These Interview were created by Eric "Ciddyboy south" Johnson for MyaEric: I just want to say that I am honored to have you take time out of yourschedule to answer a few questions for me today.Mya: My pleasure.Eric: For the fans who've been missing you, why the hiatus from the U.Smusic scene?Mya: In 2004, after the Moodring album, I ended up in a year longlitigation with management. In late 2005, I made a transition withinthe Universal system from Interscope to Motown. In 2007 my 4thalbum "Liberation" was accidentally released in Japan when therelease date changed. At the time I was with Motown/Universal andmy lawyer advised that I don't waste time & money taking the issueto court, so I decided to go independent instead. Japan loved the"Liberation" album so much, that a company by the namedManhattan Records located there approached me about doingbusiness with them. I released my first independent project titled"Sugar & Spice: a year later after my split with Motown in Japan in2008, The Perfect Edition double disc set in 2009 also in Japan, myfirst mixtape Beauty & the Streets Vol 1 stateside in 2010. In April2011, I released the 4th independent compilation "K.I.S.S." (Keep ItSexy & Simple). And this December, I released the US Deluxeversion of K.I.S.S. via iTunes. So while it appears I've just stopped orhave been on some hiatus, I'm very much releasing a musical projectevery year, either internationally because that's where the freeopportunity & support has been, or stateside under the radar until Ifind the right situation that will provide the proper support.Eric: The digital release of your album K.I.S.S is now available for U.Sfans, already hitting Number 1 on the charts in Japan. What was thecreative process behind this album?Mya: The creative process was a combination of including songs thatI've had in my archive for years in addition to travelling across theU.S. & Jamaica to work with different producers & artists. I chosethe songs that best worked together sonically & arranged thetracklisting of the album accordingly.Eric: Now I have to admit "Mess up my hair" is one of my favorite tracksfrom for obvious reasons lol, but which song is your personal favorite?Mya: It's hard to decide which is my one favorite. So how I break itdown is like this. My favorite sexy slow jam is "Can I" by Snatch &Grab. My favorite substance record is "Evolve" produced by LeeMajor. My favorite uptempo record is "Mess Up My Hair" producedby Young Yonny.Eric: How hard was it choosing which tracks would make the album?Mya: It wasn't hard at all. I have so much material to choose from. Ipractically live in the studio, and when I travel, I'm usually equippedwith a portable studio. I can say that it helps to have listening partiesat my studio among friends & even among fans on twitter to see whatresonates, makes them dance, cry, laugh, etc. It's important for allof my albums to have a balance of many elements.Eric: Chuck Harmony said you're very humble, professional and fun towork with. How was it working with him and Harmony house on K.I.S.S?Mya: That's great to hear. Chuck is a very laid back, humble, supertalented musician/producer. His studio is dope, has great energy & acomfortable working environment. Working on K.I.S.S. with himwas a cool experience. Not many know, that there are 2 versions ofthe song K.I.S.S. One which we created from scratch & another thatexists on the album that was musically already done before I walkedinto the studio. I hope to share it one day, but Chuck's tracks canalso be expensive (giggles). Eric: Some might not be aware that you started your own label. How didyou settle on the name Planet 9?Mya: I've always been fascinated by space & time, the orbit ofplanets & the fact they have their own paths, years & moons.I've always felt I'm at my best when I do things in my own time, noton others' time. Being that the 9th planet in our solar systemwould have the longest year as it possesses the largest & longest orbitaround the sun, I tend to feel I comfortable living & creating therebefore beaming myself back to earth. It's an inner spiritual place Ioften go, when things on earth get chaotic & confusing.lt' s also the name of my studio where space, time & budget are nolonger factors.Eric: What made you decide to branch out on your own and How does itfeel to be your own boss?Mya: I've never had an ounce of quitter trait in me, so I thinkcircumstance & passion just naturally propelled me to find adifferent way, learn as I go, apply & execute to the best of my ability. I just love music, creating it & have the desire to share it that muchthat learning skills like sound engineering & self management attimes has been essential to my happiness. Being the BOSS is verytime consuming, but things are done the way you desire them,ultimately reflecting what you want to project to the world. And Ilove & respect the art & business much more because of it.Eric: What are your hopes for the state side release of this K.I.S.S? Do youplan on shooting any videos for the album? If so, I'd just like to throw mysuggestion out there for "Mess up my hair" lol.Mya: I just wanted to make it available to my fans. K.I.S.S. is a greatbody of work, but it's just an appetizer. I plan on making the ordersfor physical copies available via amazon.com & autographed copiesvia myamya.com. I've now been propelled to begin manufacturing &physically distributing my own physical copies via online store atmyamya.com as well. The fans still want to touch & feel, read thecredits, look at pictures, etc. which I think is pretty cool consideringthe digital age we live in today. Eric: Our online Magfour8media.com was designed to give moreexposure to unsigned and indie artist. What advice would you give to theaspiring singers and artist trying to reach the goals that you have achievedin your career?Mya: There's not a standard piece of advice that I'd give. I initiallystarted out with an independent/major deal. But this day & ageunsigned, indie artists can utilize the internet to their advantage withviral videos, music, do direct deals with Soundcloud, Tunecore,iTunes, etc to get their music distributed. In addition to perfectingthe craft, standing out, I'd recommend that aspiring artists createtheir own websites & get connected with social media, attend as manyindustry events as possible. I'd definitely recommend building &assembling a team (musicians, photographer, videographers,producers, managers, etc) that can grow with you & help you projectyour movement. But keep in mind, it takes money to make money, so save your money, because it's necessary to invest in yourself.Eric: So what's next for You now that the album is out? Can we expect anytours to come?Mya: I'm already working on the next album. K.I.S.S. was more of agift to my fans before Xmas. But I may shoot a video or 2, after doingsome further research with the fans & DJ's as to what song they wantto visually see brought to life. Touring… My life is a tour. All datesare on myamya.com under the events section.Eric: Is there anyone you would like to shout out to?Mya: Of course I'd like to give a shout out to all of the supportersfrom the producers, team members & fans that keep me inspired &motivated. The DJ's & radio personalities that have shown me somuch love over the years. Respect & appreciation!Eric: Mya, once again I want to thank you for this opportunity. I wish youmuch much more continued success and I'm diggin' the album. Iencourage everyone to cop it. Much love. Always a fan.Mya: Thanks so much for having me & asking some pretty coolquestions.
New album K.I.S.S. (Deluxe)available on iTunes 
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