Maya Ixta Delgado Releases New EP

Maya Ixta Delgado is gearing up for the late September release of her new EP titled “Diary Entries” based on her life experiences. A talented recording artist and actress, Maya’s relatable lyrics and powerful vocals resonate with her fans. A philanthropist as well as an entertainer, Maya founded the nonprofit organization called “HeARTS of Maya” which awards scholarships to youth in the arts. About Insider caught up with Maya Ixta in between work and school to get the inside scoop about her new EP and her career.

HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS MAYA IXTA DELGADO IN YOUR OWN WORDS?  
Thank you for having me! I’m a 17-year-old singer, songwriter, and actress living in Los Angeles. I have been singing and acting professionally since I was about 8 years old. I am also the founder of a non-profit organization called “HeARTS of Maya”, and award scholarships to youth who want to train in the arts (singing, acting, and dance). To date, we have awarded 50 scholarships to deserving youth who want to pursue the arts. Music and Philanthropy are two very important aspects of my life and have helped me become the person I am today.  

YOU’VE HAD AN IMPRESSIVE CAREER IN BOTH ACTING AND MUSIC FROM A YOUNG AGE. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE YOUR ACTING ROLES WITH YOUR MUSIC CAREER AND YOUR PHILANTHROPIC WORK?
I’m always working on finding the right balance with all I love to do.  Knowing when to take a break or pause is very important.  I’m very thankful to have friends and family who care about my well-being, so I feel supported. Having that support system is something I think every person needs to succeed.

YOUR EP, SHADES OF YOU, WAS RELEASED IN 2017, AND YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEW MUSIC. HOW HAS YOUR MUSICAL STYLE EVOLVED SINCE YOUR FIRST RELEASE, AND WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR UPCOMING WORK?
Over the past few years, my transition from a teen to a young adult has influenced my music a lot. Right now, my music is in the pop/alternative genre, and I also love writing in Spanish. My goal is that my music will resonate with people who are experiencing what I’m experiencing as a teenager growing up. I want to let listeners know they’re not alone and that I understand them.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW EP DIARY ENTRIES. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH YOUR MUSIC?
This E.P. is incredibly special to me because each song is inspired by an
entry from my diary. When I write music, I usually draw from my diary or an experience. I think Diary Entries reflects my personal feelings and thoughts on life and growing up.

TELL US MORE ABOUT HEARTS OF MAYA. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS ORGANIZATION, AND HOW DO YOU SELECT THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS?
I started HeARTs of Maya because I wanted to help youth who are passionate about the arts just like me. Some so many talented artists and performers have amazing talent, but not the financial resources to take classes. Our website, heartsofmaya.org, has a section that allows applicants to fill out a form and send it directly to us. One of the highlights of having this non-profit is that I get to meet and connect with so many artists and performers and get to share my love of the arts. I’m so honored to be part of their journey!

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE ARTS EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT, AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT IMPACTS THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE?
Arts education is important because it’s a way for people to uniquely express themselves. So much of our lives and experiences are influenced by pop culture, music, movies, and more. It’s a way people find connection and understanding. Creating the next generation of artists is also creating the next generation of hit songs, movies, and experiences.

AS THE YOUNGEST MEMBER ON THE EMERGING LEADERS ADVISORY BOARD FOR IMAGINE LA, WHAT UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE, AND HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO COMBATING FAMILY HOMELESSNESS?
I love volunteering for nonprofit organizations and believe everyone should experience it at least once. Serving on the “Emerging Leaders” Advisory Board has been such an honor.  I hope I can be a representative for my generation by showing that we care about different issues concerning our world. Throughout the year we plan fundraisers and events to combat family homelessness and bring awareness. 

OUTSIDE OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL WORK, YOU ENJOY LISTENING TO K-POP, PLAYING THE PIANO OR UKULELE, AND SCREENWRITING. HOW DO THESE HOBBIES INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVITY AND PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS?
I cherish my “me time” and make it a point to do something that refuels my soul.  Even though I don’t speak Korean, K-pop is a genre that I love to listen and dance to. I love to collect K-pop memorabilia, it’s so fun and whimsical. I taught myself how to play the ukulele and I love learning new songs because it’s such a manageable instrument.  I also like to write songs on the ukulele. Screenwriting allows me to create my own stories and funny enough, I imagine the music I would incorporate with certain scenes. My younger brother Marco wants to be a director, so we bounce ideas off each other all the time.  

CAN YOU GIVE US ANY HINTS ABOUT UPCOMING ACTING ROLES, MUSIC RELEASES, OR OTHER PROJECTS YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
I’m excited to be partnering with another studio to provide scholarships through HeARTs of Maya later this year. I’m always working on music, so something else might be coming soon!

WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I completed two 1-year certificate programs from New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.  One was for Performing Arts and the other was from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. I was able to learn more about both industries, and more specifically, the business aspect of the music industry. There are so many aspects of these industries that are so important to know, so I’m happy I had that opportunity.  Both amazing programs! 

WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
Social media Links:
Instagram: @mayaixtadelgado 
Website: mayadelgado.com 
TikTok: @mayaixtadelgado
SoundCloud: @Maya Ixta
Spotify: @Maya Ixta
Apple Music: @Maya Ixta
Linktree: @mayaixtadelgado