by Amaris Pollinger
“I’d really love it if people wouldn’t make me put my Slytherin scarf on…”
I’ll start by saying that Maya Jenkins aka Maya J, is hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at her wit and the comedic truth bombs she dropped with more bubbly finesse than the pop of a champagne bottle. By far my favorite quote by the Florida-born, LA- based actress/singer is probably:
“I would really love it if people wouldn’t make me put my Slytherin scarf on.”
This is in reference to Maya J constantly being labeled nothing more than a “sweet, nice girl” who can be pushed around, resulting in frustration that Maya J explores in “Princess,” her latest single appropriately released on her birthday, March 15th. And yes, she’s heard all the usual connotations that come with being labeled a “princess.” Sweet, prim, proper—so it’s no wonder everyone’s clutching their pearls when Maya J, “the princess,” fires back. Maya J has been navigating just that kind of environment; people comment on her sweet nature or youthful looks which are as beneficial as they are crippling. Appearing youthful can give people the impression that you and your ideas can be disregarded, promises to you can be broken and all your plans tossed out the fucking window (a curse that this writer knows all too well). It’s a position that Maya loathes since she’s constantly seeking the advancement of what she calls a “sparkly” world. Thus, Maya J would much rather leave her Slytherin colors in the closet. But don’t be fooled, the girl’s got no problem pulling out the blacks and the greens if need be.
“We know queens will be strong, but princesses will too,” says Maya J, “I may not appear like I play hardball, but I will if I need to.” [sic]
Maya J crafted “Princess” to showcase that kindness and strength are two sides of the same coin. “I’m not the only one, so this song is for any princess—or prince! —that feels the same way.”
“Princess” is an empowering song for fans. Its confident message inspires listeners to reclaim their power from those trying to diminish their authority. What is most striking about “Princess” is the violin that Maya J etched into the song. Sure it’s a hot track about standing up for yourself and taking your power back, but nothing beats solid violin play. My compliment—and notice of the instrument she’s been playing all her life—warms her heart as she proudly credits her mother for nurturing her talent with the violin.
But it wasn’t always a “sparkling,” gin fizz life of laughter for Maya J. Her website briefly mentions coming out of some dark, trying times that she has since refused to allow tarnish her inner (and outer) world. She dazzles so much, even as she fires one answer after the other with rapid speed; that when I ask about these “dark” days, it is the only time I feel Maya pull back. Her mantra, “Stay Sparkly,” is as multi-layered as her new single. The mantra has grown from a place of deep introspection and spiritual growth. And while she doesn’t go into the nitty-gritty, there is something morose that hangs in the air; a shadow over her words.
“I had to deal with some pretty awful people in my life…and some incredible changes.”
It’s hard for people to grasp this side of Maya J’s life. After all, she is a bright, stunning light; how could darkness have ever touched her? That’s just it—Maya has refused to give those experiences and the people within them the power to control her life. She’s chosen, instead, to shine and remain so bright and gleaming that it burns their fucking eyes. Maybe she wasn’t always welcome at the table, but did she sit the fuck down anyway? Or did she make her own table? Hell, why not both?
“It’s [the mantra] my way of saying be you, stay you, and always shine in the way that you were made to shine,” Maya J pauses, “Well…unless you’re a fraud or a psycho, or a trademark infringer than yeah, obviously change! But you get me, right?”
Right. (And btw Maya, there’s probably a new song in that quote for you).
“People really will try to hurt you, steal from you…copy you. Lie, undercut you, and all for some personal gain. They’re quicker to do it if they think they can get away with it; without being confronted.”
But not with Maya J. There are times when people just need to find that out for themselves, and then, “it’s all fun and games until someone gets glitter in their eye.”
In the meantime, there are plenty of reasons for Maya J to celebrate. Like when she landed on the Shazam/Apple Music’s “Best New Music” List. This milestone had her saving screenshots to marvel at “for the rest of her life.” She found herself alongside some iconic names, including Justin Timberlake. When the news came, Maya was spinning—but of course, she’s too smart to let it all go to her head. In this business, the numbers game can swallow you at any moment and the industry is quick to remind you that you’re a nobody without at least 2 million streams. But that’s hardly true.
“I loved underground artists growing up,” adds Maya pointedly, “Even if my music makes one person happy, [then] I’m happy.”
Maya J’s ability to remain humble amongst her starry-eyed cohorts is her superpower. Especially in Los Angeles, where would-be artists lose sight and fall prey to chasing the LA esthetic. It’s not their fault, it’s the ocean spray of Los Angeles and the toxic, all-consuming atmosphere that does them in. Perhaps that’s the other side of Maya J’s humility coin; she knows it’s a city of false gold and false gods and she’s just happy to create. Which is a challenge in an industry that demands to be fed with clicks—and those clicks are a delusional equality to the artist’s worth.
“A number on social media platforms that could end [at] any time should not be given that much value, but unfortunately, it is,” Maya detests, “I choose to place value on the presentation, the contribution of creative gifts and the artistic output.”
One thing Maya is certain of having accomplished is inspiring others to be wholly themselves. But then again, that job is never done.
“You can’t ask any more of someone if they’re always trying their best and not hurting anyone,” so why would she?
For Maya J, everyone is unique and holds value in the world—and no one should be torn down for the role they’re meant to play. After all, Maya J never conformed to a systematic structure—why should anyone else?
“I spent my life flowing like a river and painting the world in my own colors. I used bright pink when people wanted black,” Maya J intimates, “I just hope [that] my ways make people confident to do their own thing too. You can’t be afraid to be original.”
*As of this writing, Maya J’s “Princess” has hit a milestone, peaking at #11 on iTunes pop chart and #30 over all genres. Download “Princess” now and Stay Sparkly with Maya J at thisismayajenkins.com
**Cover photo by Ryan West Photo, courtesy of Gramophone Media