Today we’d like to introduce you to Maliah.
Maliah’s vibrant signature sound is effortless. Organic creative progress was a natural state for her, and freedom to explore her talents were encouraged.
Like a true old soul every time she reached for a mic, she surprised onlookers with a classic jazz voice packed into a tiny hummingbird of a girl. Born in a small beach town and raised in a hundred-year-old farmhouse on a sweet mix of ballet, belly dance and rhythm and blues. Naturally shy, Maliah used her exceptional voice to reach out to the world, with a wholehearted encouragement with her musician dad and stylist/photographer mother. She knew how to be on and off stage and her love of performing took off.
Maliah was greatly noticed by musicians at events, weddings, parties because she would ask politely for the mic and hailed the blues at any given moment. She was greatly noticed at the age of four by improving on the spot of songs with experienced jazz musicians of all types. Being the young gal that she was, she always had to leave by 10:00 pm. Maliah was destined to be a singer/songwriter.
As to date, a couple of years in, Maliah has performed as a soloist and started writing all-new material.
An opportunity arose setting a new direction when she published and wrote her first song Shade. Shortly after she won the best R&B vocalist of Ventura county. This past year she was introduced to Alex da kid and was offered the opportunity to write songs and create her album at Kidinakorner.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I feel separate and alone, my music, my writing, and my stories have always been my solace.
Growing up as an only child, raised by my mother. I always was looked at as being different.
Feeling alone, separate, an introvert and also being mixed race, I had a hard time making friends and saw the world differently, I always wanted to be a part of nurturing it.
I was bullied also because I sang songs at recess, and in class. I would especially get in trouble when I sang during ballet.
While all the other kids seemed to have friends after school, I had a strict ballet schedule and long evenings at dad’s rehearsal studio.
I found friendships with the adults, while all the kids were running and swinging on the monkey bars, I was engrossed in telling my stories and often times I would swear by my make-believe creativity.
I was the odd one, the last to get picked. Now, I see how grateful I am to have such confident leaders for parents that have always supported me to be my self no matter what, they are truly my friends.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I believe in my self 100%. I am am a musician. My creative wave comes to me with melodies first and then stories. I find my self-writing poems, dreams and feelings and they transcend into my songs.
Ever since I was a kid, I have been exposed to bands and music of all kinds, which I feel elevated in my direction and strength for writing.
My first drum kit, I learned how to play on was at the age of four by my dad.
I feel what sets me apart is my compassion for humans and the human connection between us all.
My first memories as a small child were such strong connections with the music of all kinds. Blaring through the house as long as I can remember were the sounds of Billie Holliday, Sam Cook, Ray Charles, Al Green, Etta James, and Otis Redding.
As my experience for creativity grew, I was supported to perform all types of art.
A ballerina from the age of three through my teens. I was also in a belly dance troop by the time I was eight that traveled locally. Balancing swords on my head and dancing with boaconstrictors that were twice the size of me.
I have always taken my self seriously and I know that I can do absolutely anything and everything I set my mind to.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I absolutely love how the city lights glimmer and reveal such vast space. I appreciate how everyone seems to know what’s happening.
I like that it brings such great fashion, music, film, and stories to all of the worlds.
I think it’s so cool to have a city type vibe but it feels like a small neighborhood or borough at the same time.
L.A. has great mountain views and the beautiful blue sea all driving distance apart. I like how there are so many great trails to walk and I experience new things every time I come.
So, I guess the downfall would be, that everybody seems to be trying to drive their cars at the same time, all of the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maliahmusic.com
- Instagram: maliahmusic
- Facebook: maliahmusic
Image Credit:
fiona pepe photography, rhianna mercier photography
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
