Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Martha May. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Martha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

It’s a song that I’m releasing on the 13th of October 23′. The song is called Birthday Wish, and it talks about the struggles of accepting your body. I’ve been struggling with my body image since I was a child, due to bullying in school and just beauty standards in general. I wrote a song about it because I didn’t want this ‘skinny obsession’ of mine to continue anymore, but also because I want to tell others who are also going through this, especially young adults, that they are not alone. By starting this conversation I believe we can change perspective, and be more mindful when it comes to commenting on other people’s physical appearance.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been drawn to singing ever since I can remember. I participated in multiple choirs as a child, but the true spark awoke when my high school put on a production of the musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Playing a small part in the musical made me realise there is nothing in this world I would rather do then sing on stage. At 18 years old, I moved from my home country, Croatia, to Chichester, UK, to study Musical Theatre. I did love it, however in the beginning of my 3rd year of study I started thinking I’m not fully content. Not yet understanding why, I decided to buy a guitar and learn some basic chords. About a month into learning, I wrote my first song Breakaway, and suddenly it made sense that I’m supposed to create my own melodies rather than just singing others. I chose to continue my studies by doing a Popular Music Practice Master’s Degree at BIMM, London. London life has opened many opportunities for me, and I started performing in all sorts of venues, playing my original songs either with full band, or just acoustic. After graduating BIMM, I applied for the Croatian Eurovision National Final Competition – Dora, with my song Distance, not thinking anything would come out of it. I ended up getting chosen to participate, so I went back to Croatia for a couple of months. This is something I am incredibly proud of because it was my first big TV appearance, but also because I was singing a song that I wrote myself. The entire performance was directed and planned by me, and as much as it was difficult, it was worth it. Since then, I’ve been working on my new song Birthday Wish that is coming your way on the 13th of October:) I write catchy indie-pop music, influenced by Lorde, Olivia Rodrigo, Orla Gartland, Marina, Phoebe Bridgers, LP, and many others. I write deeply personal lyrics, always with a hint of hope and optimism!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal is for people to connect with my music emotionally. There is nothing that feels better for me than people telling me that my song has made them cry/laugh/think. While I was doing the Croatian Eurovision National Final Competition, there were many haters online who apparently thought my song was bad. But there were many people who personally messaged me, saying my song has made them think of someone, or that it has really touched their hearts. This alone makes what I do worthwhile, even if there’s more haters than fans.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives don’t really understand how much effort and money it takes to stay true to your art, at least that’s how it is in music. Building something of your own, from scratch, takes energy and daily commitment.

Contact Info:

• Website: marthamaymusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/martha_may_music?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100082553509734
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarthaMayMusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@martha_may_music?si=7tuBv0GW6Yf4uxE9

Image Credits
Shaun Dagnall, Renato Brandjolica