Music industry studies junior Maya Davis known as “a girl called maya” on social media and streaming platforms released her debut single “begin again” with sophomore Corey “CJ” Sanders.
Davis said the song was inspired by one summer that was particularly hard for her with the passing of a friend and facing racial and gender discrimination at her job.
“I just was so fearful that I would experience a time period like that again,” she said. “I’d always be like, ‘Please don’t let this summer be like last summer.’ So that’s kind of what I wrote that about.”
Not only did Davis write the lyrics for “begin again,” she also produced the track.
She said the song began with a few chords before she added drums and lyrics.
Davis said the production process happens in her own bedroom.
“For me, personally, I like to produce in my own confines because I feel like it gives me room to mess up, and I’m not thinking about ‘what do people think of what I’m doing right now,’ she said. “I can just focus on me going through the weeds and really getting through to like the final product.”
And it was during this intimate production process when the artist realized she wanted a rap verse, and she said Sanders, known as Kimbv Svuce (pronounced Kimba Sauce), immediately came to mind.
“I immediately thought about CJ because he’s just so versatile. And he’s so talented. Like definitely one of my favorites.”
When he sent over his verse, Davis said it was amazing. After some minor tweaks, the duo was ready to release their collaboration, which is now available on all streaming platforms.
“I just hope people can relate to it,” she said. “And understand that if [they’re] going through a rough patch that – this sounds kind of corny – but things will get better and not dwell on the past.”
Davis is looking forward to releasing a second single in May and the “full project” over the summer.
