Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Mýa re-released her debut album Mýa (Deluxe) earlier this year, which first charted in 1998. It went double platinum and produced hit singles such as “It’s All About Me,” with Sisqo, and “Movin On.” The artist herself introduced a new wave of late-90s artists in the company of Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica, and pioneered a new sound that would introduce millennials to the world of R&B, and influence the music scene for decades to come.
Mýa’s journey to the entertainment industry started with her love of rhythm and percussion. In the early years of her life, Mýa was influenced by go-go music, a sound native to her upbringing in Washington, D.C. The genre originated from “Godfather of Go-Go,” Chuck Brown, combining elements of jazz, soul, and Latin-infused funk. (Carnegie Hall)
“I used to aspire to be in a go-go band,” says Mýa, “I chose the drums to play an instrument in 5th grade, but ended up choosing the violin. Something about rhythm has been a force through life.”
In her 25 years in the entertainment industry, Mýa has explored various avenues like creating her own record label, Planet 9. She accrued accolades such as a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, P!nk, and Missy Elliott on a cover of LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” featured in Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge, and a SAG Award for her performance in Rob Marshall’s Academy Award Winning film Chicago.
Mýa (Deluxe) brings back the timeless sound of 90s R&B, but also gives us a treat to six additional songs, including a 25th-anniversary remix of “Movin’ On” and “It’s All About Me,” and a beautiful Spanish version of “My First Night With You.” The album is a culmination of Mýa’s legacy so far, but also giving us a taste of what could be another music era.
When asked what the key is to being an accomplished artist, Mýa candidly reflects that she didn’t understand what fame was and that it wasn’t her goal as an artist to be in the spotlight. Mýa’s advice to up-and-coming artists, and seasoned professionals like herself, is to carry the grace to keep growing, making mistakes, experimenting, and empowerment through it all to make art. Keep following the joy and excitement of the initial visit to the stage and studio.
“I believe in the playground of the studio – sketching outfits, exploring music – [I was] a child of the arts” reflects Mýa, “Time flies so quickly! I have plans for so much more.”
The re-release of Mýa is just the beginning of the next phase of her career.
Mýa (Deluxe) is out now and available on all streaming platforms.
