Maya Kuriel is Sipping on "Liquid Courage"

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Within just a few years, singer-songwriter Maya Kuriel has quickly tapped into her vast potential as an evocative artist by merging genuine lyrics with dreamy vocals — and after curating a plethora of dark horse pop experiments, she’s ready to take another step towards authenticity with her new untethered pop track, “Liquid Courage.”

Conceptually, the track delves into the often-shared experience of pursuing a surge of inhibition-free confidence to confront uncomfortable social situations. Featuring a dark pop soundscape during the verses, Kuriel vividly expresses the weight of social anxiety and the tension that often accompanies it — and to reflect the change that comes post-liquid courage, the song shifts dramatically into a vibrant chorus, capturing the exhilarating joy of embracing one's true self. Because there’s just something magical about stepping out of one’s comfort zone rather than remaining a silent observer on the sidelines.

With a growing fanbase and prominent recognition in the indie music scene, Kuriel is now opening up to us about her recent single and all the work that went into the track.

Maya Kuriel, "Liquid Courage" 

You’ve mentioned that “Liquid Courage” explores social anxiety and the need for confidence. What inspired you to tackle this subject matter in this new single?

Maya Kuriel: “Liquid Courage” is definitely a reflection of my own experiences in social situations but it’s a topic that I know resonates with a lot of people around my age. It’s about needing a little bit of liquid courage for a boost of confidence during a night out. Some people have no problem making conversation with everyone in the room, but I usually need an extra nudge. A lot of my songs cover darker, sadder experiences so I was excited to switch it up and write something a little fun and light hearted!

Can you walk us through the creative process behind “Liquid Courage”? Was there an aspect that required a little more fine-tuning than others?

Maya Kuriel: I wrote it in my apartment with my co-writer Peyton Incollingo! I remember the hook came first and the rest of the lyrics fell into place after. We messed around with the song on my piano until it felt right! I knew I wanted to take it into a dance pop direction, even though that was a little out of my comfort zone, genre wise. Working with my producers, Henry Thrill and Zeph Park, we spent a lot of time on the track to make sure it captured the energetic vision I had in mind.

You’d also shared that you want listeners to think, “that night was one for the books.” Can you share a personal experience that resonates with this idea?

Maya Kuriel:A recent trip to San Diego with close friends immediately comes to mind. There was absolutely no itinerary for this trip which was the best part. The girls and I just hopped in the car and drove down from LA for the weekend. We knew we would be out late so hours before we started getting ready, we went to the grocery store to grab some packaged ramen because who doesn’t want ramen after a long night out? It was one of those unplanned, perfectly imperfect nights and definitely one for the books.

Considering that you grew up in Seattle and are now based in Los Angeles, how have both cities shaped your artistry and musical style?

Maya Kuriel: Growing up in Seattle, my dad was always playing Pink Floyd, Santana, and Dave Matthews which made me appreciate rock music from a young age. We had a shared obsession with Sara Bareilles which also introduced me to my love of ballads. When I moved to Los Angeles, I carried that rock sound with me, but it was the last four years that have really challenged me to find my own sound. Currently, I’ve found my niche in dark pop with an occasional obvious undertone of pop rock, but who knows what the future will hold! I’m excited to explore more.

You began writing and recording music at a young age, which shows you’re an artist who’s rooted in developing your craft. What would you say has been the most significant moment of your musical journey so far?

Maya Kuriel: A couple moments come to mind, one being an experience I had when I first started recording music. It was my 10th birthday and my parents took a group of my friends and me to a recording studio. I remember being in awe just being in the building. I think that was the moment I realized they really believed in my singing and would support me until the end. That experience also gave me the confidence to start writing songs and at 16 I wrote and recorded my first original songs. Those are wiped from the internet — I hope.

The second moment that comes to mind is when I received a video from my cousin who’s my age. She was walking around in a furniture store, halfway across the world, and heard my song “Bittersweet” playing. I was in complete shock. The coincidence of her shopping in that store and hearing my music, so far from where I am, felt almost unreal.

Maya Kuriel

With over 2 million streams to date, you’ve clearly established a connection with listeners! Can you recall the first time you realized your music was resonating with listeners — and what was your reaction to seeing people enjoy your work?

Maya Kuriel: I think the first time I realized my music was resonating was in the first year that I started releasing music. When my first couple songs dropped, I was just surprised anyone, besides my parents, even cared to listen! I remember getting daily messages and comments from people around the world saying that they liked my songs or people would lip sync and make videos to them. It really motivated me to get better and better at what I do.

You recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting and Music Production. How has your education impacted your approach to creating music?

Maya Kuriel: Going to school for music was really challenging. Music theory is challenging. I called it musical math. The amount of formulas I had to learn was insane. But, I loved it. In school, I learned to actually produce and write songs in all different genres from jazz to rap which gave me a lot of perspective. I’m extremely grateful for my education because it gave me the push I needed to continue to evolve in my music career. You can definitely hear the difference over the years. I remember in one of the last classes I had, I asked my professor if she had any advice for me as I was about to graduate. She said ‘Forget everything you learned in school.’

At first, I was confused why she would say that to me since she was my teacher, but I completely understand what she meant now. She didn’t want me to sit down and write my music in the way that I was taught with complex formulas and structure methods. She wanted me to make music how I saw fit. She wanted me to take my own approach using the knowledge I gained in music school as a foundation. She never wanted me to leave feeling creatively confined.

Your music often centers around self-acceptance and female empowerment. What message do you hope listeners take away from “Liquid Courage”?

Maya Kuriel: “Liquid Courage” is a song about stepping out of your comfort zone but still feeling good about yourself while doing that. Sometimes we need a little push to get there and that’s okay! I want everyone that listens to this song to put themselves out there. Life is too short to be thinking about the what ifs.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career in the next few years? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations you would like to share?

Maya Kuriel: I want to drop a debut album, open for a big artist on a tour, perform at a festival, perform in Korea… I have a lot of goals. I’m excited to see what the future holds! I have lots of new music in the vaults, so I’m eager to share it with everyone. I would love to collaborate with another artist because I haven’t yet! Let me know who you could hear me on a track with!