Review Fix chats with multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Maya Kiltron, who discusses her origin in music and single, “Satin Sheets.â€
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Maya Kiltron: My parents started me on violin at age 5. It was pretty intense but I loved my teacher & as I got older we got to travel and perform all over the world. I ended up attending an Arts high school but as a Saxophone major. Super weird but it kept me in music classes every day – band, choir, ensembles – from there it was a natural progression to major in music but as a singer & violinist. From there on to ultimately fulfilling yet sketchy employment full-time musician adult life!
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Kiltron: I’m still figuring that out to be honest. I’m learning to balance scheduled regular creative time vs. inspired creative bursts. I’m sure it’ll keep changing over time. Right now I have a great studio production team that’s really helpful in getting me to try out new creative ideas while not stepping on my vision.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Kiltron: I’m no Edison. No re-inventing the wheel with this bird. Love, relationships, break-ups – generally take centre stage in my writing. Probably because I like to keep quiet about that stuff in real life. It’s a lot easier to write about how you really feel in a song. Inspiration as far and just generally continuing in this totally damaging & unforgiving business? Crowds. I’m super scared to be in crowds but I never feel quite as happy as when I’m in front of one, making people dance, have fun, smile. It’s the best feeling in the world & it is always the best inspiration to keep going.
Review Fix: What makes “Satin Sheets” a special track?
Kiltron: It’s special because it’s a clear memory of my teenage summers in Brampton. It’s exactly what I see but in a song. I’m one of those dopes that can’t move on, that lives in the past constantly so why not play into it in my music?
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Kiltron: 90s vocals, 80s production, 2018 problems – If Teena Marie, Sheila E. & Tamia had a baby that grew up in Brampton, ON
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Kiltron: The live shows are definitely more exciting, more fun and get people moving. I love to interact with the crowds and get people involved and get people to touch dance. Can’t do that with Spotify.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2018?
Kiltron: I’m so excited to finish the whole album (release in fall) and get on the road. I love the creative part of making music but as I said the biggest motivator is live shows. I hope to get back to Europe in the fall and then suddenly discover I’m the Beyonce of Sweden. #goals
Review Fix: What’s next?
Kiltron: Right now I’m deep in album mode. Finishing up the last few tracks, interludes & string sections and working daily on managing the business of a release. It’s happy work but a lot of it. Hopefully, I’ll squeeze in a solid weekend with my family. They’re the best at being proud & supportive but never mentioning my career aloud, ever or even asking about it or really letting on that they care at all.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
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Kiltron: Stay tuned for the album in the fall! It’s my first full baby & I couldn’t be more terrified & excited. Nobody wants an ugly baby but then again, all babies are beautiful in their way… Also, stay tuned for my new podcast “Toronto Life…Actually†debuting after the election!
Photo by Valery Gore
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