GET TO KNOW ARINMAYA

“a unique voice. . .an ancient sound”

—Grammy-nominated jazz singer Gregory Porter

BIO

ArinMaya is an inspirational, genre-bending singer, songwriter, sound healer, maker and activist, described by Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Gregory Porter as having “a unique and ancient sound.”

Though she's been lovingly called "the Mayor of Brooklyn," ArinMaya originally hails from Chicago’s South Side where her artistic training began with studies in West African dance and rhythms, and continued in numerous church and community choirs. At home, her love of music was fostered by her parents’ diverse record collection, which included Bobby McFerrin, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Sweet Honey in the Rock and Paul Simon, among others. 

Following studies as an English major and graduating with honors from Howard and Stanford Universities, ArinMaya came to New York to pursue a career in book publishing but quickly realized that her heart and life belonged to the arts. Taking a leap, Arin exited the apple in search of creative clarity, and after explorations in Paris and beyond, she returned to the states resolved to be a full-fledged artist, no matter the costs. 

After years of playing at legendary mainstays around New York City and recording her first acoustic soul album, ArinMaya continued to expand her creative range, studying circlesinging and improvisation with Bobby McFerrin and traditional black music with Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Inspired by these experiences and an Integrative Sound and Music Practitioner Training at the New York Open Center, ArinMaya created Meditation Moments™ and Melanation Moments: free community sound healing offerings intended to help people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also founded A Sound Practice, a wellness agency dedicated to spreading the joys of sound healing and mindfulness to new and uncommon spaces. 

ArinMaya has performed on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, on NBC's Saturday Night Live, and has shared the stage with countless artists including Angelique Kidjo, Post Malone, Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes), Deva Mahal, Carly Simon, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Nathaniel Rateliff, Akua Naru, Mumu Fresh and the legendary Stretch + Bobbito. She is also a dedicated activist, lending her voice to numerous causes in support of equality and human rights. She has sung for incarcerated youth at Rikers Island, at teach-ins, street protests, benefit performances and social justice events. She is a founding member, arranger and musical director with the Resistance Revival Chorus, a collective of over 60 women and non binary artists and activists.

ArinMaya’s solo performances are known to be joy-filled, healing experiences that captivate audiences at intimate venues around the world, including: Blue Note Jazz Club (New York, Paris), The Kennedy Center, Harlem Stage, Ananda Ashram, National Sawdust, Sofar Sounds, Porgy & Bess (Austria) and Badehaus (Berlin). 

Her music has been considered for a Grammy in four categories and featured in productions such as Issa Rae’s award-winning web series "Giants" and on Spotify’s Leo Cosmic Playlist curated by Chani Nicholas. 

With five EPs and one album to her credit, ArinMaya is hard at work on several projects, including her next full length album, “Afro Ratchet Soul.” When she’s not performing, she’s writing, recording, crafting and imagining new ideas with her partner, and mothering her newest creation – her one-year-old daughter, Ayanna.

Compassion is important...I want people to feel like they are being seen…to learn themselves, love themselves, heal themselves, forgive themselves and then go out in the world and do the same thing for others.
— ArinMaya

PRESS 

"Let The Love Come is an acoustic, jazzy, soulful, yet more folk driven album…it’s a great example of just how ArinMaya wraps folk around her finger and does with it what she fancies. The debut single “Lemon Drops” is quite reminiscent of Stevie Wonder’s teaching of empowerment, inspiration and forward thinking. Her cover of “Nothing Even Matters” is given a whole new life. There’s no fuss—it’s simplistic and harmonious and it works. There are two things that are quite noticeable on the album. One is the clever writing. The lyrics can be intense, soft and relatable. The second is the pairing of ArinMaya and Nick Cassarino, they are just brilliant.  They seem to mesh effortlessly. Whether in a duet or standing alone, these two are definitely an outstanding pair. Let The Love Come is all ArinMaya, with a little dusting of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder and others before her that have paved the way."
— Ann Marie Collymore, Soulafrodisiac

"I first heard the angelic voice of ArinMaya thanks to an article on BamaLoveSoul, where they presented her project, the amazing Sound of ArinMaya. I was immediately mesmerised by ArinMaya's voice but also deeply touched by the emotional and spiritual content of the EP. While her debut EP was an eclectic collection of tracks showcasing her vocal skills over varied genres which allowed her to explore different sides of her personality/art, this acoustic album is more focused on folk and soul. From the very first notes of "Around" to the last of "Lemon Drops," I could feel chills down my spine, a smile of my face and a rush of tears to the edge of my eyes. I feel blessed every time I can experience such beauty and it helps me keep faith in humanity and the world."
— Carminelitta, The Wonderful World of Carminelitta

"With a presence reminiscent to Grammy-winning soul singer India.Arie and vocal colors similar to Oakland songstress Goapele, indie singer ArinMaya may just be on to something great. The Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based artist treated fans to her eclectic sounds recently at the Singersroom sponsored "Sol Village" at SOBs in New York City. ArinMaya performed several songs, including the Singersroom favorite "(I Want) To Be Beautiful." Keep your eye open for ArinMaya!"
— Singersroom

"...an awesome EP from the Chicago-born singer...a subtle blend of jazz, soul and electrobeat done very well."
— Terrance Wilmore, ThisisREALMusic.com

"The beautiful thing about ArinMaya is how she transcends musical genres to deliver a refreshing blend of soul-stirring vocals and instrumentation."
— Fave, Groovmnt.com

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