1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

My family is the reason I do this. I have been through a lot of dramatic experiences that has affected me till this day. To be honest my mother is my break-through into music. She used to write poems & had the most amazing voice I’ve ever heard. I still hear her in my head. I’ve always had the ear just never took it serious.

My biggest influence is my mother. Whatever she wanted for us or herself she did it all on her own. I get my drive and motivation from her. Always keep a go-to attitude.

My dad is my role model. He’s the strongest person I know. We been through a lot together, a lot of hardship and fights but it’s only brought me closer to him. I don’t know where I’d be without him, without him I’d completely lose it. I can’t wait to give him the lifestyle he always dreamed of. He is my hero.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I don’t like comparing myself to anyone. I think I sound like me although there are artist that influence me a lot. My flow is very unique and I try to stand out with every song I make. When you hear my music people know that’s Maitika.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

4.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

Just be different and unique. Spend money to make some. It’s all about connections and who you know.
I know people that have been doing music there whole life and it never took them nowhere, because he didn’t have the right connections and guidance. That’s just what I’ve seen.

5.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

Only way I’d sign to a major is if I could have 100% control of what music I make and what I can release. Major labels don’t really care about the artist, it’s just business for them. I’m going to try to stay independent as long as I can. I wouldn’t say the traditional music industry is dead, it’s just very watered down.

6.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?

Social media is probably the best tool hands down to market and promote yourself. You can make a brand and market yourself. It’s a big help to make it into the music industry. Building that fan base organically around the world is a great tool provided by social media. It has a major impact industry gives the higher ups a glance at your movement before making big decisions.

7.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

It will be harder that’s for sure, and you’ll probably spend a lot of money doing so with social media, but I’m sure they hire people to manage all that stuff. Like I said it’s all about connections, think back before social media they had Radio Play to get their song heard now there’s so many different avenues so many outlets, you definitely need social media to get more of an edge.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure you make music that is true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

When you got a family to feed, none of that matters. I don’t even look at it like that. I make music for myself and other people that’s going through things that are similar to what I’ve been through. You can hear my pain, and if others (general public) can relate to it and it makes them happy, why not make music for them? I would love seeing people happy and smile, but at the same time this is a business, get it while you can.