Rising London alt-rock quintet MAYA have just released their highly anticipated debut single ‘Charlie’ on 31^stJanuary.

MAYA (Likes To Run Her Mouth) are kicking off the year strong with ‘Charlie’ – an eclectic track with layered guitars recorded live from The Attic, London. The track dives straight into fast upbeat lyrics “Couldn’t be there when you needed it” and into a heavier, catchy chorus with  “And now I’m gone” repeating amongst distorted guitars and hints of 1970s indie rock & roll from The Stooges and the pounding rhythm of The Ramones.

Half-way through the track it gradually builds up with diverse instrumentation and lyrics that illustrate the internal turmoil and mixed feelings experienced when pursuing someone with the wrong intentions.

The contrast in lyricism “Kept my nose out of your business so far” / “Now I’m sleeping on your sofa” conveys how easy it is to fall back into unhealthy habits in relationships. But this also applies to a deeper level – in personal lifestyle, work-life balance, or mindset. MAYA perfectly illustrates the continuous challenge in choosing whether to chase people / material things compared to pursuing healthier habits / good intentions through this track.

The track then diverts back to its original heavier electric style and booming drums with lyrics “And now I’m gone”, before finishing with alienated gritty guitars echoing towards the end.

MAYA have previously played at a number of venues as part of the London Music Showcase Festival, such as the Tooting Tram and Social, a 400-cap venue in south-west London in July 2024. They also played at the Hope & Anchor in Islington in September, an all-day event with a cracking lineup including local bands Rhino Tranq, The Loud Trousers, and Going Postal. They finished off the year with a gig at The Fighting Cocks live music venue in Kingston on 27^th December – to celebrate their 1 year anniversary since starting the band.

2025 is set to be a promising year for MAYA with an array of shows already booked for the start of the year. MAYA are set to play at Spice of Life in Soho on 31^st January, before performing at The Camden Club on 22^ndFebruary and The Half Moon in Putney on 16^th April.