1. Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I'm Lyia Meta, a member of The Recording Academy and a voting member of the Grammy®️ awards. I'm an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, music stylist, producer, and a showcased visual artist with multiple awards to my name.
I contribute columns to various international music magazines where I conduct artist interviews and share my thoughts and reflections on subjects that deeply connect with me within the music industry.
Born in Malaysia and presently residing in the nation's capital, I draw my primary inspiration from rock and blues. Nevertheless, I fearlessly break through genre boundaries in each of my projects, consistently offering a fresh and timeless sound that resonates with listeners of all generations worldwide.
2. What led you to become a talent/artist/influencer/performer/current profession?
I come from a family that are all musically inclined. I spent my early years being surrounded by music and the arts. My influences were diverse as my dad was very much into Rock, Blues, Reggae, Hard Rock, Metal. Together with my mother's love for Country and popular music, it wouldn't have a stretch for me to pursue music and the stage but I was steadfast in my refusal follow that route and pursued other more 'stable' pursuits. However, The Universe had other plans for me and after a few twists and turns, I found my love for the stage (or she found me) and here I am still.
3. Tell us more about your studio/company/academy.
I am a full time performer, producer, Songwriter and a visual artist. I have my own column for the International Independent Music magazine Lazie Indie Magazine.
4. What skills have you learned that will help you in your result and/or performance?
I've learnt there is no end to the learning process. Life is a series of tests and lessons that you have to keep repeating until you've mastered it. Then you get to move on to the next. Although I firmly believe that nothing is perfect, we have to strive to be a better version of ourselves with each passing day. So in saying that, I believe that working hard at your craft, perseverance and the knowledge that change is inevitable, we will evolve and find ourselves or what we are meant to be. This includes what we deliver through our talent to the world.
5. What is your own definition of an impressive performance/show/masterpiece?
A performance with heart. The ability to draw in their audience and keep them enthralled.
6. What is your creative or ideation process like?
Like all artists, I often draw inspiration from my experiences, emotions, and ideas. My inspiration can come from personal life events, social issues, other artists, or simply the desire to express myself through sound. I'm always creating. Sometimes too much.
7. What has been the best performance of your career so far?
I've performed for dignitaries. Royalty, Prime Ministers and audiences from all walks of life. My favourite performance was in India at the International Indie Music Festival held at The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in 2022, Los Angeles and at The Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards 2022.
8. Describe the worst performance you have seen. What would you change about it?
There are no worst performances. Some artists have bad days. We all have them.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of LIT Talent Awards, what does it mean to you, or your team, to receive this honor?
I'm honoured, elated, excited and extremely proud of my team! We worked hard for this album (ALWAYS YOU) to be a success. So, from the songwriter, Denise Dimin, to Bob McGilpin who I produced the album with and Gene Rabbai who worked with McGilpin, this has been a team effort. So yes, we are extremely happy!
10. How has winning an international awards help promote you and/or your masterpiece?
Winning an international award gives me credibility. prestige, industry recognition and increased visibility.
11. What are the challenges, for your winning entry, that you faced?
There's a huge pool of untapped talent out there. I don't perceive it as a challenge. Everyone brings something to the plate.
12. What advise you will give to those who are in the same industry and/or are interested with your craft?
There are no shortcuts. You have to love what you do and be in it for the long haul. Just when you think you've made it, you haven't, because there will always be another hurdle. It's a process. You're never done.
13. Who inspired you in your life, and why?
I've had many people who have inspired me. Artists, family, friends, my partner and so many more but my Mom inspired me to keep the faith, stay strong, be resilient and persevere. She taught me to be myself and love it. She also taught me that being in one place for too long will only stunt your growth. You have to keep moving.
14. Who do you admire and what did he/she do that motivated you?
My partner. He is to me what a lighthouse is to a sailor or a ship. Navigating the rough waters of the music scene and night life is tough. You can get swallowed and drown. If you don't have a guide who is looking out for you, you're lost.
He motivated me to work hard. He never accepted anything less. He was harder on himself and I learnt that EVERYTHING in all aspects of your life requires work, work and work.
15. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Ah, there are many.
If Jeff Beck was alive, then yes, definitely him.
Eric Clapton...because I love his work.
16. Who are the three people/agencies/studios/academies/companies you would like to nominate, to participate in LIT Talent Awards?
Sharon Lia Band
Annemarie Picerno
Mark Lanoue (Kick The Wicked)
17. What is the key that made you succeed? Any parting words of wisdom?
Hard work and more hard work. I am my worst critic. I do not procrastinate.
18. What is your upcoming masterpiece, that you’re currently preparing, about?
We never know what tomorrow brings...
I'm always planning and there's always something brewing.
19. If you could change anything about the entire industry, what would it be?
Artists should be paid more for streaming.
20. Do you have anything else you would like to add for the interview?
"I am everthing I set out to be" Lyia Meta
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
Singing Performance - Best Vocal
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Performance
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Female Vocalist
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Female Artist
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Jazz Music
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Ballads Music
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
LIT Music - Best Album
Winner/ Winner's Company
Freelance
Category
Singing Performance - Best Female Singer