a lot, but there was something about it that I felt compelled to complete and move forward with it as this year’s first single. For the majority of the production process of “Hurricane,” I felt like I was on a ship without a sail. Very interesting how life brought me another ocean metaphor. It was extremely difficult until my producer John True came into the picture and really helped me bring it home and capture more of my specific vision for it. I am so thankful that we collaborated on it and it came to fruition finally. Mind you, this all happened during the lockdown, where we had limited meetings and recording ability. After all, I hope that the song creates a feeling, and I hope people enjoy listening to it.

PC: Assuming the COVID-19 situation gets under control, what does the rest of 2020 look like for you?
Maya: Nothing if people don’t wear their mask and social distance.

Look, I am ready for my industry to come alive again, as I’m sure many others are. I am hoping that the rest of 2020 and beyond will mean health, safety, and happiness for everyone first and foremost. Personally, I do have some music videos and some additional singles planned for the year. I’m hoping that more TV and film projects are on the horizon for me and that we can go back to filming, auditioning, and meeting with each other in a safe environment. I know we’ll be happy to interact with each other in person once we are able!

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, I sincerely hope that we can all stick together and support the common goal of achieving the healthiest possible atmosphere for everybody. I don’t know exactly how it’ll happen, but I am honestly praying that we all get to go back to our regular routines. Even if it means adjusting in different ways to assist in making it as safe as possible. Although lines, masks, and extra sanitizing can be irritating sometimes, I think it’s worth it to help save each other’s lives. I want to see everyone shine in their own way and not be harmed by something we can all help to prevent. Until there is an effective treatment, cure, or vaccine, I hope I see everyone wearing a mask while out and about and taking social distancing measures seriously.

I don’t want to see any more families or friends die because of this virus. Anyone out there that has been personally affected by a coronavirus tragedy I have the deepest sympathy for and am sending out virtual hugs. I’m also sorry for the graduating classes of 2020 who missed their prom and graduation, their speeches and grad nights. I know the entire pandemic has caused anxiety for many of us, and I hope throughout the rest of the year that the anxieties melt away and turn back into happiness.

After much thought in the quiet quarantine time, and through conversations with my own friends, I have realized that we all needed to experience stillness. We needed to realize what truly matters in life. We needed to look at the skies and appreciate our fresh air. We were all in a high-stress race instead of realizing that none of it matters if we don’t enjoy life as it happens while taking care of our physical and mental health first.

I think everyone has the same mindset on returning to life and being with each other again, because it did get a little lonely and stir-crazy. I can’t wait for our return!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Maya: I’m not sure! Most people who know of me know about my wide-ranging music tastes by now, so it’s hard to answer this! I’ll say Kelsea Ballerini though.

PC: First album you bought?
Maya: The first album I bought with my own money was Justin Bieber’s My World. Those were the days!

PC: First concert you attended?
Maya: Jonas Brothers!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Maya: Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad because the swag level literally broke the swag meter. It was amazing.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Maya: The Honda Stage.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Maya: Snacks. If you have nothing else on the road, have snacks. Everyone knows Maya J goes nowhere without her snacks.

To keep up with Maya, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.