Selected Student Profile: Maya Debnath

by KAYLIE WU

Q: As a songwriter, what was the first song you wrote?

I don’t remember because I was like five. But my first EP of songs, which is on Spotify, is the first group of songs that I wrote. “Imperfections” was maybe one of the [first] ones that I wrote.

Q: What was the best song you wrote?

I think my favorite song that I’ve written is “Angels,” which I released during quarantine in 2020. Or “Quarantine Christmas.” And then my favorite favorite songs are the ones that I haven’t released yet that I’ve written recently.

Q: Are you going to release the recent songs?

No, they’re for me.

Q: How do you write a song? What does that process look like?

If I’m listening to a song or see a TikTok about something cool, I think, ‘Wait, that was a really cool lyric, I feel like I can make a whole song out of just that one metaphor.’ And then I start writing lyrics first. Then, I pull out my guitar and choose a chord progression, so I can put the lyrics to the music.

Q: Who’s your favorite artist?

My favorite artist is Baby Keem, which is really funny. It’s just ‘no thoughts’ music.

Q: If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be?

I really want to go to Italy. I’ve never been there.

Q: Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

Probably being a doctor. I want to live in a big city. Maybe I’ll be back here in San Francisco. Maybe I’ll try LA, maybe Boston. Who knows?

Q: What excites you the most about going to college in New York?

All of the musical experiences. Going to Broadway shows or random jazz clubs. I want to see cool people perform.

Q: What’s your In-N-Out order?

I get a plain cheeseburger usually, and then fries [because] I love fries.

Q: If you were stranded on an island, what three items would you bring?

Probably rope... water... can I say Gabe [Stankovich]?

Q: Selena Gomez or Haley Bieber? Selena. I follow Selena on Instagram.

Q: Is it acceptable to fold pizza?

Yeah. But I don’t think it’s acceptable to eat pizza with a fork and knife.

Q: Is In-N-Out overhyped?

No. I don’t think it’s better than any burger place, [but] I think any burger place that’s better is more expensive. And also In-N-Out’s open late.

Q: What’s one non-required Menlo class that you think every student should take?

Dance. I really love Dance. A lot of people there have never danced before, but it’s just really fun, and you get to be with the most random people in class. It’s such good vibes because Angela [CurottoPierson] is so nice.

Q: What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

I’m Canadian. I was born there and I have a Canadian passport. I’m a dual citizen.