Vancouver's Rootsy Powerhouse Vocalist and Songwriter Maya Rae Releases Can You See Me?

Out April 3rd via Black Hen Music

View/Share the video for "New For Me" here

The uncertainties of first love. Misgivings about a friend's choices. Thoughts that come and go. The best music has the power to illuminate a moment in time more vividly than anything else. A song, well played and passionately sung, has a life of its own that goes beyond genre and temporary musical fashion. The songs on Maya Rae's new release, Can You See Me? - like those on Joni Mitchell's Blue or Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut album - are timeless and universal. Poised at the crossroads between innocence and experience, Maya's voice communicates with an immediacy and commitment that most artists never attain. In an age when so much music feels overproduced and lacking in genuine emotion, Maya's songs come like a breath of fresh air. Vital, committed and uplifting, Can You See Me? is the real deal. Just shy of 18, Maya Rae and her brother, Gabriel, started writing songs together in the summer of 2018. Inspired by classic singers like Carole King and Nina Simone, iconic performers such as The Beatles and Joni Mitchell as well as modern-day artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele, Maya felt ready to record an album of original material. That’s where veteran roots musician and producer, Steve Dawson came in. On the strength of the demo she sent him, Dawson invited Maya to come to Nashville, saying that he had time to record the very next week. She flew down a few days later and almost immediately found herself at Black Hen Studio, surrounded by some of the hottest young musicians in Nashville with whom Steve had gathered to collaborate with Maya on the new material. With a group that included Kai Welch, (keyboards/trumpet) Jamie Dick (drums), John Estes (bass) as well as The Birds Of Chicago on supporting vocals and Dawson on guitars, Maya dove right into five days of intense recording and Can You See Me? is the result. With only one vocal retake in the whole session, the group recorded live off the floor. In Maya’s words, Can You See Me? became a tribute to human cooperation and the merging of artistic visions with all the contributions from the musicians coming together. But, as good as the music supporting Maya is, her voice and songs are always the central focus. Melodically challenging, lyrically compelling and beautifully phrased, Maya’s songs reflect on experiences with an insight one would usually expect from a much more seasoned performer. “All of the songs are relevant to my own life. The title track, ‘Can You See Me?’ is about choosing to remove the masks we wear to reveal our true selves.” With its combination of exhilarating performances, sophisticated arrangements and powerhouse vocals, 'Can You See Me?' is a dynamic and important album from an impressive artist. Listen carefully as Maya Rae sings these songs that beautifully articulate a young woman's place in an emerging world. It deserves to be heard. www.mayaraemusic.com www.instagram.com/mayaraemusic www.facebook.com/mayaraemusicvan twitter.com/mayaraemusic TRACK LISTING: 1. Can You See Me? (click to stream) 2. I Get By (click to stream) 3. The Sun Will Come Out Again 4. New For Me 5. Picture Frame (click to stream) 6. Storm Leaf 7. Freedom Fighter 8. Mountain Angel 9. Moon Girl 10. Lonely Ones 11. Goodnight River PERFORMANCE DATES 03-05   Brooks, AB       Griffin Park Theatre 03-06   Westlock, AB    RF Staples High School - Cultural Arts Theatre 03-07   Barhead, AB     Barhead Arts Council 03-08   Stettler, AB        Stettler Performing Arts Centre 03-08   Stettler, AB        Stettler Performing Arts Centre 03-12   Vancouver, BC   Eva Cassidy Tribute 04-19   Vancouver, BC    Album release Live Debut 05-02   Vancouver, BC    Mowtown Meltown