Certain individuals possess an energy that can be sensed from miles away. Mýa, one of the most iconic voices of the 1990s, exudes such a presence. Even a brief virtual interaction with her reveals a steadfast strength that is unshakable. Currently, Mýa is gracing the stage as part of the Queens of R&B Tour, continuing to captivate audiences with her enduring talent.
Ahead of the tour, Mýa spoke to rolling out about the 1990s and how she remains relaxed.
What do you think when people say the 1990s were the best decade?
First of all, I love ’70s music. I grew up on ’70s music and am a ’70s baby. Vinyl, the cassettes, the 45s — all of that. My dad is a recording artist, so I was always around music and live music.
As a young woman developing into myself, my teenage years were heavily influenced by 1990s R&B music. Then, there was also something that happened that was very special culturally for us: the merge of hip-hop and R&B together, which you hear on the radio, the airwaves, in every genre right now. All the fusions happening in different places of the world — we got to witness what that looked like, from fashion to this energy of excitement and newness because it had never been done before in the way it was in that era. Everyone was working together and creating these different sounds and synergies. It was a special time. There was something special about R&B music; chord changes had real music [that] stems from gospel and the foundation of gospel roots. You feel something special in your gut. I believe it’s a part of what’s missing today. Musically, we don’t hear enough of it. We had it tenfold in the ’90s, with so many groups harmonizing and amazing solo artists … connecting to the music because that’s what your life was. You could wear your heart on your sleeve.
There’s a theme of people being “’90s fine” going on social media, and you’re one of the frequent examples used with the term. Do you believe there’s such a thing as being ’90s fine?
I’m cool with all the trends and things people make on social media; nothing bothers me. Do I believe in it? I don’t follow too many things I believe in, except for what I do believe in.
In the ’90s, everything was much simpler and natural, but makeup is an art — and I’m also an artist who loves to creatively express myself. I think the consensus of folks using that hashtag appreciates what they don’t see enough of, which is a more natural look. But I love turning it up and a beat face, too.
What is your morning routine?
Well, it varies depending on what time I’m waking up. Sometimes, I leave the studio at 9 a.m., and it’s nighttime. Sometimes, there’s no sleep and just 72 hours straight on the road.
On a preferred day, if I’m at home, we have animals, so we have to tend to them first. I wake up with gratitude for life and breath in my body. We never know our last moment, so I don’t take it lightly. I hydrate and put my bare feet on some grass because it helps me get back in touch with true nature.
I read some passages in Psalms from a daily devotional to calibrate my mind for the day and absorb what it means. It readjusts me and clarifies my purpose and mission not just in life, but how we’re going to start this day and navigate through it and go about things without just self in mind.
