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

Zamy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I used to work with a collective called VaporTrails (Vtrails), where we managed a group of independent hip-hop artists. At the time, I was a writer and poet, and performance art was nowhere on my radar. But after leaving the group and stepping out on my own, I found myself grappling with a deep depression. The only thing that kept me from completely drowning in my emotions was singing.

I’ll never forget the first song I recorded on my phone—“Do Better.” It was an acapella improvisation I created while lying in bed, lost in thought, trying to make sense of my life’s direction. That simple moment marked the beginning of something that would shape my entire existence.

From there, I started experimenting with songs over piano melodies, which eventually led to making beats on my phone. Slowly, I upgraded to FL Studio, and the process of creating beats and recording my voice became my lifeline. Music was no longer just an outlet; it was my practice, my refuge. My journal entries, once just written words, now lived inside these musical pockets of reflection, wonder, and growth. It became something I couldn’t live without.

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?

My mission is to harness the alchemical power of sound to cultivate harmony within our inner and outer worlds. I create transformative musical experiences that promote mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. I know first hand that music is a potent form of medicine that can soothe the soul, inspire change, and build community. Through my carefully crafted productions and immersive vocal soundscapes, I aim to provide reflective and affirming experiences that help individuals reconnect with themselves and restore their peace.

As a producer, singer, songwriter, and bass player, I offer one-on-one sessions for those looking to deepen their musical craft and explore their creative potential. Whether you’re just starting out or honing your skills, I provide a supportive space for growth and exploration.

I have a deep passion for live performance, sharing my own creations with audiences and bringing them to life on stage.

Recently, I’ve been developing and sharing what I call Rising Ritual Songs. These are personalized meditations designed to become the soundtrack to your morning routine. Each song is crafted to help center and elevate your day, offering a unique blend of sound and intention. I offer these songs both as individualized experiences and for group sessions, helping people connect through music in a deeper, more meaningful way.

I’m most proud of the risks I take as an artist. For me, growth doesn’t come from staying in a comfortable space or sticking to what’s familiar—it comes from stepping into the unknown and embracing vulnerability. Whether it’s experimenting with new sounds, pushing the boundaries of my creativity, or sharing deeply personal moments through my work, I’m not afraid to take risks that challenge me.

These risks are what push me forward, keep my art evolving, and allow me to stay true to my authentic self. Every time I take a leap into something uncharted, I learn more about who I am as an artist and as a person. It’s in those moments of uncertainty where the magic happens—where my true voice finds its way out and becomes something bigger than I ever expected.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Here’s a response that incorporates the lesson you learned in a reflective and insightful way:

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to conform to other people’s expectations in order to be successful or validated. A particular experience stands out: I was once invited to perform for a big production company. I worked hard to promote the event, reaching out to my friends, family, and followers, and I was truly excited about the opportunity. However, when I showed up after a long day of work, ready to perform, they informed me that I couldn’t go on because I hadn’t sold enough tickets.

I was pissed—to say the least. I had done everything I could within my power, and yet I was told I wasn’t “enough” because I didn’t fit into their commercialized version of what success should look like. What made it worse was that the company was founded by two people who weren’t musicians and didn’t truly understand the culture or the music they were promoting—they were just in it for the money.

That night, I had to face a harsh truth: this wasn’t my audience. It wasn’t a crowd that understood or appreciated my music, my culture, or my story. And they weren’t going to give me the space to show up as my authentic self. I was there to share my gift, but they saw it only as a transaction.

It was a pivotal moment where I had to unlearn the idea that I had to force my art into spaces that didn’t align with who I was. I realized that I don’t need to chase audiences that don’t value or understand my craft. My work deserves to be shared with people who get it, who can connect with my message and the energy I bring. I learned that it’s better to wait for the right stage, the right opportunity, and the right community—one that respects my artistry and allows me to thrive.

I no longer try to fit into spaces that don’t make room for me. Instead, I focus on serving my gifts where they are truly valued and appreciated. It was a hard lesson, but one I’m grateful for, because it helped me grow into a more self-aware and intentional artist.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve experienced was when I became a mother. It completely shifted the way I approached both my creative process and my career. Prior to having my son, my artistry was driven by urgency—chasing deadlines, late nights in the studio, and always feeling like I had to be moving at full speed to get things done. But motherhood taught me to slow down and, in many ways, redefine what productivity and success meant for me.

At first, I struggled to balance my creative life with the demands of being a new parent. I couldn’t dedicate the same long hours to making music or writing that I used to, and that left me feeling frustrated and disconnected from my craft. But in time, I realized that motherhood was teaching me something invaluable: patience. The same patience it takes to care for a child also became the patience I needed to nurture my creative ideas.

I also learned resilience—how to keep going, even when things don’t go according to plan or when you face setbacks. There were days when I thought I wouldn’t be able to create at all, but I began to see that even the smallest moments of creativity, even a few minutes of songwriting or playing bass, were enough. Being a mother taught me how to adapt, to find beauty in the small victories, and to be resilient through the ups and downs.

I’ve come to understand that the ebb and flow of life—including the quieter, more reflective moments—are just as important to my artistry as the intense bursts of inspiration. Motherhood has transformed my creative process, making it more intentional, grounded, and deeply connected to my heart. It has reshaped the way I create, not out of urgency, but from a place of patience, resilience, and love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zamymaa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zamymaa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNoiFAdVhcKXqAm1am0ziHA
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zamymaa
• Other: https://www.zamymaa.com/homerecordings

Image Credits

the two photos with the tie dye Zamy maa shirt and the cheetah print vest were taken by Flordalis Espinal.