Maeta transforms her small town roots into a bold new R&B voice

From the moment she could crawl, Maeta immersed herself in music. Spinning her father's CDs on the living room floor wasn't just a hobby—it was an obsession. “I would sit there every day, pick a random CD and just listen,” she recalls with a sheepish smile, hinting at her youth. But in that childhood ritual, a lifelong passion was ignited. At seven, Leona Lewis' 'Bleeding Love' left a lasting mark, cementing her path. “I thought I was the best singer in the world at seven – I was so useless,” she laughs, reflecting on her early confidence.

Raised in Indianapolis, a city she fondly calls “a breeding ground for dreamers,” Maeta was fueled by an unwavering determination. Despite limited access to a live music scene, her imagination thrived. School choirs and after-school plays became her first taste of composition and recording. “It was bad,” he admits, “but it was the closest thing to the music industry in Indiana.” Even when her dreams felt unattainable, Maeta never wavered and her passion to become a musician was her compass.

Her musical journey wasn't just about discovery – it was about persistence and vision. At 18, she left Indiana for Los Angeles, diving headfirst into the industry. “I spent four months in the studio, working with so many producers, every day,” he says. It was overwhelming but formative, helping her find her sound. Even now, she remains fluid, saying, “I just did a dance project, but I'm going to go back to my R&B ballad bag. It's fun not always knowing where you're going.”

Her creative process is as unpredictable as her musical direction. “Sometimes I cry, I sit in the dark for hours. On other days, I'm in a good mood,” he explains. For Maeta, the studio is a sacred space. “I like the lights off. I don't like seeing my mechanic half the time. I want to be in my little cave,” she says, describing the intimacy and solitude she needs to create.

But the path was not without challenges. Maeta speaks candidly about the power dynamics in the industry, especially with men. “I've dealt with men in power trying to take advantage … that's been going on since I was 13,” she says. However, she has found a team that fully supports her. “I love my team so much… they have been so loyal. I wouldn't want anyone else.”

Her journey is a testament to imagination, grit and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. “Imagination is everything… but you need determination to make it happen. I wanted to give up so many times, but you just have to get back at it,” she admits, highlighting the resilience that has seen her through the highs and lows of her career. It is this combination of vision and perseverance that defines not only her art but also her personal development. Now, her music has a deep depth rooted in lived experience and emotional truth. “I don't even like songs if I don't feel something,” she muses, highlighting how her creative process has evolved. “I sang whatever they told me. Now, it has to mean something to me.”

This development reflects its alignment with Honda's ethos of determination, resilience and the power of dreams. Like Honda's commitment to turning bold ideas into reality, it embodies the spirit of pushing forward despite challenges, finding purpose in the journey and creating something meaningful along the way. It's this shared sense of vision and perseverance that makes her a natural fit for this year's Honda Stage, a platform dedicated to highlighting artists who reflect these ideals through their stories and music. Her performance becomes a celebration not only of her talent, but of the sadness and heart that defined her journey.

Her latest song, “Back,” performed exclusively for Billboard and the Honda Stage, delves into self-sabotage, an emotional vulnerability she shares openly. “It's when you're your own worst enemy, especially in love. You overthink, hate yourself and take it out on the person who's trying to love you,” she confides. It is this raw honesty that resonates deeply with her audience.

Her music, like her creative process, is a mixture of spontaneity and intention, where every song carries “little pieces of me”. Maetta remains a chameleon, who finds joy in experimentation, but is determined to leave an unmistakable stamp on her music. “You won't hear my song and you won't know it's me.” For Maeta, collaboration isn't just part of her career – it's the soul of her art, keeping her inspired and pushing her creativity to new levels. “Artists and musicians are crazy. The creatives are so inspiring… every time I work with someone new, there's something quirky about them that I like.”

Her music is a reflection of her journey, a symphony of personal growth and the collective wisdom of her many influences. And despite the inevitable pressures of the industry, Maeta remains steadfast in affirming her artistic vision. “You can always tell when an artist is just a puppet,” she muses, underscoring her commitment to authenticity over conforming to trends. For her, music is not just a career. it is a lasting legacy. “I've been existential since I was a kid,” she confesses. “I want my music to surpass me.”

Ultimately, Maeta's story is one that embraces the unpredictability of life. “Just relax. Let life happen and let it flow,” she advises her younger self—and herself today. It's a sentiment that beautifully encapsulates her journey: a balance of vision, vulnerability and relentless pursuit of her dreams.

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About the Honda Stage:

Honda Stage is a music platform that builds on the brand's deep foundations to deliver unique fan experiences while celebrating determined artists and their journeys of musical discovery. The Honda Stage offers exclusive behind-the-scenes music content and inspirational stories from up-and-coming and beloved artists, giving music fans access to the moments they love while celebrating creativity and the drive it takes to grow it.