Fres off their new record release show, MAYA are joining us today to discuss their upcoming Winter 2021 tour of Mexico with support from Salvaje and Hollow at Night (presented by Seeds of Hate). The recent announcement came following the release of their latest “Despierta” EP and revealed that the band is going beyond sharing their distinct brand of hardcore by giving back to the communities that inspired it through charitable efforts for school supplies and resources for children in need throughout the tour.
Fans attending the band’s CD release in San Jose on August 28th were invited to bring school supplies, which will be donated to cities with support programs during the tour and the nonprofit organization, Jezreel Ministerio de Alcance. The organization holds close ties to the band and assists children in need with support through a Christian church group. Those unable to attend the show can donate via Maya’s GoFundMe link.
Hey guys! Thanks so much for joining us here on IDIOTEQ! How are you? How have you been through these recent rough times of the pandemic?
What’s good! Thank you so much for having us. We’ve been blessed in spite of the times. Fortunate to have remained in good health and playing shows again.
That’s right. How did the pandemic climate influence the mood or aesthetic for your new EP ”Despierta”?
We took all the energy of what was happening around us and put it into the music. We felt the pandemic created an awakening of not just ourselves but the world as it seems.
Does the band’s name lifting (MAYA OVER EYES) reflect a shift or a turning point of some sort?
We feel like this is a new chapter for us. As we continue to grow in our personal lives, we wanted our music and ultimately the band as a whole to reflect that as well.
How did the return of live shows happen in your local music scene? Was there a particular comeback gig that triggered more events? Oh, and please tell us about that sick show in San Jose on June 19th, 2021 alongside GULCH, XIBALBA, DRAIN, SUNAMI, and SCOWL.
RBS! It was nuts to say the least. Location wasn’t released until 3 hours before the first band went on. Next thing you know 3 thousand people show up!
Since then we’ve seen a wave of shows in our area and beyond with a similar approach. However, most events are taking safety measures seriously and want to keep everyone safe so that more shows can happen.
When was the first time that live hardcore shows struck your heart with that kind of intensity? Can you recall some of your first jaw-dropping shows that impressed you when you were younger?
I just remember feeling the energy of the music and how involved the crowd was with the show. It was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Personally, Seeing TERROR for the first time left me wanting to play shows as opposed to just attending them.
How do you feel live shows have evolved over the years?
I feel like they’ve gotten more diverse. Not just with the sound of Hardcore evolving but the crowd becoming more diverse as well.
You’ just hit stage in your hometown for a proper record release show.
Yes! It was this past Saturday Aug 28th. It was an amazing night. All the bands ripped and we got so much love. Sold out too.
You just announced your Winter Mexican dates. Tell us a bit about this upcoming trek and the places you’ll visit this time.
We’re so stoked for MEXICO! It’s an honor for us to play our Motherland. Although, Most of us are 1st generation born here in the US, we feel a strong connection to our roots. We’ll be starting the tour off in Tijuana then heading south to ultimately end up in Mexico City D.F.
What’s amazing about it is that you’re planning on giving back to local communities through charitable efforts for school supplies and resources for children in need throughout the tour. How did this idea come about?
Yes! Honestly one of the parts we are most excited about for this tour. We wanted to do more than just play shows this time around. Having tons of family who live out there we understand the circumstances and conditions in which they live. Most of the people out there live very humble lives and get by with just the basics. So oftentimes children are left with limited supplies and access.
𝑊𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒.
For readers and listeners that will not make it for your shows, how else can we help?
We have a GoFund me set up! We’ll plug you with the link and more info about the Non-Profit we are working with. GO HERE TO SUPPORT.
Very cool!
Ok, so lastly, tell us, how have you been influenced by the Mexican music scene? What can you tell us about hardcore music scene down there?
Most of us grew up in households where only Mexican music was played. Which is music that we still listen to today.
Now creating our own music, It naturally flows through us in the process.
The scene out there is strong and growing stronger. A lot of dope up and coming bands coming out of Mexico at the moment.
Are there any Mexican hardcore or metal bands you would like to recommend to our readers?
Yes, check out Ultima Victima, Salvaje, and Hollow at Night!
Great! Thanks so much for your time and good luck with your upcoming agenda. Feel free to share your final words and take care! All the best from Warsaw!
Thank you again for having us and for your continuous support. Final words are, How can we get a show in Warsaw!? Much love, MAYA
Feel free to drop by Polish Hardcore message board HERE, or connect with some local booking collectives like Winiary Bookings, Boo King, Pogłos venue, or Dancin’ Shoes. I will refresh a lsit of active promoters and will get back to you asap. Thanks for the chat!
Please drop line via [email protected] if you’re interested in hosting a show with MAYA.
2021 Mexico Tour Dates:
10.30 – Tijuana, B.C. Mexico (The Revolution) Hosted by Mosh
10.31 – Saltillo, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico (TBA) Hosted by North Strong Crew
11.4 – Queretaro, ORO, Mexico (TBA)
11.5 – Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico (RockSi)
11.6 – Rio Verde, S.L.P, Mexico (Rock House Bar)
11.7 – Ciudad De Mexico, CDMX, Mexico (El Clandestino)
