Martay is an innovative singer-songwriter from California, blending modern dance beats with soulful vocals to create a unique and captivating sound. She has performed in over 500 shows, opened for Snoop Dogg, and is known for inspiring her fans with her positive energy. With new music on the way and plans to perform live again, Martay’s star is on the rise in the world of Electronic Dance music and R&B.
In this interview, we sit down with Martay to discuss her inspirations, workflow and creative process.
Hi Martay! how are you?
Hi, I’m doing great, thank you! It’s always a great day when you get to wake up, love people around you and pursue your dreams. I’m grateful.
We’d like to know more about your creative process. First off, where do you usually find inspiration?
That’s a good question! Making music started for me as a way to process my emotions and hard situations I was in when I was a young kid. And, it’s honestly never stopped being that for me. It’s often the way I process things. So, honestly, I find inspiration everywhere. Like, if I’m going through a hard time, I will find myself singing out my feelings or prayers to Jesus in the shower. And sometimes I’ll hear something and be like, “Wow. That’s really good. I need to make this into a song.” And then I most often do.
Which activities help you get inspired to make new music?
Like I said, anything really. It could be an argument with someone I love. A fear that’s coming up in my everyday life… a new season I’m in… birds chirping… haha. Literally anything!
Do you usually follow the same process when producing a track? Or does it change from time to time?
Most typically I do. I play the guitar. So, sometimes I’ll sing a little something and then find the right chords I want to give the song the sonic essence I feel like it should have. I also like to collaborate with people too. So, sometimes I’ll reach out to one of my producer friends and see what they might be able to help me create. It really comes down to how I want the song to turn out and what I want people to feel and understand when they hear it.
What’s your favorite part of a track to work on?
Oh man, that’s hard to answer! Most often it’s producing the vocals, but I love arranging the overall production too! I just really enjoy the whole music-making process. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
How would you say technology play its part in helping you with your creative processes?
Well, I mean, I’m always using voice notes on my phone to record my ideas. I record my music on my laptop at home with an interface and microphone. Then oftentimes myself and the producers I’m working with are using music production software to produce, mix and master my tracks. So, like 80% of the process is using some kind of digital technology. It’s really wild how that’s come to be, isn’t it?
Have you changed something in your workflow recently?
Yes, I’ve started collaborating with others more! Instead of relying on myself to always hammer out my own creative ideas, I’ve started asking friends and people I work with to join me in the process. And it has been SO INCREDIBLE. The music we create and the way things turn out are always beyond my imagination! Collaboration has elevated my music in a major way!
What has been the best change or implementation you made to your workflow or in your creative process and how has that changed the way you make music?
Like I said, working with people has always been something I was hesitant to do, but now I’m watching it really pan out in incredible ways. I absolutely love collaborating with people and wish I would have started sooner. I’m also learning not to be afraid at sticking with the creative process until the vision I had for a song is complete. Sometimes, it can be easy to rush things or let others convince you to walk down another path vision-wise with a song, but I’m learning to stick with what I hear. I feel like a lot of my ideas are straight from God sometimes, and I want to hear them play out the way they sound in my head.
What do you do to help you overcome feeling stuck while making music?
You know, the few times I’ve felt stuck in the creative process while making music was because I was trying to fit a mold or concerned with what others would think. The moment I let myself just be who I am and create the way I know how to create, it’s like my inner fountains begin to start flowing and I begin creating incredible art again.
What would you say is the most important thing to keep in mind when starting a new creative project?
I think remembering why you create in the first place is the most important thing. And then placing that why at the focal point of your creative process truly makes everything line up so, so well. I’m always creating because I feel like God created me to inspire people, bring hope to those who might feel discouraged, and truly reflect love. So, if I can just remember that and keep that at the forefront of my mind while creating, I’ve got nothing to lose and everything flows so well.
As we wrap up our interview with Martay, we’re left with a sense of excitement for what’s to come. Her honest and soulful approach to music, combined with her commitment to inspire and uplift others, has helped her grow as an innovative force in the industry. With a growing fanbase and new music releases on the horizon, we’re confident that Martay is on the path to even greater success.
Martay Online
Website | Soundcloud | Instagram
