Baltimore native and soul veteran Maysa is celebrating her 20th year as a solo recording artist this year by releasing Back 2 Love, her eleventh studio album, which just debuted at #9 on the Billboard R&B chart and #2 on the contemporary jazz chart. The opus is headed by the Stokley-assisted single "Keep It Movin'" and is named after Maysa's desire to get back out there on the dating scene.
The velvety-voiced singer participated in a quick Q&A with Singersroom in which she briefly touched on the album, even the recent unrest in her hometown of Baltimore. Check it out and purchase the album on iTunes above!
What’s your favorite song on the album Back 2 Love and why?
I can't choose really but SMILIN' and UNFORGETTABLE just makes me feel good, hopeful, and happy.
How was it working with Stokley (of Mint Condition) on the single, “Keep It Movin’”?
He's one of the good guys and a joy to work with! His voice and songwriting style are incredible and I am blessed to have worked with him.
You’ve said Back 2 Love represents the fact that you’re ready to have a very special man in your life. Have you been dating and if so, how has it been going?
No, I'm not dating yet. I decided to focus really hard on getting in shape right now. It's been almost 5 years since I was in a relationship.
How did the recent collaboration of “Free Urself” with jazz/R&B band Spur of the Moment come about?
Spur is family. So when Wayne Bruce called, I ran to the studio. The song is great and my producer Chris Big Dog Davis produced it so it was a done deal.
Last year, you released your first Christmas project, A Very Maysa Christmas. How was that creation/recording process?
It was incredibly fun. Just me and Big Dog in the lab trying to bring a whole new vibe to songs that have been recorded a million times!! We had a ball!!
As the mother of a teenage son, and being from Baltimore, what’s your take on the recent turmoil there?
I'm upset and afraid for all young black men everywhere, but I'm mostly upset that they have no compassion towards each other. If they can come together to protest police brutality, then they can stop killing each other. It's very painful to witness.
Are there any live performance/tour dates lined up?
Yes! All of my dates are on my website MAYSA.com.
What do you feel is your biggest musical accomplishment?
My 12 solo CDs and almost 25 years in the industry (2016). I am surviving!!! That's my biggest accomplishment. And then there's that incredible first Grammy Nomination in 2013/2014!!
