Maisy Kay Talks “Vantablack,” Heartbreak, and Her Evolving Sound

With a voice that drifts effortlessly between dreamy pop and cinematic storytelling, singer-songwriter Maisy Kay is carving out a universe entirely her own. From her beginnings in the English countryside to building a career in Los Angeles, the rising artist has quickly become known for her immersive soundscapes, striking visuals, and emotionally charged songwriting. After touring globally with artists including Tori Kelly, JVKE, Jamie Miller, and most recently Lauren Spencer Smith, Maisy continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive blend of nostalgia, fantasy, and modern pop.

Her latest single, Vantablack, adds another bold chapter to her evolving story—balancing dark themes with playful energy and a sound that feels both powerful and unapologetically fun. With millions of streams, chart-topping releases, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, Maisy Kay is proving that pop can be both imaginative and deeply personal. We caught up with the artist to talk about creativity, transformation, life on tour, and the inspirations shaping her next chapter.

You’ve toured with artists including Tori Kelly, JVKE, Jamie Miller, and Lauren Spencer-Smith—what has performing around the world taught you as an artist?

I think it’s made a huge difference both in terms of my stage presence and how I write my music. There’s such a different energy that comes from performing live on stage. Now, when I create music, that’s a key aspect I think about: how will this translate to a live setting?

People who have seen me on these tours have said that my stage presence has grown tremendously. I truly have my past touring to thank for that, because I wouldn’t have been able to develop it otherwise.

Your newest single “Vantablack” blends darker themes with an upbeat sound—what inspired the concept behind the song?

We came up with the idea for “Vantablack” because of Vantablack paint, which is the darkest paint in the world—so dark that it looks like a black hole in real life. We wanted to explore the idea: “What if my heart was covered in Vantablack?”

I had gone through a bad breakup, and I wanted a way to make a sad breakup song feel fun and make people want to dance.

Many of your songs explore transformation and reinvention—how does songwriting help you process those moments in life?

I’ve always said songwriting is really therapeutic, and it’s one of the biggest ways I process my emotions. I often write my most powerful songs shortly after experiencing something significant, just sitting at the piano and letting it flow without overthinking.

That process is crucial not only to my artistry but also to my mental health.

Your music often feels cinematic and immersive—how would you describe the world you create through your sound?

I love fantasy, musical theatre, and drama. It’s really important to me to bring that into my music and live shows. I’m trying to create a fairy princess–esque world that listeners can truly get lost in.

Everything I do—the songs, merch, live shows, costumes, even the microphone—is part of building that fantasy. I love escaping into those worlds, and it’s amazing to see fans connect with that too.

You’ve collaborated with producers and artists such as Timbaland and Tiësto—what have those collaborations added to your creative process?

It’s fascinating to see how such legendary artists work. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to trust my own ideas.

When I first started, I was a bit shy about sharing my thoughts because I didn’t think they could measure up. But working with them has taught me to trust my voice and not be afraid to contribute in collaborations.

Your EPs Wonderlust: The Dawn and Wonderlust: The Dusk feel like two chapters of a story—what narrative were you exploring through those releases?

Those EPs were about falling in love for the first time as an adult. It wasn’t something I planned out—it all came from real-time emotions I was experiencing.

I wanted them to feel like two sides of a love story. The Dawn captures the early stages of a relationship, while The Dusk explores deeper, more established emotional connections.

You grew up in the English countryside before moving to Los Angeles—how has that journey shaped your perspective as a songwriter?

The sounds of music in England and America are quite different. England is very dance-heavy, and growing up there, I also saw a lot of West End shows and got deeply into musical theatre.

That definitely influenced the flamboyance in my stage presence today. It was important for me to experience that side of the industry before moving to Los Angeles and entering more mainstream pop.

“Technicolor Honeymoon” connected strongly with listeners around the world—how did it feel watching that song take on a life of its own?

It was incredible. I remember exactly where I was when I saw it hit number one on the iTunes pop charts. I was in a hotel in Malibu with my mum for Mother’s Day, and I had no idea it was happening.

It was completely unexpected, and sharing that moment with her is something I’ll never forget.

You design your own EP artwork and merchandise—how important is visual storytelling in shaping your creative identity?

It’s very important. Everything I do ties back into creating that fantasy universe, and designing merch and artwork is one of my favourite parts of the process.

I love doing things that feel larger than life, and I try to reflect that in all the visuals.

As your sound continues to evolve, what new creative directions are you most excited to explore next?

I’m excited to showcase more of my vocal abilities. I don’t feel like I’ve fully demonstrated that yet, but I’ve gained a lot of confidence from touring.

I want to write songs that really highlight my range and let people hear what I can do vocally.

Maisy’s Holiday Rules

What are three beauty or skincare essentials you always pack when touring?

One is Batiste Volumizing Dry Shampoo—it’s a lifesaver. Another is Too Faced plumping lip gloss; I always have one on me. And finally, makeup wipes—because even though I want to do a full skincare routine after a show, I’m often too exhausted. They’re perfect for quickly getting all the glitter off.

What is your go-to airport or travel outfit?

A matching sweat set. That’s why I have so many in my merch. It looks put-together, makes you seem cooler than you are, and is incredibly comfortable—perfect for long flights.

What city on tour has surprised you the most?

Salt Lake City. It had the best crowd of the tour—they were so loud, and I wasn’t expecting it at all.

What is one unexpected item you always bring with you on tour?

A stuffed animal. On this tour, I’ve brought a giant stingray I got at an aquarium in Canada.

What destination is currently at the top of your travel wish list?

Fiji, for sure. I love scuba diving, and it’s my dream to dive there.

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