Sex Sells! No wonder...

Sex sells... a fact of life. Why? Well, why not? Everybody talks about it, everybody wants it, everybody thinks it! But songs are prime in delivering. How many songs have you heard that mentioned sex, spoke about it, were dedicated to it, described it, made you feel like doing it... If it's not about love, it's about sex.

Take a look at some of the famous songs from Sex Bomb for Tom Jones to Sexy Back for Justin Timberlake. There is so much that can make a song a hit; sometimes it's the rhythm, sometimes the words, sometimes how bizarre and ridiculous and shocking it is like Candy Shop for 50 Cent. There is probably no artist or band that hasn't sang a song about sex. It amazes me when I reflect on that. Here are some songs, to name a few: Naughty Girl (Beyonce), Like a Virgin (Madonna), Promiscuous (Nelly Furtado), Sensual Seduction (Snoop Dogg), Smack That (Akon), Animals (Nickelback). Have you read the lyrics of those songs?

Just by hearing the word sex or implying that you're talking about it in a song gets people's attention! I bet I will get the most hits and visits on this article just from its name... Cool, so most people make a living from selling the idea of sex because other people keep wanting more. This isn't just in music but also in ads, on sites, and everywhere you go. Music is as powerful as media if not more powerful.

So, if music makes the world go round, then is sex A reason why? I'd rather not take it to an extreme. I believe in good content but people these days adopt a lot of strange and brainless songs, which makes me think of the taste of the new generation especially. Is it the industry that's creating those songs for the mass to adopt or is it the mass asking for them QUESTION MARK (?)

The Charts!

Today, I cut my hair. The exciting part is I did it myself!! Yep. It might be a normal occurance for some people but girls tend to usually care a lot for their hair and cut it at a hairdresser. I have always done that. But I've been bothered by it for a while as it has become really long so I decided to trim it a bit myself. Turned out just fine! It was just a crazy and fun first-time experience for me!

On another note, more related to music than hair care, I have the results of the poll that has been on my site for a month now concerning what is your favorite type of music. I have received very modest participation from everyone visiting the site. At any rate, thanks for those who participated and I hope I'll get more enthusiastic browsers next time.

So, the results of the poll came as follows:

Number 1: Latino and Jazz/Blues had the same pecentage. I'm glad Latino made it to number 1 as I love listening to this music. I also expected that Jazz would make it to the top of the list.

Number 2: Trance/Other - some people probably got mad for not finding their favorite type of music mentioned!

Number 3: R'n'B - I think it's one of the popular types of music.

Number 4: Pop, Rock and Alternative all got the same pecentage. I thought Rock would do much better as it's an old genre that the young and older generation connect with.

Number 5: Country

Number 6: Hip Hop and Rap. I didn't get any votes on those.

Share your thoughts on the above and vote on my new poll!

I got my eyes on you...

During the wekend, I had a mini photo shoot whereby my boyfriend was the photographer. He’s a very talented person; a self-taught photographer.

The session was focused on only taking pictures of the eyes. It was time-consuming and required a lot of patience. First, the style of the make-up had to be defined then the actual implementation had to take place. Afterwards, we had to choose a location that was well-lit and clear from clutter. Then, some shots had to be taken as proofs to make sure that the light, position, angles, reflections, etc. were all correct.

I kept thinking of how the model should have a lot of patience and must be ready to pose for long periods of time as this is exactly what I did. I had previously posed as a model 3 or 4 times (not for fashion rather for friends’ projects and a TV program), however, I forgot how demanding and exhausting it was.

One of the pictures I took the liberty to personally modify. Hope you like it! ;)

And I guess everything requires such effort, especially singing. First, there is nothing as time-consuming as singing. It needs patience, focus and a lot of time as one has to keep practising for hours every single day. Second, wanting to sing makes one worry about not getting sick and always being cautious not to have throat aches. One becomes more aware of his/her health condition. Third, in singing, one has to think of how to constantly better his/her vocals to come out with better sounds and cool rhythms. Fourth, to sing is to have control over the voice, which is probably the hardest part, in my opinion. I could go on forever.

The point is: Singing is not just a voice on a CD, a famous artist on TV and in pictures in magazines. It takes a lot of personal effort to better oneself and come up with all those fabulous songs that we put on our ipods, on our laptops, in our cars, in our homes, etc.

