Introduction
I’m incredibly excited to share today’s interview! We have the talented Maya Lakhani, a rock musician who writes, records, and produces her music right from her bedroom—though you wouldn’t guess it! She’s received significant recognition from BBC, Planet Rock, and Kerrang. It’s high time Fox Reviews Rock joined the chorus to celebrate how extraordinary Maya truly is!
Make sure to give the song included a listen and follow her on social media! Hope you enjoy the interview.
Interview
Fox Reviews Rock – We know you’re passionate about women’s rights and representation. Would you be able to tell us about this in your own words, as we think this is really important?
Maya Lakhani – Yes, women’s rights & representation is hugely important to me. As a woman in music, especially as a performer that records & produces herself, I have experienced people underestimating me or thinking that I don’t really understand things. This is frustrating as I have worked hard for many years to hone my skills as an artist & producer. I’m sure this is an experience that many women in music have felt. I always like to encourage other women that producing your music yourself is totally possible, and super fulfilling too!
Women’s rights is also super important to me. My song “Walk Alone”, is about wanting to walk alone as a woman without fear. I wrote it when a young woman named Sarah Everard, was murdered by a policeman whilst walking home in London. I was deeply saddened by this. There was a lot of victim blaming in the media, which made me so angry. “Walk Alone” was my reaction to this. When I play this live, I always tell the audience what it’s about, as I feel like it holds an important message, “All I want to do is walk alone”, it’s not too much to ask right?
Fox Reviews Rock – We read that your music is recorded, written, and produced all in your own bedroom. Well, you really cannot tell! Can we ask why you have chosen to go down that route?
Maya Lakhani – Thank you, that was totally my intention! I always want my music to sound super polished & professional, and when people find out I recorded & produced it in my bedroom, it can be a nice surprise! I actually started working this way out of necessity. I have been in several bands in my life, but I had always dreamed about being a solo rock artist.
When Covid happened, I made the decision to pursue my solo artist dreams! As we were all unable to leave the house, I thought that it would be the perfect time to learn how to record & produce from home myself. I was learning about recording & production, whilst I was working on my debut song “The Line”. Whilst I learnt how to do this out of necessity during lockdown, I’ve really fallen in love with that way of working, so have continued to make music in this way!
Fox Reviews Rock – Your latest single “Drive into The Sunset” came out in December, would you be able to break down the song a little and let our readers know what inspired it?
Maya Lakhani – For “Drive into the Sunset” I wanted to write a song that would be the perfect soundtrack for a late night drive! I have a real visual inspiration for this track! It’s inspired by not caring about what other people think about you, and chasing your own happiness.
Fox Reviews Rock – You have had quite the admirers from BBC, Planet Rock and Kerrang! How did this attention make you feel, and was you expecting that level of exposure?
Maya Lakhani – It’s been incredible! When I released my debut single “The Line” in 2020, my main goal was to prove to myself that I could do it. I didn’t really expect anyone to listen, and when it reached so many listeners & got support from amazing press; it was an amazing surprise!! It’s really nice & affirming when you get support & attention from the music industry.
Fox Reviews Rock – In the live scene you have been making waves with appearances at Glastonbury and Dialed in Festival. What was it like sharing the bill with some iconic acts, and did you learn anything from these experiences?
Maya Lakhani – Yes I’ve been very fortunate to have played some amazing shows so far & sharing the bill with artists like PJ Harvey & Avril Lavigne was so surreal!! Glastonbury was super special, as I’ve been dreaming of playing that festival for forever!
I always feel like I learn things from every show. I think the main thing I’ve learnt is to leave all the anxiety & worry behind, and just really enjoy the experience of performing on stage! Once you let go & have fun, the audience does too!
Fox Reviews Rock – What bands did you look up to the most when growing up? Is there any of their influence in your own songs?
Maya Lakhani – My favourite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I started listening to them when I was 10, and I started my first band when I was 12 because of them! I’m hugely inspired by iconic women in music too, like Shirley Manson from Garbage, PJ Harvey & Lana Del Rey. These artists definitely have influenced my sound.
Fox Reviews Rock – The Line is an amazing song, especially vocally! How old were you when you realized you could sing so well? Also did people make it clear to you or was it something you kept hidden?
Maya Lakhani – Thank you! I realized when I was a young child that I had a talent for singing. I remember when I was around 9 years old at school, we would play “pop idol” in the playground. This would involve us pretending we were on a singing talent TV show, with other kids as judges in the playground. I would always win!
This was one of the things that made me realize that I was good at it! For a while, I did keep it hidden, but when I started releasing my solo music, it felt awesome to share my voice with the world!
Fox Reviews Rock – What would you say your big dream is with your music?
Maya Lakhani – I would love for music to be my full time job! Being able to focus entirely on releasing music & touring would be such a dream! Working hard to make it happen!
Fox Reviews Rock – Are there any plans to release an EP or full album soon? If so, could you share some details?
Maya Lakhani – Yes! I have a new single called “Fall For Me” coming out on 2nd May. This will be part of my EP, coming later this year.
Fox Reviews Rock – Is there anything about performing live that makes you uncomfortable?
Maya Lakhani – Whilst I do love performing live, I do find it quite nerve-wracking too. Mainly worrying about the technical side of things, whether I can hear myself on stage or not etc. Once I start playing though, a lot of those fears melt away & I can have fun!
Fox Reviews Rock – On a slightly happier note, what is the funniest thing that has happened during one of your shows?
Maya Lakhani – I have an unreleased song called “Dreamboy” which I always play live. I wrote it about my partner, Guy, who is also the live guitarist in my band. Whenever we play this live, I always like to tell the audience it’s about him and embarrass him on stage!! The audience (& Guy) always finds this quite funny!
Fox Reviews Rock – Would you be able to share some of the song titles for the upcoming EP?
Maya Lakhani – Yes! Drive into the Sunset, Fall For Me, Dreamboy…plus some extra songs!
Fox Reviews Rock – If you could cover any song in the world, what would it be and why?
Maya Lakhani – “Say Yes to Heaven” by Lana Del Rey is one of my favourite songs…I think I could turn this into a really epic rock cover!
Fox Reviews Rock – So, in your time off music what does Maya fill her time with?
Maya Lakhani – When I’m not making music myself, I love going to see live music! I go to lots of gigs, I find it really inspiring to watch other artists live! I also enjoy gardening, and have recently planted lots of fruit & veg to grow!
Fox Reviews Rock – Where can fans see you live in 2025?
Maya Lakhani – I have a show in Glasgow this summer! It hasn’t been announced yet, but I am very excited about it! I always share my show details with my mailing list subscribers first, sign up at mayalakhani.co.uk
Fox Reviews Rock – If we were to come round your house for a meal, what would you make for us? And is cooking something you enjoy?
Maya Lakhani – I really enjoy cooking, I find it very relaxing. I would make some chili paneer for starter. This is an Indian cheese dish, it’s one of my favourite foods! Then some fresh home-made pizza, then cheesecake! Can you tell I love cheese?!
Fox Reviews Rock – Finally, what can fans expect from you in 2025?
Maya Lakhani – I have a new track “Fall For Me” coming out on Fri 2nd May, on all streaming platforms. I’ll also be releasing my EP this year, so lots of new music! I have some live shows coming soon too, so keep an eye out on my socials for those!
All rights to the songs used in this interview are retained by Maya Lakhani. This site claims no rights over them. All photos were provided by Maya Lakhani and taken by Guy Hurst.
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