Maeta, the rising R&B star, is making waves with her latest EP, Endless Nights, a project produced by the renowned (and Canadian) Kaytranada. As she tours with Chris Brown on his 11:11 tour, Maeta’s journey from Indiana to the big stage is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion. This morning I had the opportunity to sit down with the artist, just after arriving direct from Montreal (where she performed last night) and she shared insights into her personal life, journey into music, remarkable collaborations, and what’s next on her horizon.
Let me set the scene for you. We’re sitting in the stunning new Universal Music Canada office in Liberty Village, where she casually walks in. Zero frills. Ready to shoot the sh!t, if you will. Which I love. She was 100% real, and you could sense it. She even shared that she was starving, nicely asking her team to order her something healthy; like a chicken salad, from somewhere in the neighbourhood. We suggested Impact Kitchen from around the corner.
So here’s what we learned about the incredibly talented, Maeta.
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From the beginning…
Indiana to Los Angeles: Maeta’s early days
Born and raised in Indiana, Maeta’s early life was steeped in music. “My dad was a drummer in high school, and we had instruments all over the house,” she recalls. Her home was filled with music, fostering a creative environment that would shape her future. “My mom’s like a hippie, not literally, but she’s so go with the flow and do whatever you want. So, I had freedom of expression as a kid, and we would just play music all day long.”
Despite her small-town beginnings, Maeta was determined to make her dreams come true. At the age of 18, she moved to Los Angeles after being signed by Roc Nation. The transition was challenging, marked by loneliness and financial struggles. “I went through so much that I didn’t really expect. I was just lonely, got into this horrible relationship, had no money at all, taking the bus everywhere at like 1 a.m.,” she shares. But these hardships only fueled her drive and influenced her music, bringing a raw authenticity to her sound.
Maeta’s rise to fame began on social media. She started posting covers on Instagram and SoundCloud, eventually catching the attention of industry executives. “I used to not show my face; I would just sing. It’d be like a black screen with just me doing a cover,” she says. Encouraged by her manager to show her face, her popularity grew, leading to a pivotal moment when Omar Grant from Roc Nation reached out.
Reflecting on her discovery, Maeta recalls, “My manager texted me and said that Omar Grant at Roc Nation wanted to meet me. He flew to Indiana, met me in my element, and two weeks later, I was signed.” This opportunity was the launchpad for her professional career, moving her from the Midwest to the music hubs of Los Angeles.
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Epic collaborations: Working with Legends
Maeta’s career has been marked by impressive collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. From the likes of Kaytranada, SZA, Kehlani, Chris Brown and even Pharrell Williams. “It was amazing. I think it was like a year ago, my A&R played my project for him before it came out. He loved it and decided to work with me. We did a few songs at his house studio in Miami. Pusha T was upstairs working on some stuff. It was just so chill.”
Her latest collaboration with Kaytranada: Endless Night
Her collaboration with Kaytranada, who produced her latest EP Endless Nights, is particularly special, given their connection to Canadian soil. “We have so many leftover songs, so we decided to throw out a summer project with just Kaytranada beats. It became such a bigger thing because we fell in love with the songs,” Maeta explains. This unintentional yet epic coincidence of releasing the EP while touring in Canada adds a unique layer to their collaboration.
Maeta has also worked with Chris Brown, who she joined on the 11:11 tour. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “I hadn’t even met him until the tour started. I sent the song, he liked it, and then it was out. He called me and thanked me for doing it. He’s been very nice.”
#1 on the Billboard Charts: “Through the Night”
In March 2024, Maeta’s single “Through the Night” featuring the Free Nationals reached number 1 on the R&B radio charts, marking her first chart-topping single. Despite the milestone, Maeta remains humble and grounded. “I don’t get too excited over anything. It was one of those things where it’s like, whoa, but I was like in bed posting the assets. My friends do not give a fuck about anything I do. They’re like, whatever, we know you from Indiana.”
Things you may NOT know about Maeta
Maeta’s authenticity extends beyond her music. She’s open about her personal quirks and preferences, including her love for McDonald’s. “I f#cking love McDonald’s. Every country I go to, I have to try that,” she admits with a laugh. This small yet endearing detail adds a relatable touch to her persona, making her more than just a talented artist.
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Maeta is also left-handed, a fun fact she shared during the interview. “I’m left-handed,” she says. Of which I replied to her say, me too, we use the creative side of our brain. “Oh cool, I’ve never met another left-handed person yet,” she added.
Another interesting tidbit is her love for Brazil, despite never having visited the country–which I couldn’t resist to ask her about after seeing her in a Brazilian soccer team jersey on her socials. “I’ve always had a dream of going to Brazil. I remember when I was younger, I was obsessed with BuzzFeed quizzes, and one of my dreams is to perform at Rock in Rio. I have some weird connection to Brazil, even though I’m not Brazilian. And, I just love the colors and the vibe.” These glimpses into her life really highlight her down-to-earth nature and connection to her roots.
She also has a passion for fashion, particularly for Zara. “I fucking love Zara. If you know me, you know I’m always at Zara every other day,” she reveals. Her frequent visits to the popular fashion retailer showcase her keen sense of style and love for trendy yet accessible clothing.
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Maeta doesn’t shy away from sharing quirky moments of her life with her fans. Recently, she humorously posted about using a hand dryer in a washroom to dry her hair while on tour. “People were disgusted by that, but you have to be creative in the moment. I forgot a blow dryer, and typically use the one from the hotel, but at the arena I needed one to get my hair done,” she explained. These candid moments offer a lens into her down-to-earth and relatable personality, endearing her even more to her followers.
Touring with Chris Brown: Montreal, Toronto and beyond
Maeta’s current tour with Chris Brown has brought her to Toronto, marking her eighth stop on the tour. Performing in arenas is a new experience for her, one that she finds surprisingly less intimidating than smaller venues. “Arenas are more or less scary than theatres because you can see everybody in theatres. Arenas are just darkness,” she explains.
Despite some logistical challenges, like a malfunctioning tour bus (like the AC not working, which is unimaginable in this heat, and a flood), Maeta is still enjoying the experience. “We just party and have so much fun and laugh all day long. It’s been really, really fun.”
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Join us at the concert this Saturday or Sunday? Quick, the tickets are selling fast!
What’s next for Maeta?
Looking ahead, Maeta has exciting plans for the future. She’s working on her debut album, set to release later this year, and has international shows lined up in Japan, Australia, and South Africa. “I’ve never performed in Japan and Australia. I have 90-minute shows a night in Japan and Australia and never performed that long or two shows in one night. So we’ll see how that goes. I’m excited.”
When asked about her dream collaboration, Maeta revealed her admiration for Whitney Houston. “I would love to do a nice little ballad with Whitney Houston, singing off each other,” she shared. This aspiration speaks volume to her deep respect for the legendary vocalist and her own ambitions as an artist.
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Maeta’s journey is a testament to her resilience and passion for music. From her humble beginnings in Indiana to her current success on the international stage, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and authenticity. Her latest EP, Endless Nights, produced by Kaytranada, is a must-listen, and her performances on Chris Brown’s 11:11 tour are not to be missed.
Maeta’s story is one of determination, talent, and unyielding passion. As she continues to rise in the music industry, her fans eagerly anticipate what’s next. Be sure to purchase, download, and stream her new EP, Endless Nights, and catch her on tour with Chris Brown. Maeta’s undoubtedly a star on the rise, and her journey is just beginning. You can quote us on that one!
She even mentioned to me, while laughing out loud, that she actually auditioned for The Voice, and didn’t get any chair turns… but look at her now.
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