iyah may: Intercontinental

In 2019, a girl by the name of Mayah put all her cards on the table and jumped from studying to become a doctor in North Queensland to the pursuit of a music career in New York, New York. At first, family and friends were dubious of her decision, but today it’s clear the decision has paid off. However, this isn’t to say the decision paid off overnight.

After Mayah relocated, 2020 happened, and she found herself at an impasse. But rather than giving up music, Mayah decided to go between healthcare work in rural Queensland, and working on her music in her free time. It was this tenacity and dedication that’s allowed her to spend her time on stage rather than just in a hospital.

During her chaotic existence in the limbo between careers, Mayah took on the pseudonym iyah may and freed herself through her music. She says it’s her music that gave her solace from the turbulence we’ve all become so intimately familiar with these past few years. Upon examining her music, this is pretty apparent.

Her celestial vocals swirl through the soundscape of her music to create an air of beauty and elegance. Combine this with the solid and lo-fi drums, and it gives the atmosphere of a place away from it all, a place of rest, and a place of relaxation. Through her music iyah may transforms the solace it gave her into a moment of peace for anyone to enjoy. This vibe is even carried on through the cover art of her song MF ILY, drawn by iyah’s sister, of iyah chilling on a cloud. This being said however, it doesn’t mean her music isn’t fit for a solid rager. In between the pockets of peace, she’s got some seriously catchy hooks with funky grooves and singalong earworms — you’d be hard pressed to not add her to your party playlist.

Keep your eyes on iyah may, she has an upcoming album and her latest singles are available on all major streaming platforms. For information on tour dates and more check out iyah may’s website

WRITTEN BY LUKA FORMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROVEL HAGOS