Liife&Such: Mya

Jadore: It’s always an honor to speak to the brains, the beauty, & the talent that is Mya! You’re a friend to the blog, thank you so much for returning!
Mya:  Thanks for having me back!

Last time around, we spoke about your appearance on Dancing with the Stars & the “Beauty & the Streets” ep –

Q: Since then, you’ve gone foreign! Lol You released your album “K.I.S.S” overseas. How was the reception of the album there? Why did you shoot for the market overseas?

A: When I parted ways with my major label in '07, I decided to continue making music but with a different business model. So I created my own label Planet 9 & do different types of deals.  In '08, I was offered a non-exclusive deal with a Japanese label Manhattan Records.  Through that deal I released Sugar & Spice December '08 & The Perfect Edition double disc in '09.  I continued doing business with them 2 years later in 2010, later to release K.I.S.S. in April 2011 (exclusively in Japan).  Every single has gone No. 1 on the charts, so the reception there has been great & it's been a pleasure working with such a professional company.

Q: However, you did recently release “K.I.S.S” here in the states – so congratulations! It’s avail for digital download on iTunes. Have your fans given you great feedback?

A:  Yes, I digitally released K.I.S.S. Deluxe Version on 12/20/11 as a holiday gift to my fans. Physical orders become available on Amazon.com in February.  The world version digitally becomes available on 2/14/12.  My fans have given me nothing but great feedback from this album. I'm just so happy there's a platform for me to be able to supply them with music even without a major label involved.

Q: How long did it take to complete the album? Where did you find inspiration?
A:  There are a few songs on the album that have existed in the archive for a couple of  years that finally found the appropriate place to reside.  But I'd say I'd say the entire album with the new material took me about 5 months to assemble & complete. Between October 2010 & February 2011.

Q: I love the name of this album – holds any significance to you?
A: Yes it does.  K.I.S.S. Is representative of exactly where I am, how I think, feel & rock at this moment in my life personally & professionally.  Bull & drama free.  I like to "Keep It Sexy & Simple."  Having a clutter free life, means I'm a better person all around.  Giving off positive energy is sexy to me.

Q: As a fan of your music I have to gush over my favorite track “Mess up my Hair” – what was your favorite on this album?
A: Haaaaa!  It's hard to just choose 1 song. So I divide it up like this.

• Favorite Club Banger:  Earthquake f/Trina produced by Young Yonny
• Favorite Substance Record: Evolve produced by Lee Major
• Favorite Sexy Slow Jam: Can I produced by Snatch & Grab

Q: Anytime you start working on a new album, is it still just as exciting as the last? How does Mya know she has a good thing on her hands when it comes to music?

A:  Oh yeah.  The last 4 years have been a playground for me musically. It's so exciting having my own studio - limitless creative space at my disposal. When it comes to music, I have listening parties at my studio with girlfriends, dancers, the crew, etc. They tell me what they like, love, don't care for.  And I also have exclusive online listening parties with fans. At the end of the day, I know I have something good on my hands when I perform it before it's available & people ask where they can go buy it.

Q: What is the next single & when can we expect to see some videos?
A: I digitally released 3 singles on 12/6, 12/13 & 12/16. K.I.S.S. is just a gift to my fans who've been begging for music.  What song would you like to see a video for?
Jadore: Well I want to see "Mess Up My Hair"

Q: Will you be making any television appearances anytime soon? Any new movies?

A: Yep.

Q: I recently read that you started your own label – Planet 9! That is too exciting. How did this come about for you? What made you decide to take on this business venture?
A: Long story short, in '07 my album "Liberation" was accidentally released in Japan by the major label I was with at the time- Motown/Universal. Due to negligence, my lawyer advised that I just go independent instead of taking it to court in a long drawn out lawsuit.  After all of the release date changes, waiting games & drama that occurred, my passion for making music became greater & I wasn't going to allow the disappointments affect that.  That's how Planet 9 was born & I've been independent ever since.

Q: What advice do you give aspiring artists trying to get signed or even get noticed – in any market?
A:  Embrace being different, stand out.  Save your money because you'll need to invest it into yourself to create the product & put the finishing touches on it for presentation.  Utilize social media to build your buzz! 

Q: Well it’s a New Year and the Grammys are right around the corner! What were your favorite album(s)/single(s) of 2011?
A: Fav Albums of 2011

• Alternative: Radiohead "King of Limbs"
• Rap:  "Hustler's Ambition" Deluxe  -Young Jeezy
• R&B/Soul:  "Back to Love" Deluxe - Anthony Hamilton
• Singles: LMFAO "Sexy & I Know It"
• Jill Scott "Hear My Call"

Q: 2011 was a great year for many, including yourself. I’m sure this new year will be no less. Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to in 2012??

A: Yes. But that's a secret (giggles).

Jadore: Again, I want to thank you so much for coming out a second time to talk with us about your career
Mya: My pleasure.