DJ Love: Maya Jane Coles

Image: Maya Jane Coles

Everyone remembers that first mix. The one that gripped you so much that you relentlessly searched around for track lists afterwards. It was the one which truly cemented your love for not only that DJ, but for the electronic music world.

For me, it was the Maya Jane Coles BBC Radio 1 Essential mix from 2011 that did it for me, and it still remains my go-to sound for a multitude of occasions.  

As it turns out, that mix was not only a landmark in my own personal musical discovery, but was one that launched the career of Maya towards the stardom she holds today, recorded soon after the success of her first breakthrough track ‘What They Say’ (below).

It was her unmistakeable take on the deep house sound, ever popular at the time that made me fall in love with her. With a little research this quickly developed to an upmost respect for the all-round artist I soon identified her to be.

It's rare in a world full of quick routes to the top to find a musician who is responsible for the whole process of their musical output. Those artists that do, like Maya, are the ones who secure their reputation as a serious player - separating the wheat from the chaff. 

She has written, produced, engineered, arranged, mixed and where appropriate performed every element of her tracks. This girl possesses the skills and talent to ensure her name and sound will be unforgettable in years to come. She is true master of her art. 

This devotion to her craft doesn’t end there however, with much of the stylised album artwork encapsulating her releases also self-made by the British artist. Never losing control of her creative brand, the launch of her label ‘I Am Me’ in 2012 epitomised how much drive is behind the talent, she is constantly building her career with an increasingly broad outlook.

Only four years have passed since she first made her mark on the Nation's airwaves, and in that time an unbelievable amount has been achieved. To start, she has recorded three Essential Mixes for Radio 1 (check out 2013's below), almost one for every year of since being thrust into the dance music media's eye.  

To be part of an institution like that on multiple occasions can only be equalled by another huge marker of recognition, like the Fabric mix CD – but of course, she had that one covered last year too.

Add this to the massive success of her DJ Kicks mix, amongst a sea of other standout moments, awards and most importantly a relentless musical output, and you begin to see a picture being painted - Maya is easily one of the biggest contemporary electronic musicians in the business, without the over exposure which distracts so many.

Not simply a house or techno artist, she has various different musical aliases and projects, one being the dubstep influenced Nocturnal Sunshine. A listen to the 2010 release ‘Can’t Hide The Way I Feel’ (below) still shows her instantly recognisable sound, whilst channelling new influences.

Describing why this sound is so special is a difficult task. Each and every track of hers is filled with an emotion, there are hints of euphoria and melancholy which manifest themselves in those trademark notes which appear on so many of her productions.

It is not a feeling of sadness that results, but it's a far cry from the hands-in-the-air-happy that is mainly associated with house, yet they all provoke a sense of elegant energy. Otherworldly and hypnotic, they give you shivers in a way that only she can conjure. 

This unique stylistic stamp is one that stands the test of time, even as Mayas overall sound has developed and progressed. It is still as evident in the minimal techno 2008 release ‘Sick Panda’ (above) as it is in the 2007 ‘Hummingbird’ then on to her latest, and first album release Comfort. 

Released in 2014, Comfort lets us see Maya spread her wings as producer of songs rather than tracks. Those expecting the latter have given mixed reviews for the work, but for me it has only continued to prove the highly evident talent in which this lady posses. 

Alongside this release came considered, narrative based, thought provoking music videos that are so rare to see in the world of electronica, as well as deliberate singer/songwriter collaborations with the likes Tricky, Kimm Ann Foxman, Miss Kittin and Karin Park.

Maya toys with the conventions of popular and underground music with ease, breaking boundaries as she goes along. It is clear to me that Maya Jane Coles is much more than a fad or a trend, as many imagined her to be as she broke on to the scene. This talented, business-minded woman has an artistic super power that will continue to strengthen. 

Check out Maya Jane Coles upcoming gigs.