For Malia, A Long and Winding Road Has Always Led to Music
Malia, a singer-songwriter with deep Texan roots, views her artistic path as an unavoidable destiny. Despite an active attempt to steer away from the limelight until her late twenties, her heart always found its way back to the piano and the power of song. Now, as she prepares to release her fifth studio album, If I’m Being Honest, she reflects on a journey defined by resilience, profound self-discovery, and the courage to embrace her true voice.
A Decade of Growth and Artistic Evolution
Malia’s career has been anything but conventional. After graduating from Chapman University with a degree in political science and sociology, she famously told herself she was destined for law school—a narrative she knew was never true. Living in a cramped room in the valley, she taught herself acoustic guitar via YouTube and took on grueling odd jobs while nurturing her creative spirit. Her breakthrough, the 2017 EP Late Bloomer, introduced the world to her signature velvet vocals and journals-turned-lyrics, setting the stage for an evolving sound that now incorporates the smooth, nostalgic romance of bossa nova.
Navigating Industry Heartbreak
The road to success has been fraught with industry-specific challenges. Malia candidly discusses the heartbreak of signing away the masters to her breakout EP Late Bloomer under pressure from a trusted collaborator. That experience, while painful, served as a hard-learned lesson in the business of music. Today, she is more guarded, more informed, and managed by a team that protects her interests, ensuring her latest work remains an authentic reflection of her identity.
The New Era: ‘If I’m Being Honest’
Her upcoming record, If I’m Being Honest, is a joyful declaration of autonomy. Following her 2024 album Back in My Body, which explored the aftermath of heartbreak, this new collection is about leaning into the best version of herself. Tracks like “Not a Love Song” highlight her desire for emotional depth and chemistry, proving that she is no longer interested in compromising her standards. Her growth is also marked by a full-circle moment: reuniting with producer Nick Green, the architect of her early success, to create music that feels both mature and high-vibrational.
Validation from Legends
The industry’s respect for her talent was solidified in 2021 when Alicia Keys personally reached out to have Malia cover a track for the 20th anniversary of Songs in a Minor. This validation served as a testament to the power of her artistry. Looking back, Malia remains grateful for the path she has traveled, acknowledging that the struggles were necessary to mold her into the artist she is today. She is no longer running; she is standing tall, creating art that refuses to apologize for its existence.
