Grammy-Award winning artist Mýa is not slowing down one bit, as she just released her 13th studio project T.K.O. on April 20. After 20 plus years in the game, the singer/dancer/philanthropist has managed to maintain her hit making 90’s sound, while also evolving with the times. We had the chance to discuss her latest album, touring and veganism with the D.C. native.
Congratulations on your 9th studio album T.K.O.! There’s definitely a sultry, love story taking place throughout the project. Can you tell me about your journey in creating this album?
I partnered up with MyGuyMars of 1500 or Nothin’ Band cause he’s a musician and producer. I kept it limited to just three producers on this project instead of dealing with ten so there is a very cohesive sound. The process was to just handpick the songs that we felt fit into the grown and sexy R&B vibe that fans wanted from me, but to also make it contemporary. That was the thought process for this project, the sound, and the storyline for T.K.O. The storyline starts off at a very unsure place, moves to getting to know a person, it shows what that process is like with all of the questions, laying out simple things like who I am, eventually warming up, and then becoming completely submerged in love. It takes you on a progressive journey start to finish, with the climax at the very end.
So, clearly this album is completely different than all your others, because you can hear the old school 90’s Mya but there’s also a new school R&B element present. How do you feel R&B has evolved since you first started your career?
R&B has evolved in so many ways because we have Hip-Hop as well, and it is kind of fused within that. R&B is very present in a lot of different genres, because it’s soul music. It has evolved because I would definitely have to say you’ve seen the big ballads from the Whitney, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Patti Labelle days, which is true R&B. We have different generations, vibes, styles and tempos. I think with the merge and fusion of Hip-Hop into today’s culture you have more rhythmic R&B.
The syncopation and lyrics are closer to Rap, which is kind of cool as well – Sade vibes with Drake’s delivery. Every five to ten years you get a new sound and that’s kind of cool, because you can play. R&B is not dead. It is everywhere.
Some people would say that R&B singers today don’t challenge themselves anymore, because we typical do not get the Whitney Houston type ballads. How do you challenge yourself to maintain the traditional (ballad type) R&B sound mixed with the new R&B sound? Who do you have around you?
What music influences you?
Well it’s not really a challenge for me, because I come from music. I love music. I was in the Gospel choir. My father is an R&B singer. That’s what drove me to sing in the first place, so I never want to lose sight of that. I also have the freedom to do it since I’m independent. So, I don’t necessarily have to chase this particular sound that’s on radio or at the top right now. I have the creative freedom to say this is what I want to put out and it changes because every project is different. I also align myself with multiple producers and musicians because it’s something they naturally do.
I still love to dance. I keep my ear close to the street. I’m still in the club, hustling. I still love today’s scene. I love the marriage of the two. As long as I’m serving other projects that have musicality. There will be some club projects that have nothing to do with R&B. It’s just swag. As far as the entertainer is concerned it’s just a playground for me. I’m really in love with music.
Aside from freedom of being of independent artist, were there any worries or fears that you had when you made the decision to become independent?
Well I didn’t necessarily know what independent was. I had to kind of figure it out, because there’s no school or book that teaches it all. But I was able to align myself with some great independent artists/mentors. J Prince, I sat down a lot with him before I went independent. I grew up to J Prince, who was the mastermind of his new business model that he created when he did go independent. I was really fortunate to have him and people like him inspiring me or encouraging me in this journey. I think when you’re independent you just don’t know what it is.
You have been touring non-stop all over the country since June and you just left Atlanta. How has it been getting back out there since your tour from last year?
My life is a tour. I don’t stop, so this is something I call the summer tour. There was a whole other tour that happened right before this, but I don’t stop working. I may have to shut down to do a film project or get in the studio and complete a project. That can be a very tedious process for one person, but I don’t stop! My whole life is a tour. I stay on the road 11 months out of the year pretty much. That’s what you have to do when you’re an independent artist and caretaker of your family. That’s what it takes.
What has been your most enjoyable moment from this tour?
