Mýa CELEBRATES 25 YEARS SINCE HER SELF-TITLED DEBUT
BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)Mýa recently celebrated 25 years in the music industry with her debut album Mýa. In 1998, the album went double platinum and spawned hits such as "It's All About Me" with Sisqo and "Movin On." In 2001, Mýa collaborated with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, P!nk and Missy Elliott on a cover of LaBelle's song "Lady Marmalade'', which appeared in Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge. Music has not been the only creative medium Mýa has taken on in her successful career. She’s also immersed herself in the world of film and gaming, releasing several projects such as recording the theme songs for the Disney film Atlantis with Diane Warren and the EA video game “James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.”
The versatile artist recently sat down with 1824 to share her wisdom and insight on the ever growing music industry. In regards to her debut album, Mýa was asked what aspect of the album she was proud of. She acknowledged that being so young and maintaining her composure during a time of uncertainty especially under pressure in a new environment. At the age of 19, she remained proud of the slow journey and the gratitude that comes with growing as an artist.
One of the biggest hurdles to get over in the music industry is simply just getting started. In the age of social media and the internet, there are plenty of resources to learn, network, and put music out there. At the same time with so many resources, opportunities and people to reach out to, it can be overwhelming. Mýa’s advice on navigating this challenge was to always start the day with gratitude and that wherever you are in your music career, you will forever be a student. The music industry is a place where one will always be learning.
Mýa recognized how in her 25 year career, the music industry has changed for the better as a result of ever growing technology. The internet birthed opportunities all over the world for those who don't live in big cities or struggle with financial stability. As well as singing and talent competition shows helped talent shine. The con of this was it hurt the record industry tremendously where old mediums struggle to keep up. As Mýa said “It’s a cool time but a fast time.”
As many late 90s and Y2K trends are coming back from Gen Z artists sampling the work of Mýa’s time and even immersing themselves of the fashion from that period, she shared how she thinks it’s very cool to see evolution and how generations can learn from music sampling. Gen Z and Gen X/Millenials are able to learn about each other’s perspectives and influence each other in all aspects of life, especially creatively.
When asked about the encouragement Mýa would give to her younger self was something that many young professionals in the music industry can resonate with. Mýa discussed how she would tell her younger self to “Return to joy in moments of uncertainty, and take your time.” Throughout the rejections, the doubt, and moments of wanting to throw in the towel, it can be tricky to remember what made one want to get started in the music industry in the first place. Finding that joy and reflecting on what made one so passionate about music is vital in times of uncertainty.
Mýa’s success in the music industry has not only been a result of her multifaceted talents but also her ability to remain humble and grounded through it all. The ability to understand and appreciate the rapid evolution of the music industry has also been a contributor to Mýa’s triumphs in her music career as well. She proves that slow and steady wins the race always. Congratulations to 25 successful years in the music industry for Mýa and to many more years of talent and growth.