Maya Winters is an upcoming indie pop singer-songwriter from Paisley, Scotland. She draws inspiration from artists like David Bowie and Aurora and creates dreamy songs featuring piano and soft synths with lyrics inspired by random objects. Maya got her start by posting covers on her YouTube channel 'WintersWonderings' and now has her first EP coming out in April. She advises aspiring artists to follow their passion and not worry about doing it the "right" way.

1. Draft Article – Emily Climer
Introducing Maya Winters
Maya Winters is an upcoming indie pop singer-songwriter from Paisley, Scotland. With a
growing YouTube fan base and her new EP coming out in the spring, her music career is
just taking off. But what started her on this journey? This month we caught up with
Maya to discuss just that.
Before we delve into your music I have to ask, how have you created your unique
Maya Winters look?
Well I mostly just shop at thrift and charity shops and then transform the clothes I buy
into something new. I like to embroider patterns into the material to make something
more interesting. My favourite thing is to make halter neck tops out of old t-shirts. I
guess this was just a pastime growing up, but it grown into pretty much my entire
wardrobe.
You grew up in Paisley, didn’t you? What is it like there?
As it’s a town, it’s quite busy a lot of the time and there’s a lot to do. I always used to
enjoy going to the arts centre, where they showcase some incredible creative talents. I
was lucky enough to perform there once with my school, not being quite yet confident
to perform by myself.
Did you draw inspiration from your surroundings, or did you have any other
influences that inspired you to create music?
The first time I became interested in music was when I heard Life on Mars by David
Bowie. I just found it so beautiful and wanted to learn it immediately, so I had my music
teacher help me with it on the piano at school, and I’ve been writing my own songs ever
since. Although some of the first songs were terrible. But Bowie’s always been a huge
inspiration of mine. Just how he broke conventions and created music for himself, not
compromising who he was for anyone. I was devastated when I found out that he
passed away last year. He has left behind such a profound and wonderful legacy, and I
am so grateful to him for that.

2. Draft Article – Emily Climer
Are there any other artists that you enjoy listening to?
I have recently been listening to Aurora. She is incredibly talented. Her voice is just so
unique and interesting, and she is remarkably captivating in her performances. My
favourite song of hers would have to be Running with the Wolves. It has such an original
sound to it and creates an overwhelming atmosphere whenever I listen to it. I hope to
one day create that same atmosphere with my music.
How would you describe your music style?
Well the majority of my songs are played on the piano, but I do have a few on the
acoustic guitar. I like to use a soft synth in the background to make the song flow better
and to create a sort of dreamlike sound. And then with my vocals I use a lot of
harmonies to again create a dreamy vibe.
How do write your songs, and what do you draw inspiration from?
I’m slightly strange when it comes to writing songs. Most people will say to write from
your own experiences, but I tend to do the opposite. I’ll write from other people’s
perspectives and create stories from my surroundings. One of my favourite things to do
is to just find a random object and then write a song about it. I’ll use metaphors to
relate the object back to a human issue or idea. I have one song where the object was a
clock and I related it to the passing of time and growing up. I also have another song
about growing up, where the object was a tree.
How have you gotten people to take notice of your music?
When I first started making music I set up a YouTube channel, where I’d post covers and
start to establish what sort of sound I wanted my music to have. As my audience grew, I
became more confident and decided to start posting my original songs, which were
thankfully received well. People seem to relate to the tree metaphors.
In what ways do you connect with your audience?
I like to help them with any questions they have about starting a channel of their own,
writing songs, learning an instrument, that sort of thing. I am so appreciative of my
audience and really grateful for their constant support. I wouldn’t be in the position I am
without them. So any advice and help I can give them is the least I can do.

3. Draft Article – Emily Climer
What would you say is the next step in your musical career?
I have my first EP coming out in April, so I’ll be promoting that until then, and then in
May I have a few concerts booked in the King Tut's, in Glasgow, which I’m very excited
about. I’ve only ever performed my songs over a livestream on my channel, so it’s quite
nerve-wracking, but I’ve never been more ready for the challenge.
And finally, do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Do what you love and are passionate about and don’t let anybody tell you that you’re
doing it wrong. There’s no wrong way, just your way.
Head over to Maya’s channel ‘WintersWonderings’ to check out her music and hear a
glimpse of her first EP ‘Whispers’.