Following the release of her new music video “HMD” (Hold Me Down) which is now on YouTube, Amaya Santos is looking for sustained success as a new artist in the music industry. The NY born artist spent most of her childhood growing up in fort-Lauderdale Florida, she now resides in NY where she is set to make her impact into this music world.
As we gear closer towards her latest project and more visuals, the pop singer with some very refreshing vocals sat down with us to chop it up on her new single “Hold Me Down” and what we can expect from the NY star in the future.
Keep reading to learn more!
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I’m originally born in NY, (Dyckman to be exact) however I grew up in Ft Lauderdale FL. Currently I am based in NY
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
Catherine is my real name, my artist name is Amaya Santos. Amaya is my grandmother’s maiden name on my mother’s side and Santos is my grandmother on my dad’s side maiden name. These 2 women are the strongest most inspiring women I know and as an artist that is exactly who I want to be.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
A mix, It is an interpretation of my roots. I grew up listening to soul music, R&B, pop, hip hop and Caribbean music. My sound is a blend of all of these influences, I love blending different instruments and sounds.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I have been singing my whole life and to me music is a feeling. It’s an escape and from a young age I knew I wanted to do music. I think growing up my own insecurities, thoughts of failing stopped me from pursuing it. When Covid hit, I got very sick to the point that I lost my voice. I kept thinking what if I can’t sing anymore? What if I wasted opportunities? For me it inspired me to give it my all and push fears aside. Performing and feeling people’s reactions, people messaging me on IG telling me they love my music; all of that inspires me to keep pushing forward.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Juan Luis Guerra, Aaliyah, Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse.
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?
HMD (Hold Me Down), I started recording this song during the summer and I wanted to make a song that just made you feel like you were the Caribbean. I wanted to dance while I perform and that’s what inspired this project.
Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?
It dropped on 9/30, we have since been working on a music video for it which is set to release on early next week.
What is this project about in your own words?
You know when you meet someone and you start to like them but you aren’t sure what they want. HMD is like asking this person, do you want to be with me or not because I have no time for games.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
More music, definitely more music I do not have a release date just yet but I hope to release more music before the end of the year.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
From this project, I hope they can take away the message to be you! When I was creating this song I felt like it didn’t fit into a category, it’s not really R&B, it’s kind of pop but also kind of Latin and I was nervous that people wouldn’t understand it. But it’s Me, it’s a blend of who I am and I am beyond grateful for all the love it has received.
Where can we follow you on social media? Include links. https://www.instagram.com/iamamayasantos/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8pnJqfQPS6RIQGhxpfT3Qw/featured
Check out “HMD” below.
