We caught up with the brilliant and insightful MAXA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

MAXA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In high school I was in a college accelerated program called Bridge. I remember taking a course there where the professor said ” Think of something you would do for free, and that is going to be your career.” I feel as though high school was the time for me I really explored creatively. I had always been attracted to the arts but never knew who to the infiltrate that world. During my 4 years at Ucity high I was able to fully emerge myself into that world participating in choir, dance, as well acting! I felt like i was finally finding my niche’ and was looking forward to expanding my craft after high school.

MAXA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After high school I was determine to live a life of fun adventure through my passions. I got to college where I was classically trained, developed more skills as an actor and dancer though their musical theater program. However after there years realized a school setting wasn’t for me. I was going through a lot of growing pains and it reflected in my school work. I then decided to make the decision to drop out. I then enrolled into Esthetics school in order to make money I didn’t wanna work the traditional 9-5. Even though I worked hard and managed to graduated at the top of my class I still felt as though something was missing. Around that same time I was in esthetics school I linked up with an old friend I graduated high school with. She was working as a freelance photographer and videographer. The main project she was working on was shooting content for a rapper named A-Game, also a STL native. It was during that time hanging with friends and observing their lifestyle I felt it was possible for me to reach my goals and dreams of becoming an entertainer. Not too long after that my creative circle began to expand. I took the training i learned from my days a classical musical theater student and began implementing them into my my everyday. I began locking myself in a room trying to write my own music, practice singing and vocal exercises singing the genres i wanted to sing. It wasn’t until I moved to South City Stl I really began to find my tribe. After i released my first solo track I began lending my talents to other acts including a Funk that I sung in for years. This disbanded for few thats when i got back to creating my own music. After the pandemic I hit a bit of a musical wall I was still getting booked but wanted something the new. I expanded my talents into Djing where I found renewed sense of passion.

Im most proud of how far I’ve come in this creative world. What I want everyone to know is that even though sometimes you may know what you want just not how to get there, keep going. Everyone I wanted work with came to me. I didn’t have to chase it. It eventually came into fruition.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A major lesson I had to learn just in life and in the industry is ALIGNMENT. Things will happen in due time when they’re suppose to. Like I mentioned before I never chase those I wanted to work with they came tot me. I feel as though a lot of artist get down when they don’t get the support or get to work with certain people I feel as though if you set the intentions make sure they are pure, meaning observe your motives behind everything you do. Is it genuine? Where does this “NEED,” originate from? Can you be patient or are you demanding of this need in the moment. Alignment for me also applies in so many different a lot of my growing pains originated from me not being in alignment with the people around me or where I wanted my career to go. I had to learn boundaries I also had to learn how to stick by those boundaries. A lot of time when I say yes when I wanted to say no. I had to unlearn my happy go lucky instinct to help others at the expense of myself. I had to unlearn betraying myself in order to please others. I now know it is possible to help others when it is in alignment with myself and my needs. When it isn’t it is acceptable to say no in order to save yourself as well as others a lot of time. RESPECT yourself your boundaries and others will too. When its not in alignment move around.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view I feel as though the best way to support artist is to show up when you can. Share their content and collaborate when you can! Most importantly remember that its possible for EVERYONE to EAT. Too many times we get ourselves into a LACK mindset a LACK mentality, which keeps us from authentically supporting others this is a mistake. We have to make room for everyone integrate new people new sounds into our space and encourages others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @maaad.maxa

Image Credits
Nyara W. Martell Stepney