Q&A: From Heavy Pop to Indie Folk, Maria Lane Talks Long-Distance Relationships in Latest EP ‘35 Days’
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF RISING INDIE-POP STARS? — Allow us to introduce to you Maria Lane. Distancing herself from the heavy pop influences of her first EP, Maybe I'll Feel Better, with her latest indie-folk release, 35 Days, Lane wishes to capture the “array of emotions that come with a long-distance relationship” and the difficulties that come with it.
That is exactly the vibe songs such as the homonymous “Quality Time” convey: the longing for a lover who lives miles and miles away. “Hawaii,”which might purposefully resemble the word “away,” sounds like the chant of a mermaid from the ocean, hypnotic and evanescent. The project culminates in a cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which the artist sang at her cousin’s wedding.
Read our conversation with Lane below to learn more about 35 Days, what inspires the artist’s sound, and what you can look forward to from her in the next year.
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF RISING INDIE-POP STARS? — Allow us to introduce to you Maria Lane. Distancing herself from the heavy pop influences of her first EP, Maybe I'll Feel Better, with her latest indie-folk release, 35 Days, Lane wishes to capture the “array of emotions that come with a long-distance relationship” and the difficulties that come with it.
That is exactly the vibe songs such as the homonymous “Quality Time” convey: the longing for a lover who lives miles and miles away. “Hawaii,”which might purposefully resemble the word “away,” sounds like the chant of a mermaid from the ocean, hypnotic and evanescent. The project culminates in a cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which the artist sang at her cousin’s wedding.
Read our conversation with Lane below to learn more about 35 Days, what inspires the artist’s sound, and what you can look forward to from her in the next year.
LUNA: Maria - Introduce yourself and your approach to songwriting.
LANE: I'm Maria Lane, an aries sun, scorpio rising, sag moon, and an indie-folk artist with a deep passion for storytelling. I originally hail from Orlando, Florida, but I've called Brooklyn my home for the past seven years. My approach to songwriting is akin to keeping a personal diary. I draw inspiration from my own experiences and feelings, which often become the core of my songs.
Musically, I've always had a diverse taste, exposed to various genres throughout my life. As an artist, I strive to be versatile, allowing me to explore different musical styles and emotions in my work. I started writing 35 Days in 2022, [and] we started recording it during 2023. This project is incredibly personal to me, and I can't wait to share the stories and emotions embedded within it.
LUNA: How has your music changed within the past few years?
LANE: Over the past few years, my music has evolved in some interesting ways. Lyrically, I've taken more risks and made things more personal. I've become unafraid to dive into deeper, more intimate themes, even if they don't have broad appeal.
Recently, I've found myself gravitating towards indie folk, favoring the simplicity of a guitar and lighter production. It's all about creating a relaxed and authentic vibe that connects with listeners on a more personal level. These changes represent my journey as an artist, allowing me to share my stories and emotions in a more down-to-earth way.
LUNA: Who inspired your music? Who are your biggest influences?
LANE: I've had a wide range of musical influences throughout my life. Growing up, I listened to everything from oldies and folk to musical theater, rock, and pop. Recently, my biggest inspirations have been artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Phoebe Bridgers.
LUNA: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
LANE: I'd love to introduce my top three favorite singles that I've released so far. They're “Nashville,” “35 Days,” and my newest surprise drop, “Carrie White.”
LUNA: How did the artists you mentioned above inspire the way you do music now? Will you experiment more in the future?
LANE: My musical style has evolved over time, largely influenced by other artists and their projects, as well as the type of production that resonated with me. While I currently lean towards a mix of indie folk and indie pop, I consider myself a versatile artist and singer. As a result, I'm open to experimenting with different genres in the future. I often find myself going back and forth between these genres, but I've always had a fascination with rock music. It's a genre that I'd love to explore further and at some point release a rock song that showcases yet another facet of my artistic expression.
LUNA: What inspired 35 Days, and how did it come to life?
LANE: 35 Days was born out of my personal experience navigating a long-distance relationship. It all started with this song, which was the first in the project. I found myself compelled to write more songs about the challenges and emotions tied to the distance I was facing in my relationship.
All of these songs were written on the guitar, giving them a unique, intimate feel. I intentionally wanted 35 Days to be a departure from my last EP, Maybe I'll Feel Better, which had a heavy pop influence. This time, I aimed to capture the array of emotions that come with a long-distance relationship and the difficulties one can encounter.
To close the EP, I included a cover of “Can't Help Falling in Love,” dedicated to my cousin and her husband, as I sang it at their wedding last year. It's one of the most beautiful love songs because it can evoke both happiness and sadness, which I think captures the essence of love in all its forms.
LUNA: Who produces your tracks? How do you choose which producers to work with? Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
LANE: Julian Giaimo produced 35 Days. I've been working with [him] for about a year now. Julian has a great understanding of my musical influences, and he's played a significant role in helping me define and refine my sound as an artist.
When it comes to choosing producers to work with, what matters most to me is being on the same page creatively. It's crucial to have a shared direction and a mutual trust. I believe in maintaining artistic freedom while collaborating with a producer, so it's essential that they value and respect my input.
As for dream producers, Aaron Dessner, Dan Nigro, and Rostam are definitely on my wishlist. I believe their vibes would truly enhance my storytelling.
LUNA: Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you conciliating your day job with your music career?
LANE: No, music isn't my full-time gig right now, but until then I'm currently in my Maria Von Trapp era as a nanny part-time, which is pretty cool because it gives me the flexibility to juggle my day job with my music. So it's a bit of a balancing act, but it works for now.
LUNA: Have you ever been on tour? If not, would you like to embark on one? Tell us about it.
LANE: I haven't had the chance to go on tour yet, but it's definitely a dream of mine. In fact, one of my big goals for this year and the next is to open for a major artist. It's a journey I'm really looking forward to.
LUNA: Who's your dream feature?
LANE: Harry Styles — I think he is an incredible artist/writer, and I think we would work so well together.
LUNA: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
LANE: I envision myself having released my debut album. I'll be actively engaging with my audience, performing more frequently, and collaborating with other musicians and producers to create memorable music. My goal is to lay the foundation for a sustainable music career and continue making a positive impact through my art.