It's amazing to sing. Try it at home. Try it even if you are not interesting in singing for an audience ever. Try an easy song and try a hard one; see the difference in your voice and if you can make it sound good. Do something new and exciting. It's a good feeling, even if you get the notes wrong. SING AWAY... Enjoy!

A live performance

To begin with, I would like to ask more of you to vote on the poll in the left-hand sidebar. It takes a second and I'm only asking what is your favorite music! Are you not interested to know the results yourselves?!

On another note, yesterday I was at a restaurant, Belgian Cafe, well known for its Belgian fries and beers. So, I was having dinner and it turned out that on Tuesdays a young guy sings there. He had a keyboard on a stand where he played some songs and background music. He also had a guitar that he would use for some other songs. He even had a harmonica attached to a head band so that he could play on his keyboard and on it at the same time! On top of all this, he had to sing... I found that very challenging and very inspiring.

This guy, English I reckon, is a multi-talented person and he was performing outside in the warm,humid weather to people who were having dinner. Many clapped at the end of each song but a lot of others didn't. It's always interesting to me to see the reaction of people towards a person performing. I definitely would find it rude not to show the performer that you respect his/her music and show, however in dinners it's hard to catch all people's attention especially when they are having drinks and chatting.

It was interesting watching this guy perform live. I noticed his breathing, his vocals, his posture, his attention to several things at the same time. It was fun and motivating.

Oh and today I recorded two amazing songs that I will share with you soon. I'll keep those as a surprise! ;)

My New Blog

If you are following my blog, you will know that I have been having a problem in uploading the songs that I am recording. In addition to it being a big process for me, you can only listen to the song if you have a Quicktime player. It took me a while to figure out what is the best solution and I went crazy over having to change my blog to one that accepts me to upload music files!

So, after a lot of reflection, mad moments, and trials of many blog sites, I have decided to use Tumblr. To be completely honest, Blogger provides everything one needs and is extremely user friendly. I love it. However, how am I supposed to share my music with you if I can't upload it?! I tried Wordpress which made me want to crash the computer and never use the internet in my life again... The truth is I couldn't find a decent theme!

Anyway, going back to the point, I have opened a new blog with the following URL: http://www.mayamidiva.tumblr.com/. I will keep posting on Blogger as it is still my favourite blog site, but you will be able to listen to the songs on tumblr when I post them.

I have also transferred all my previous posts to Tumblr so all of them are documented there. Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions that might solve my "issue".

AUB CHOIR...You hold a dear place in my heart!

During my university years, I was busy studying for my bachelor's degree in Business Administration and the program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) was tough so I had to keep focused on my studies. So, I couldn't exactly include singing as part of my routine. However, I never stopped singing! I practiced at home mostly but I also had the great opportunity of joining the AUB Choir.

The AUB Choir is one of the best choirs in Lebanon in addition to the National Choir of the Lebanese Conservatoire, which the Lebanese take pride in. The AUB Choir holds 2 concerts during the year, the Christmas Concert, which is very popular and the Easter Concert. The choir also participates in the university events like graduation and special gatherings.

On Christmas, the choir holds the most amazing concert to attend. It makes you feel and live the Christmas spirit. The entrance is for free and people from all over the country gather to watch and listen the voices of the talented and trained students.

We used to train all semester on the songs and hymns of the concert. We took things very seriously, especially under the direction of Paul Meers who was a great conductor and teacher. I would like to extend my warmest regards to all those who stood with me on that stage and shared those beautiful moments of exhilaration. I spent 3 years in the university choir, which is as much as I spent at university overall! :)

I have learned a lot about singing, sharing, and harmonizing when I was part of this lovely group. I understood with time the meaning of this collaboration and union. All those voices mingled and created a singularity. One could hear it and feel it. I suppose a lot of people consider it to be a boring form of music and singing but once one starts to appreciate the harmony of the individualities, then one would want to listen to more and get drunk to the melodies.

I consider the choir to have been an important phase of my life as it has impacted me positively in many ways. I am glad to have experienced this and been a part of this talented, artistic ensemble. If you ever have the chance to go and watch the AUB choir live on Christmas, do not think twice. You will be amazed! ( Go early to find places ;)

The AUB Choir performing

Mi cancion espanola!

