Jazzy Maturity: A Conversation with Maya Delilah

With the release of her new album, The Long Way Round, Maya Delilah is approaching the jazz music scene with respect and humility. Based in London, Delilah garnered internet recognition and success through her 2021 hit “Breakup Season”. While her relatable and approachable lyrics remained, Delilah has matured.

Credit: Ray Farrow

The album starts with “Begin Again”, a soft melodic record that prays for stability. As the beat progresses in “Look at the State of Me Now,” it focuses the muse to admire her, in a more strapping song. To me, Delilah’s various influences emerge prominently in this new album. She mentioned the difficulty in having such variety, as it can become difficult for one to fully explain or present music that could fit into so many different categories. However, she notes that she finds beauty in that now, her music so grandiose, it transcends simple genre boxes.

That type of rethinking and growth is the exact type of maturity seen in The Long Way Round. Delilah, now 24, explores these themes of maturity and self-realization. For one, “My Balloon” her acoustic track actually acts as an apology to her muse that she can never let go of. Delilah's growth as a person and artist is already clear in this record, which is ironic given this is her debut. As an artist, if she is able to exhibit such beauty and maturity in her debut, the bounds for Delilah are limitless. Out now is The Long Way Round by Maya Delilah.