Indira May - Mama Said (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Photo by Maya Wanelik

London-based singer-songwriter Indira May unveils her new single ‘Mama Said’.

A touching, soul-drenched ballad, ‘Mama Said’ sees Indira tap into her trademark soul-and-jazz-infused sound as she draws inspiration from the life lessons imbued by her mother.

It marks her fourth single release of 2021, following on from seductive ballad ‘When I Hear Music’, ‘The Lights’, where she linked up with production trio Jaded and ‘What If’, a collab with Brighton based duo Dysfunktion.

“This song was written around four years ago,” Indira explains. “It's about people letting you down, the highs and lows to life, and being able to face the reality of it all, always finding growth in adversity. It’s something my mum has always taught me. I guess this song is kind of an ode to my mum really, to her strength and independence.”

Indira sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all began, what sparked your love for music?

There was music playing in my house constantly, ever since I was born. I used to dance around my living room to Top of the Pops as a little kid and sing really loudly in the car whenever we drove anywhere. I picked up a guitar at the age of five or six, and that was that really.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

There are so many.. I’d have to say Mount Kimbie, Crystal Murray, Mark Ronson, Little Simz, Wesley Joseph and Louis Culture. Oh and Noga Erez.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

I was lucky enough to have a studio for some of it, which meant I could finish my recent EP - that was a haven in all the chaos. During the first lockdown I stayed at my parents and had a little set up there. Fortunately it’s been a fairly creative period. I hate zoom sessions, they need to go. In terms of releasing music, that’s been kind of different. The gig scene has been sparse and people have had to find new ways to promote their music. I miss events and live music..

4. How would you describe your sound?

Definitely Jazz and Soul influenced. Subject to change.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Playing Ronnie Scotts and starting TRASH - an independent music label and film production company co-owned with my partner in crime Hattie Jackson.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Embrace the word ‘no’ and keep going.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Saffron, Lyza Jane, Tiece, and Jesse Elvis.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

MAN MADE - Greentea Peng, Process - Sampha, Promised Heights - Cymande and That Secret Sauce - Jerome Thomas.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Cook new things, spend time with loved ones, run TRASH (which seems to take over my life) and get out into nature as much as possible.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Menthol filters, peppermint tea, and the voice note app on my phone.