Today, I am more than pleased to be able to share with you the song I have recently recorded: Amor A La Mexicana. I have spoken about it for a while now and finally here it is for everyone to hear!!! :)

Amor A La Mexicana by Maya Mady.mp3

(The song can only be heard if you have quicktime player. Sorry for the inconvenience. I am searching for a way to better post the songs!)
You can now listen to the song on the following link: http://mayamidiva.tumblr.com/post/1336627581/mi-cancion-espanola-today-i-am-more-than

Do not hesitate to let me know your thoughts and comments. PEACE ~





Me, focused in the recording studio

 


Serious moment...



Happy moment

John Lennon, Happy Birthday!

Today I was logging on the internet as I do everyday and since Google is my homepage, I saw some new graphics on the name Google like it sometimes appears on certain occassions. Well, turns out it's the 70th Birthday of John Lennon. This man is a legend along with the Beatles as a group.

I do not know much besides what is said about this courageous singer/songwriter/ peace activist; but I respect his cause. So, I pray that he may rest in peace and together, let us remember him with one of his most controversial and famous songs "Imagine":

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
 I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Youtube link to John's live performance of "Imagine": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q0Eyw3l3XM

Tennis: a good breathing exercise

I was once singing in the presence of my sister and my friends and when I stopped for a while, my friend told me: "Your nose is red. You are not breathing." I tried singing a bit to check what I was doing wrong. I truly wasn't breathing comfortably. I have no idea how this happened. I obviously was breathing or else I couldn't be singing but I was not doing it at the right time and I was not taking in enough air. In fact, sometimes I feel I am not comfortable breathing generally.

I think that one reason for that is the air condition that dries up one's throat. I always sleep with the air condition on or else I would suffocate considering I live in Dubai! I am exposed to the air condition in the office which chills me to the bones and everywhere I go (malls, cars, nightclubs, stores, supermarkets...) This is very unhealthy but a state I have to endure.

So, recently I was learning to play tennis and I realized that it's a perfect breathing exercise. When you hit the ball, you need energy in your arm, so you hold your breathe for a moment before you release. When you serve, you basically do the same. Hold your breath, focus, hit, exhale... There's also a lot of running to be done as you follow the ball on the court. This sport needs a lot of endurance and stamina, focus and determination, elegance and descipline! An amazing combination. And you need to breathe ~ WOW.

From that day forward, I never "forgot" to breathe again. I am so aware of my breathing now even throughout the day. So, if you are sportive or would like to learn a sport or simply are looking for a breathing exercise, try tennis! ;)



Roger Federer in play - point of contact with the ball - notice him holding his breath



Amor A La Mexicana once again...

Today, I'm so excited! I just came back from the studio where I recorded a marvelous song in Spanish, "Amor a la Mexicana" - originally performed by Mexican Thalia!!! Yes, the same song I performed once at school with the Sombrero and all!

You can not imagine how wonderful it feels to be able to come out with something that sounds good and feels good. When I thought that I was going to record, I felt butterflies in my stomach all day.
I went prepared. I had my lyrics and my music. I was fresh and full of excitement. It took several takes but I was doing well and everytime would be a better version! :) I noticed at the end that although I'm not yet perfect, I've become much better! And this is what counts. Keep that in mind in everyhing that you do. The better you become, the more you realize that you have come a long way and acheived something. However, for me, it is also by seeking perfection that I become better.

I'm so happy...

I truly hope that one day I will be able to give you joy and pleasure with my songs, my performances, my voice! A voice is precious. Remember to use yours as it is much needed in our world today. ;)

P.S.: The song will be posted soon on my blog exclusively. Stay tuned...

Shakira Shakira!

I was told by my younger sister, Paloma, to listen to Shakira's new song by the name "Loca". I tried to find it on youtube but I couldn't get the entire song. I could see clips of Shakira on the street with people. The entire song and clip were not available! What I saw were teasers and many shots taken by people via their cell phones and cameras live on the set and posted on youtube.

I loved the idea of the clip; that Shakira was shooting among people for all to see, record and report! I thought it was a very creative idea. However, the song itself did not sound great in my opinion... Shakira was extremely sexy and barely dressed. Obviously her dancing was provocative and she succeeds in impressing in the clip. What I like about Shakira though is her voice and accent; besides the fact that she is Lebanese! ;) .... Oh and half Columbian. There's no doubt she's an amazing woman, singer and performer.

So, if you manage to find the clip somewhere, let me know. I'm sure you guys should know where to find it. ;) In the meantime, here's the link to the song without the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEr91A_Rewc

A picture from the set of the clip! SEXY!