From this tour… it’s been the dance challenge. I initiated the #yougotme challenge when I released the “You Got Me” music video. Just to see so many dancers inspired and engaged and they’re excited about the contest, because I will be rewarding one winner to go on road with me, to be a part of T.K.O. tour, to make someone else’s dreams come true, to make [that person] really happy. That’s what I live for at the end of the day, to help someone else out and allow them a different experience. Hopefully, positive, yeah!
You dropped your video for “Damage.” what was your vision for this video and how did you go about executing it?
For me, I just wanted a powerful video that exuded emotion and welcomed it all. We all know those feelings, when you’re unsure of a situation, or very sure, allow it into our life, break the ice. I let Galen direct, choreograph, produce, style, and edit everything! And it’s been a blessing because it’s hard to find gems and when you find them you know it. I trusted that based on how musically inclined she is. Galen is responsible for this video. It’s so great because she’s a female, a woman of color, and I just really love collaborating with people that already understand my language. When women come together there’s magic and I think she nailed it.
You recently hit a milestone by making it 20 years in the game. What does that feel like?
Wow, it doesn’t feel like 20 years, but I’m fortunate, I’m grateful. I think grateful is the right word. That’s how I feel. First of all, to be alive, to be doing something that I really love. Music is my passion and I love art. It is a privilege to have a gift and utilize it. It brings many rewards if you’re careful with it. I feel like I’m just getting started, so very thankful to still be in love with my craft and to have fans and people and team members that support me. It’s a blessing! It’s been a beautiful learning experience and journey.
What are some things you still want to accomplish?
I mean I’m an artist, so we live in little unicorn land over here. There’s so many things we want to do: short film, directing, producing for other people, songwriting, voice overs, a lot of different ideas. But mostly creating something that [people] can connect to, resonate with, and feel with passion. As if it’s a necessity. So just making beautiful things to put into the universe whether it be for healing, empowerment, entertainment, therapy. Music can do that and so can art!
You mentioned acting and directing. I know you had a prominent role in the TV series 5th Ward. How was that and what are your future plans as far as acting?
5th Ward was amazing! It was filmed in Houston, Texas and it took place in a historical Black neighborhood. I spent quite a lot of time there while recording my second independent project Beauty & the Streets, Vol. 1. It’s a city of so much talent, love, and joy, but obviously a lot of inner cities in our country are plagued with gun violence and gentrification, as well as, economic either depreciation or discrimination. The series shoes life in the 5th ward up close. My character, Mina, is a single mother of three boys, who are coming-of-age, Black young men in America. The trials I have to worry about, when raising these boys after their father is murdered, are a test of faith, strength, and survival. A lot of decisions are made that I’m not always proud of, but it’s no longer about me. As far as my future in acting plans, I’m taking it one step at a time and when the next project presents itself, that I am connected to and fully passionate about, or just want to do for fun, for the experience, then that will be the plan.
You are truly a big advocate for veganism. What advice would you give to someone struggling to make that transition to a vegan lifestyle?
The first step I would suggest is to take a look at my transition guide. There’s a lot of information in there that offers recommendations as far as an array of knowledge from books, documentaries, substituting, and grocery shopping. It often asks questions and answers to give you a head start, so you know what you’re getting into. But then you can customize [your lifestyle] accordingly, with the information that I’m using on my personal journey and from research. Skip over my five years! Take it upon yourself to do what you want with what you have when and how you want to. Veganism is not about being perfect. It’s not about being better than anyone. It’s about doing better for yourself and your health, the planet, animals, in general, and empowerment.
You recently launched a vegan wine. How did Planet 9 wine come about, and can we expect any other blends or types in the near future?
Yes! The vegan wine that I have out right now is called Planet 9 fine wine. It’s a red Cabernet with plum infusions. I’ve mixed my two favorite wines: red, which is great for your blood, your heart, and it serves as a de-stressor, as well as, plum infusions, which hey! Plum wine is my favorite dessert wine. I like the sweet taste, so [that flavor] is infused. I’m hoping to develop another flavor. Definitely, a different type of flavor. For the Planet 9 fine wine phase stay turned on myamya.com.
Thank you for talking with us at Urban, but before you go what can we expect from Mýa after your tour ends?
Expect nothing but be surprised by something!
Sciler Williams
