Edward Maya burst onto the EDM (electronic dance music) scene in India with his chart-topping track, Stereo Love, in 2010. He even reached the coveted top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song, which featured Vika Jigulina’s vocals, stayed on the charts for 28 weeks and went on to win the 2011 Billboard Music Awards for the Top Dance Song. His 52 weeks on the charts are also the longest in the history of the European Top Hot 100.
It’s been over a decade, but Stereo Love continues to be a sure-shot winner for any Indian club. Even Maya’s other pieces such as Desert Rain and This Is My Life got Indians tapping to his beats. Romanian Maya is influenced by his country’s folk music and Bollywood! He is currently in India and is scheduled to perform at the newly refurbished Asilo at The St. Regis Mumbai. He has already performed in other cities including Bengaluru.
Prior to his Mumbai gig, we got Edward Maya to answer a few questions for Zee Zest.
Edited excerpts:
1. What inspired you to pursue music? What about the electronic genre attracted you?
I met music from an early age. My grandfather played the flute, the bagpipe and the accordion for me. My first inspiration was from Romanian folklore. Then at the age of seven, I discovered the electronic music genre inspired by the likes of Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis. Once I began schooling, I then started to parallelly discover classical music with radio and club music. Across the years, my orientation was towards a certain personal direction in music and that is how I became Edward Maya!
2. Who are your musical inspirations?
If you are asking about Bollywood, it has to be A R Rahman. Legends like Mohammed Rafi and R D Burman too have inspired me in the direction of soulful melodies.
3. How has EDM as a genre evolved in the last 10 years?
Electronic dance music shall always be eternally present amongst us, whether in India or globally. Yes, the genre is diversifying with various sub-genres being introduced, which makes it even more versatile. I know about some independent EDM artists in India who are doing well for themselves. I wish to interact and work with them sometime in the near future.
4. You have a very strong fan base in India. What about your music connects with Indians?
Ever since my introduction to Indian film music 10 years ago, I’ve been hooked. I love the way the musicians here blend pure Indian classical music with modern global tunes. The Hindi film music is very experimental which I find very inspirational. I still remember the first time I heard Vishal Shekhar and Akon’s Chammak Challo, it was my favourite back then.
5. You’ve been a chart-topping artist in the past. How do these lists impact musicians?
Being listed on the charts acts as a booster to music artists. This further propels the urge to come out with more hits, improvisation and maintaining a momentum through one’s creativity.
6. What new projects are you working on?
This one will come as a massive surprise in the coming days. I am currently in the studios with top artists like Tanishk Bagchi, Jubin Nautiyal and Zahrah Khan to recreate one of my biggest hits in Bollywood style. Currently, I am also in talks with various labels, music producers, singers, and other music artists, brainstorming collaborations and discussing international recreations and reprises. I am building a bank of Bollywood remixes produced with my style of music and shall be releasing them from time to time on a regular basis. I also am excited to be performing for the Hard Rock Cafe Asilo Tour on January 29, 2023, at The St Regis Mumbai.
7. How have streaming services helped musicians?
Digital streaming platforms are today the most important medium between music artists and their consumers. With the monetised model that most of the streaming platforms are offering today, it boosts the morale of the creator and one feels gratified.
Click here to book Edward Maya X Asilo tickets.
Date: January 29, 2023
Time: 9 pm onwards
Price: INR 5,000 and upwards