With the debut of her new EP MUDBATH still making its way around the internet, Atlanta-based hip-hop artist MuddyMya is looking to usher in a unique sound. On the concise five-track project, the rising hip-hop star turns the sour, melancholy tang of life’s woes into incisive sharply-rendered rap narratives.
Shortly after the EP was released, I reached out to MuddyMya about a potential interview. Having spent the better half of the new day exchanging messages via Twitter, we conclude the Q&A-style discussion on a solid note. Throughout the conversation, we touched on topics such as the influence of female emcees in the industry right now, how her debut EP came together, and her aesthetic prowess. Check out the full interview down below.
So let us begin with introductions. For those who aren’t familiar, where are you from?
I’m from the Atlanta area but more specifically, Stone Mountain.
How long have you been making music?
11 months now. It’ll be a year later next month!
It’s a big moment for female emcees in the industry right now. What does it feel like for you to be part of this moment in rap?
I’ve had some very surreal moments in the last couple of months. So far, it’s pretty cool. I’m glad the girls are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
With Atlanta constantly overflowing with talent, do you find it hard to branch out?
Not really, and I feel like I’m offering something different that’s not bubbling out of Atlanta right now.
Do you feel like you’ve found your style, or is it something you’re still working on?
It’s almost there but not yet complete. I know I’m on to something, though.
Let’s talk about your new EP, MUDBATH. Is this your debut?
Yes, this is my debut!
How did the EP come together?
Thanks to the advice from a friend, I felt it was time to come out with a project. I had dropped like three singles, and those songs got me in different conversations around the city. As for the actual process, I just found some producers I liked, and I reached out to them. I started working on it in January and finished at the top of March. I knew what I was going to call it before I had written any of the songs, and I typically name my work after it’s finished.
Do you plan on rolling out any visuals?
I’m aiming to have a visual for every song on the project. Everyone’s scheduling is weird right now, but that’s the goal!
‘Pink’ is my favorite track off the project, and I’ve probably played it 100x. Please walk me through that studio session and what it was like.
I pulled up on the bro, RobOlu, and I knew I would finish recording the project that day. I had 3 out of 5 done at that point. Well, I had the song done before I went in there. I sometimes record memos before recording the actual music because I might not have studio access, and I don’t want to forget the melody. I say this because I played the memo for my manager the week before, and I was like should I record this for Mudbath, and we were like yeah, that should def go on there. I was still unsure, but I took it anyway. So back to that day, I just went in and recorded it, and I let Rob add the sauce to it. I knew it was fire because Rob was nodding his head so hard his monitor was rocking, and he spent more time than usual mixing on that one.
Do you have any special studio rituals?
[Laughs] no. If they have different color lights, I usually request what color I want, and I might smoke before I go. Other than that, I pull up and record.
You wouldn’t believe all the things I hear. From no shoes and white socks in the booth to Fiji water bottles only. Outside of music, do you have a daily routine you stick to?
[Laughs] that’s funny. Maybe I’ll develop a ritual at some point. I’m not a routine person, especially as of late. I’ve been living my life day by day. I mean, if I’m on the schedule at work, then I’m going to work. Other than that, I’m waking up and deciding what to do every day.
How do you find your inspiration?
I take a lot of inspiration from just life in general. I love watching videos, interviews, and live performances of some of the legends of music, and I watch many movies. But for the most part, I draw inspiration from my life and the people in it.
Who’s currently in your rotation right now?
FKA twigs, Uzi, Thug, Lancey
Aesthetically, it seems like you’re doing your own thing, so I have to ask — what’s up with the mask?
The mask creates mystique. Most of my favorite artists have some charm, or they started that way. It’s also a progressive move, and I feel like female artists are expected to look a certain way. At the same time, the guys can show up. It’s just kind of like a “take me as I am” statement.
What’s next for you?
A lot of visuals, for sure. A more extended project is already in the works—more live shows, and God willing, a lot is in store for me.
Any last thoughts?
MUDBATH OUT NOW!! STREAM THAT!!!
