Maya Hawke, the acclaimed actress and singer, has recently unveiled her fourth studio album, ‘Maitreya Cors.’ In a candid chat with PEOPLE, the 27-year-old discussed the complex emotions she experiences when sharing her personal music with the public.
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For Hawke, who rose to prominence with her roles in popular series such as *Stranger Things* and films like *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, the act of releasing new music is an intricate blend of excitement and apprehension. “It’s always weird. If I’m being honest, I hate putting out music,” she confessed, revealing the vulnerability that accompanies her artistry.
Hawke elaborated on this bittersweet experience, likening it to “promoting your diary.” She explained that while writing and recording with close friends is fulfilling, the subsequent promotion feels invasive. The intimate nature of her lyrics exposes her to public judgement, and “there’s something that feels very yucky to me about it,” she admitted.
This emotional turmoil is compounded by her perception of the feedback she receives. “No compliment will ever make me feel good, and every insult will hurt,” she stated, illustrating the pressure artists face when their most personal work is laid bare for all to hear.
Her musical journey began in 2019 with the release of her first two singles, “To Love a Boy” and “Stay Open.” This was followed by her debut album *Blush* in 2020. Subsequent albums, *Moss* (2022) and *Chaos Angel* (2024), showcased her growth as an artist. With the latest album, *Maitreya Cors*, Hawke finds herself in a “state of total relief.”
When discussing the significance of the new album, she offered an intriguing perspective, describing the release as akin to a funeral for the record. “It was yours, it was this living thing that was movable and changeable, and now it’s this frozen dead thing out in the world that people get to talk about,” she shared. This metaphor captures both the finality of the project and the profound connection artists have with their work.
Despite her conflicted feelings, Hawke expressed a sense of gratitude for her audience. “I’m thrilled that people are hearing it. I’m wildly flattered. And I’m so happy to be letting it go, but I’m terrified while I’m doing it,” she stated, emphasising the dual nature of her public persona.
In addition to her new album, Hawke is also lending her voice to the recently released Audible Original project, *The Summer Oath*. This multifaceted creative approach highlights her dedication to exploring different forms of storytelling and artistry.
Fans eager to explore her latest musical offering can purchase or stream *Maitreya Cors* on various platforms, while *The Summer Oath* is available for those wishing to delve deeper into her artistic endeavours. The journey of releasing personal work is far from easy, as Maya Hawke continues to navigate the emotional landscape of her dual career in acting and music.