British Indian rock musician Maya Lakhani has unveiled her debut single, The Line along with follow up Walk Alone, so it seemed like the time to get her answers to our 13 Questions.

The Line is a song all about learning to set healthy boundaries and starting again, stronger and more confident than before.

It was heavily inspired by 2020, which gave Maya Lakhani a new perspective on life and pushed her to finally step over “the line” and pursue her solo career.  It’s a perfect opening statement track for Maya and a 2020 personal anthem.

The production of the song was a lockdown feat, with Maya writing, producing & recording all of the vocals and guitars in her bedroom, never leaving her house to create this record.

Now, making her return with Walk Alone. Emotional and electric, the single inspired by the current conversations that are happening around women’s safety, the culture of victim blaming and the pure desire to walk alone as a woman without fear of attack or abuse.

These deep injustices that women feel on a daily basis compelled Maya to write this song, harking to her own fears. Above fierce guitars and pounding drums, an anthemic refrain plays stating “All I want to do is walk alone”; a simple, but powerful statement.

Just as with The Line, Maya has written, recorded & produced this track entirely from her home in lockdown, performing vocals & playing all the guitars. With remarkable song-writing capability, and a passion for the rock genre, Maya Lakhani is emerging as a exciting new artist who advocates for change.

Maya was born into the rock scene having cemented her love for it since playing in bands from age 12.  With her most recent band, she played the likes of Rough Trade East curated by Dream Wife, the Isle of Wight Festival New Blood Competition national finals and headlined The Camden Assembly.

So, 13 Questions:

Where are you and what are you doing?
At home, listening to Placebo and eating oranges.

What is your favourite view?
The sunsetting over an ocean. I love watching the sun disappear into water.

What is your favourite swear word and why?
Arsehole. Straight & to the point. Feels great to say when you’re angry.

What was the first record / cd you bought with your own money?
I think it might have been Stan by Eminem ft. Dido. I bought it at Woolworths. I feel very old now.

Marmite. Yes, or no?
Weirdly I don’t love it or hate it! I don’t mind a thin layer of marmite on toast. It’s been a while though, think I’ll buy some Marmite this week…

If you could go to a gig right now, anywhere in the world, which band would you see? And in which venue?
I think it’d have to be a massive rock gig, with thousands of people. Foo Fighters. I want to be surrounded by people, screaming “Best of You” at the top of my lungs on a warm summer evening. I love Glastonbury, so Pyramid Stage at Glasto for sure.

Who are your musical influences?
Lana Del Rey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, PJ Harvey, Garbage

How do you like your eggs?
Poached, sprinkled with salt, on a slice of buttered toast.

Tell us something we don’t know.
I’ve never been to Ikea. This seems to shock people for some reason. Planning to visit this year, get myself some flat pack furniture & veggie meatballs.

Which city do you recommend we visit – and why?
I love Barcelona. A city with a beach, best of both worlds. I love the architecture too, Gaudi’s work is so interesting and beautiful. The nightlife is awesome and I really love Spanish omelette. I’ve never had a bad time in Barcelona.

What’s your drink of choice?
White wine mixed with lemonade. Also tea. I can’t start the day without a milky cup of tea.

What band or album do you think we should check out right now?
I recently discovered a band called HAVVK through John Kennedy’s X-Posure show on Radio X. Super grungey, with super sweet vocals.

Do you have anything else to declare?
I’m itching to get out there and start gigging! I produce my songs in isolation, so I haven’t actually heard them with a live band yet. I can’t wait!

Planning on releasing loads more music this year too. You can follow me on Instagram & Twitter @mayalakhani_ and Facebook @mayalakhanimusic for updates on that!