HYFIN sits down with Maeta: The new face of R&B

HYFIN Verified artist Maeta Kaplan, known professionally as Maeta, is a rising star in the R&B world. Born in 2000 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Maeta discovered her passion for music at a young age. She began writing songs as a teenager and posting covers on social media, quickly gaining a dedicated following impressed by her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Maeta’s music blends classic R&B and soul with modern pop influences, drawing comparisons to artists like H.E.R., SZA, and Jazmine Sullivan. With her undeniable talent and the support of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, Maeta is poised to become one of the most exciting new voices in R&B music.

In a recent interview with HYFIN, Maeta shared her experiences navigating the music industry and her journey from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. Her story offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of an emerging artist in today’s music landscape.

The Midwest Roots:

Growing up in Indianapolis, Maeta attended a predominantly white church and was exposed to a different singing style than the gospel and R&B she would later embrace. Despite this, she always felt a deep connection to music and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue an entertainment career. As she explored her passion, Maeta found herself drawn to the works of iconic singers such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Alicia Keys, studying their vocals and honing her skills. “I would go on YouTube and just watch like R&B videos all day,” she recalled, “that’s kind of honestly where I think my [vocals started] training to just do runs and stuff.”

The Move to LA:

Signing with Roc Nation marked a significant milestone in Maeta’s career, but it also meant relocating to Los Angeles. The move brought both excitement and challenges, as she found herself in a new city without a strong support system. Maeta had to navigate the complexities of the music industry while also building a new life for herself. She candidly shared her experiences of working odd jobs to make ends meet while pursuing her dream, stating, “I had to get a job at a gym. I was selling clothes, I had to, I was taking the bus everywhere… It’s embarrassing sometimes because, as an artist, you don’t want people seeing their favorite artist also being the receptionist at the gym.”

The Importance of Authenticity:

Maeta emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist throughout the interview. She acknowledged the pressure to create viral moments and fit into certain molds but maintained that her passion lies in creating genuine, heartfelt music that resonates with her audience. “I think sometimes you gotta teach people what they want,” she asserted, adding, “even Beyoncé with country right now, it’s like she’s forcing people like, listen to this country. [People] are kind of catching on, you know, even though they talked shit on Twitter months before.”

The Role of Mentorship:

Maeta credited her management team at Roc Nation, particularly her A&R Omar, for their guidance and support throughout her journey. She emphasized the value of having mentors who believe in your talent and help you navigate the industry and grow as an artist. “Having them kind of have my back and teach me a lot and teach me the things that I need to know and just kind of train my brain a little bit, I think that’s made me feel like, okay, I’m like in it,” she explained.

Looking to the Future:

As Maeta continues to make her mark on the R&B scene, she remains focused on crafting her highly anticipated debut full-length album and becoming a global sensation. She draws inspiration from artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna, who have transcended genres and become international icons. “I wanna be a pop star one day and kind of branch outta R&B and start doing pop stuff and be like headlining all these festivals,” she shared, “I think [Rihanna] is a huge inspiration for that. I love how she can do anything.”

Maeta’s journey from the Midwest to LA is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to make it in the music industry. Her story offers a raw and honest look at emerging artists’ challenges, from financial struggles to the pressure to conform. However, it also highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, building a strong support system, and never giving up on one’s dreams. As Maeta continues to make waves in the R&B world, she inspires aspiring artists everywhere, proving that anything is possible with hard work and determination. In her words, “Just do what you love and follow your passions and dreams.”