May-a: From Industry Struggles to Artistic Empowerment

Maya Cumming, known professionally as May-a, is a 24-year-old Australian singer-songwriter who has navigated the complexities of the music industry since signing with Atlantic Records in 2021. Her debut EP, *Don’t Kiss Ur Friends*, marked a significant milestone, but her subsequent experiences in Los Angeles revealed the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity within a corporate framework. Cumming's relocation to LA was initially seen as a career breakthrough; however, she soon found herself in studio sessions that stifled her creativity. “These are sucking everything out of me and leaving no trace of my personality in any of this music,” she reflected on her time with the label.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

After releasing her 2023 EP, *Analysis Paralysis*, Cumming decided to part ways with Atlantic Records in late 2024. This decision was fueled by her frustration with the industry's expectations, which she felt compromised her artistic vision. “I had lost who I was because of trying to please corporations that just wanted me to write singles and hits,” she stated. In response, she began crafting a debut album that channels her anger and personal revelations, collaborating with notable producers like Carlos de la Garza and Chris Greatti to create a sound distinct from her earlier work.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

Cumming's artistic journey has been deeply personal, shaped by her early influences and experiences. Growing up in Byron Bay, she was inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan and later found her voice in the works of female-fronted bands like Garbage and Hole. Her song “Goodbye (If You Call That Gone)” encapsulates her evolution, with lyrics reflecting her newfound assertiveness. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming album, she expresses gratitude for her supportive family and mentors, acknowledging the role they played in her development as an artist.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

May-a's career took a notable turn when she performed alongside Cyndi Lauper in Sydney, an experience that solidified her aspirations for longevity in the music industry. “It was phenomenal to watch [Lauper] perform at 71,” Cumming remarked, indicating her desire to emulate such enduring success. As she gears up for the release of her new music, she aims to redefine her identity as an artist, moving away from the constraints of her past.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

Despite her achievements, Cumming has faced criticism regarding the industry's expectations of her sound. Following the success of her collaboration with Flume on “Say Nothing,” there was pressure for her to replicate that style, which she found limiting. “They were like, ‘sing like Say Nothing, quiet, and y’know, get the Billie Eilish fans,’” she recalled, highlighting the challenges artists face in balancing commercial success with personal expression.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

• “I had lost who I was because of trying to please corporations that just wanted me to write singles and hits,” — Maya Cumming, Singer-Songwriter

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

• “I think I associated LA with purposelessness for so long,” — Maya Cumming, Singer-Songwriter

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

• “It was phenomenal to watch [Lauper] perform at 71 – she was so there, rolling around on the floor,” — Maya Cumming, Singer-Songwriter

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’

As May-a continues to carve her path in the music industry, her story serves as a testament to the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of external pressures.

May-a: ‘I was not in a good place – no one’s in a good place when they get a neck tattoo’