Maiah Wynne is an accomplished young singer-songwriter who has graced some impressive venues with her haunting vocals and ukelele. Performing at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, and the Roseland Theater in Portland, she's making a mark in the folk-pop world.
She's also making a mark for ocean conservation. Maiah just released a new single, "A Siren Song", which is part of a collaborative album supporting ocean conservation. Ukelele Sirens: Songs for the Sea is an multi-genre album featuring female musicians from around the world. Proceeds from the album will benefit the Takuvik Program at the Universite Laval in Quebec. The program conducts critical research on Arctic Ocean ecosystems and the effects of climate change.
We love that Maiah's using her musical talent to help the ocean, and wanted to know a little more about what motivates her to do good for the earth.
Why are you compelled to promote ocean conservation?
I love nature and I want to make sure that I am doing what I can to protect it. I know that changes need to be made in order to protect the ocean and the organisms that depend on it for survival, and I would like to help make that happen.
What is one of your favorite ocean memories?
One of my favorite ocean memories was going to Maui when I was 13. I got to see the ocean every day, and it was the first time the ocean was warm. Everywhere else I had been, the water was freezing cold, but here it was warm and sunny and the sand was soft. The fish were colorful and beautiful and it felt so peaceful. I think about going back all the time.
If you could ask your fans to do one thing to help out the ocean, what would it be?
I would ask that they be appreciative and courteous of their environment, wherever they are. To do what they can to leave a place as good or in better condition than they found it. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.
How has the natural world influenced your music?
I have found a lot of inspiration and peace of mind in nature. Growing up in Washington and Montana, I spent a lot of time on trails and in natural parks. I saw a lot of wild animals and climbed mountains. Those connections I made with the animals and the environment have brought a sense of compassion and meaning to a lot of my songs.
Do you have a musical hero?
Definitely. I look up to many musicians in the world. I have a lot of admiration for musicians that support worthy causes like Sarah McLachlan, those who aren’t afraid to speak the truth like Fiona Apple, and artists that make an effort to send an important message in their music like Radiohead. I hope to be able to do all of these things in my music career. I think music has the ability to make great change in the world.
Go take a listen to Maiah's song and purchase the album to help out our oceans!
