Maiz is an Atlanta, USA-based pop artist who has just come to my attention thanks to her debut EP. A seven-track exploration of heartbreak and accidental connections, it’s called Short Circuit.

By Graeme Smith

An artist from a young age, Maiz started her music career at the tender age of twelve. Moving from guitar lessons to song writing, she channelled her love of pop music into something distinctly her own. This debut EP sees the culmination of her early career. Now aged 21, I suspect there’s plenty more to come from her.

Short Circuit opens with Runner’s High. There’s a tremendous sense of movement to its emotional pop arrangement. A slow-burning verse gives way to a bass-heavy chorus that nicely combines elements of pop and hip-hop. It’s a distinctly modern sound that sets Maiz out from the crowd.

Love Language shows us a more delicate side of Maiz’s sound. With lyrics full of heartache, it’s impossible not to feel along with its every word. Swimming Ghost keeps things melancholic with an intimate, piano-led arrangement. Lost In The Lights sits at the heart of the EP providing a fizzling, atmospheric highlight.

Mr. Blue Eyes is a vulnerable acoustic moment where Maiz’s vocals are given the space they deserve. Nightlife is a brooding RnB track that brings to life a story of seduction in a dingy club. This Is How It Ends appropriately closes the EP. With its driving bass and percussion it gives us a sultry and cathartic electro goodbye.

Maiz is such an exciting prospect in the world of pop. She has a richly emotional and unique sound that is likely to win her a lot of fans once the word is out about her. I’m sure this debut EP will help do just that and I’m more than happy to help with that cause.

Short Circuit was produced by Bruddaondabeat. You can give the EP a listen below.