Funny, I've always considered myself something of a shape-shifter, which is to say that "Me" has often been a fluid concept. It probably started in childhood, as a way to cope with being part of a modern (read "broken") American family, living in different cities and homes, and basically wanting to be everything to everyone (or some similar cliché), but as I've come into adulthood, I gotta admit that my undefinability (is that even a word?) is one of my favorite qualities. I cherish my freedom, often at the risk of being intractable (just ask my managers), and will fight tooth and nail to keep the yoke of predictability from settling 'round my neck.
Now that I've gotten that diatribe out of my system, let me say for the record: I'm a writer... which is not to be confused with a blogger, so I'm not really sure where this is heading, but as it's apparently a necessary evil, I'll keep showing up. The good news is that I'm in good company, so at the very least, I can hopefully make a few new friends (never a bad thing). Worst case scenario, I divulge way too much personal information, and basically make an ass of myself... but as I said, I'm a singer/songwriter, so that's pretty much an occupational hazard, isn't it? Actually, the worst case scenario would likely be that nobody reads this, and I'm just writing to myself, which for some reason strikes me as hysterically funny, since it's highly possible.
Okay, so why should you read this -- or better yet, why should you know me? Well, the simple answer would be that I will hopefully infiltrating your eardrums soon, so we should be properly introduced. I think I should probably insert some sweet endorsements from Newsweek or USA Today here, but how about this: check me out at myspace.com/maiyshamusic or look up "Maiysha" on Facebook, if that's your thing. Or maiysha.com. Or iTunes. Or hold out and wait for the album release on August 26th.
Phew! That was a mouthful.
So, now that the shameless self-promotion portion of our communiqué is over (I think -- thanks for your patience), let's get back to true confession time, which basically involves me wondering aloud what is happening to my so-called life. I have to admit, I started this blog under duress. I asked what I could possibly have to tell everyone about my life that I'm not already saying in my music. The answer was: "well, you do want people to actually listen to your music, right?" Point taken, though I have a feeling they might start handing me scripted entries after this little missive. However, I also received some kinder, gentler advice (rare, in this industry), which was: "...think of it as an online diary -- or better yet, therapy. People need to know who you are." Kind of the "dance as if no one is watching" perspective, which kind of defeats the point, I think. But it is valid, so I'm going to do my best.
So who am I, other than a highly sarcastic, commitment-phobic musician with a penchant for big words, parentheses and run-on sentences? That's a great question, and I'll hopefully be getting back to you with an answer soon... that is, as soon as my shape-shifting, smart-ass slows down enough to figure it out, because I'm certainly not who I was when I began this journey. My bio says I'm "a striking new figure in the currently up-for-grabs realm of contemporary soul music... blessed with a seductive voice, rarified technical skill and acute emotional authenticity", which is flattering beyond belief, and hopefully at least mostly true, but certainly not the whole story. I'm not entirely sure what the whole story is yet, as it's being revealed even as I write, but honestly, if you've never put out an album, or anything else that means everything to you, you should. Seriously. The risk it takes to let the part of you you love the most -- the part you're most fiercely protective of, and sensitive about -- loose on the world is no small thing, and in spite of my sarcasm, and all the pretense inherent in trying to "make it", this experience has been a humbling lesson in exactly what "authenticity" really is.
I am authentically in love with what I do, and how I do it. I'm committed to telling the truth, and to causing as little harm as possible. I'm devoted to my friends and fam. At the moment, I'm completely overwhelmed, overworked, and over-tired, but happier than I've even been in my life. I talk too much, and think even more, and am more than a bit of a control freak, but I get great results. I'm not always well-received, but I am well-loved, and that's what matters to me. I named my album "This Much Is True:". And so it is.
