1. How have you found your journey in music so far?
Music has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I cannot envision a life without it. Pursuing music as a career has been immensely rewarding, but like any profession, it has had its ups and downs. As a live performer who regularly takes the stage, navigating the live circuit has brought its unique rewards and challenges. My journey has always been filled with obstacles, but I have consistently faced them head-on.
2. Was it difficult breaking through to the international market?
Breaking into the international music scene is not for the faint-hearted. From personal experience, achieving the success that one's music deserves does not happen overnight. The so-called ‘overnight success’ stories often told are, in truth, the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. They stem from countless months or years spent working tirelessly in the background, making things work despite the odds because there is no other choice!
This path can be daunting, heart-breaking, and disillusioning. However, if you persist, you eventually find your place in the vast musical landscape. What you do with that place and how you utilize that space is ultimately what counts.
3. You are now a rising star, gaining recognition for your music. How does it feel?
I never see myself as a star; on the contrary, I often view myself as someone just at the starting line. I recognize that I have a long way to go, and with each passing day, I realise how much more there is to learn. This can be incredibly frustrating! While I have set my goals, I remain flexible about when I will achieve them.
It feels immensely gratifying to be appreciated for my work, my music, and everything else I have contributed to the world. Initially, I was reluctant to share myself, always afraid of not being good enough. However, these days, I am happy to be making music surrounded by people who value me enough to invest their time and expertise into creating my next chapter with me.
This experience is humbling and a blessing. It reaffirms that the path I have chosen and stayed on all these years is where I am meant to be.
4. What have been your main influences in terms of people, musicians, and genres?
My formative years were steeped in rock and blues. My influences came from my father’s music collection and, of course, what was popular on the radio. Although we didn't have an extensive collection, we had enough for me to cultivate a deep love for the art and various genres. I was exposed to everything from pop, country, rock, blues, metal, and reggae, among others.
However, my main influence has been my partner, Zack. He never allowed me to rest on my laurels and has continuously introduced me to new music throughout my career. When I say ‘new music’, I mean any music from the 1950s to the present, as long as it was new to me. Zack's encouragement and passion for music have been instrumental in shaping my musical journey.
In addition to Zack, my other influences have been artists who evoke strong emotions in me. This includes legends like Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and many more. If I had to summarize it my influences have always been the music that brings me joy. I believe this connection to what makes us happy is where we find growth and inspiration.
5. You have a new album out in July? Can you tell us a bit more about this?
Yes, this project came about almost spontaneously. We hadn’t planned to release a new album so soon, (it follows her superb release ‘Always You’ in 2023) but here we are! My collaborator, Los Angeles songwriter, Denise Dimin, gave it a nudge and a mighty shove in that direction, and both my producer, Bob McGilpin, and co-producer, Gene Rabbai, started the ball rolling.
The album features five songs written by Dimin and one song written by McGilpin. Additionally, we included a cover of The Beatles' classic, ‘All My Loving.’ I thought it fitting to add this cover since we just celebrated the 60th anniversary of The Beatles coming to America and performing on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The album is Jazz/Pop, although we've added more into the mix, including some blues elements. This blend gives the album a unique, rich sound, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped my musical journey.
6. How have you found musicians to work with and why did you choose them?
My musicians are Bob McGilpin and Gene Rabbai. Bob, a guitarist, music arranger, and producer collaborates with Gene, an accomplished pianist, keyboard player, organist, and arranger. Bob has had a successful music career, once achieving three number 1 hits on the Billboard charts. Gene has worked with notable artists like Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Neil Young, Jimmy Griffin of Bread, and Vince Gill. Bob arranged and produced all the songs on my album. I have an incredible team.
7. Although you are an independent artist, you talk about your collaborators as a team. How have you found working as an independent artist, yet finding others to support your work?
I have been actively searching for a good agent in recent months, but it is not my primary goal at the moment. As a result, I am not part of a larger industry machinery. I have been operating independently for years, essentially a one-woman show, handling all aspects of my career, from booking shows to managing the various facets of a music career. There is no guidebook for this; I learn from mistakes and move on to the next challenge, hopefully making fewer mistakes along the way.
For the majority of my career, I have done everything on my own. However, with my last four albums, I have had the opportunity to work with like-minded creatives who have become integral parts of my team. Denise Dimin and Bob McGilpin have been instrumental in helping me progress from point A to point B. More recently, Gene Rabbai has also played a crucial role. While this may seem a small step to some in the music industry, any step moving you closer to your goal is significant!
8. What are your aspirations for the next few years and where do you want your music to take you?
I have often pondered this question: "Where do I want to go? What is the place that truly says, ‘I am here?’” The truth is, there is no definitive answer. I aspire to perform at a higher level, to be booked for better shows, and to entertain audiences who truly love my work. Additionally, I long to collaborate with more producers and teams who appreciate and value what I bring to the table.
Success is a concept that is challenging to define. We are bombarded with images and ideas of what success should look like every day through social media and the internet. However, I believe true success is achieved when you can honestly say, "I am happy and content with who I am.” It's important to acknowledge that at every destination you reach, another one is always waiting around the corner. I have yet to find the destination that unequivocally says, "I am here, and here I will stay.”
9. Can you sum up how important it is to establish your identity as an artist?
Being acknowledged for my work and music is both affirming and, to a certain extent, validating. While some may argue that validation shouldn't be a consideration in artistic endeavours, I've come to realise that in today's world, recognition and validation are sometimes necessary to cut through the noise. I am realistic about this. It's particularly challenging coming from a different background and trying to make a mark in a competitive industry. If assistance is offered, I am open to accepting it.
Ultimately, establishing my identity in music means remaining true to my voice and artistic vision. Recognition is just one aspect of the journey; what truly defines me as an artist is the authenticity and stories conveyed through my music.
10. What is next for Lyia Meta, and can you explain the concepts behind ‘Next’ a little more, and tell us about that amazing cover?
It’s always an incredible feeling when you can do what you love. With my latest work, I initially planned to release the entire album once it was ready. However, my team and I have decided to release the track ‘Easier and Easier’ as a single first.
On ‘Next’ my producer Bob and I delve deeper into the jazz-pop genre, blending it with touches of blues, the familiar rhythms of bossa, and elements of tango, accompanied by lush arrangements. The title, ‘Next,’ signifies the project that follows my previous release, ‘Always You.’ Given its direct succession to my last album, Denise Dimin, and I agreed that ‘Next’ was the perfect title.
After years of listeners asking me to add my visual art to the covers of my releases, I finally did. The background features art pieces from my solo exhibit, ‘Kaleidoscopic Nuances.’ The interplay of colours and composition is meant to imbue the emotive content of the songs and embody the mood of the album. Emotions and colours go hand in hand.
This album is a new addition to my body of work, representing the progression and evolution of my journey, artistic expression, and creative exploration. It also parallels Denise’s journey as a songwriter. Having released two previous albums together, ‘Next’ marks a significant step forward for both of us as we embark on this new chapter in our musical lives.
The album will be available on all streaming platforms.
Album: NEXT
Release date: 26th July 2024
Artist: Lyia Meta
Words and music by Denise Dimin
Produced by Bob McGilpin
Arrangements, guitar, drums: Bob McGilpin
Piano, strings by Gene Rabbai
Coproduced by Gene Rabbai and Lyia Meta
Photograper: Khahin Meta
Album artwork and concept: Lyia Meta
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