MÝA has never needed to raise her voice to be heard. For nearly three decades she has moved through R&B with the ease of someone who arrived fully formed, the honeyed control, the dancer’s precision, the refusal to chase a trend she could simply outlast. Now she returns with Retrospect, and the title is a bit of misdirection. This is not an artist looking backward with longing. It is an artist reaching into the era that raised her, the funk pioneers, the crackle of vinyl, the communal joy of a Soul Train Saturday, and pulling all of it into the present on her own terms. The first half is a party. The second turns inward, toward faith, healing, and the quiet reckonings that come with time. Through all of it Mýa sounds entirely in command, a grown woman who means every word she sings. She is not revisiting the past. She is rebuilding it in her own image, and inviting everyone into the room.
Order your print copy on demand HERE + full digital preview HERE.
Congratulations on Retrospect! What does this album mean to you? Thank you! This album is my happy place, a fusion of several genres and the late 70s, 80s, and early 90s, while paying homage to the great trailblazers of funk. For me it’s a reminder of how powerful music is.
Why did you choose the title Retrospect? Retrospect describes the transporting of self to an electric time in music and entertainment. The first half of the album starts with the party, complemented by uptempo, joyful vibes, and by track eight we go deeper, with introspective records like “ASAP,” “Face to Face,” “Life Is What You Make It,” and “Just Call My Name.”
What inspired you while making this album? The days of vinyl, cassette tapes, and record stores, along with the sounds and experiences of my living room growing up, the synergy of Soul Train, and of course live performance. It all inspired me while making the album, with the intention to change any space into a more joyous one.
Is there a song on Retrospect that feels especially personal to you? “Face to Face” feels especially personal. I document my spirituality, healing methods, and faith in this record.
What was your favorite part of creating this project? My favorite part of creating this project was showing up to the studio in full performance attire and embodying the performers of funk while creating certain songs. We had fun! Experiencing the album in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio was also amazing to be involved in and experience.
How do you think Retrospect shows your growth as an artist? Vocally, the growth, the range, and the conviction are obvious. Lyrically and sonically, I am in my grown woman bag and sound like I mean everything I sing. My vocal producing, engineering, and rough mixing skills only get better with every project. I especially can’t wait to take this album on the road, as I’ve gotten even more dynamic on stage with time.
If fans could only listen to one song from the album first, which would you choose and why? I’d choose “ASAP” for my core R&B fans, as it’s lyrically real, emotional, and relatable. For my pop fans, I’d start with “Give It to You” featuring D-Nice, as it’s more fun, flirtatious, and uptempo, and it truly sets the tone and intention of the album.
What do you hope listeners take away after hearing Retrospect? I hope listeners take away joy, celebration, and the urge to live life and create spaces of feel-good energy and music, like we all once used to do in simpler times.
How would you describe your style right now, both in music and fashion? My current music and fashion style is a bit funky, cultured, and nostalgic. The Retrospect album shoot was quite fun, getting to dress up, channel some of my favorite artists, and get into character!
Now that Retrospect is out, what’s next for you? Currently I’m on a domestic press tour while working on the deluxe and shooting more visuals. An international press tour is next, and then it’s time to take this show on the road!
MÝA @myaplanet9
Photographer: Dylan Perlot @dylanperlot
Creative Direction & Styling: Dion “Bleu” Drake @styledbybleu
Hair: Tiger @tigerbahmb
Hair Assistant: Fellious Miller @felliousmiller
Makeup: David Velasquez @mugopus
Makeup Assistant & BTS Video: Tim @tmcfoto
PR: Sue Marcus at The Syndicate @thesyndotcom
Marketing: Mike Killmon @mikekillmon
Publisher: Aleksandar Tomovic @alekandsteph
Production + Location: @maisonpriveepr_la x @bellomediagroup
