Mya Discusses How Classic ’80s Funk Inspired New Album ‘Retrospect’ and Why Going Independent Changed Her Approach to Music

Mya has unveiled her ninth studio album, "Retrospect," which she describes as a deliberate shift towards energetic, funk-driven sounds designed to showcase her live performance abilities. Released last Friday, the project represents a notable departure from the mellow tone of her 2018 effort "T.K.O. (The Knock Out)," drawing heavily from the R&B and funk movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. "I wanted to turn up the energy," the 46-year-old artist explained to Variety, noting that her previous work often lacked the tempo to highlight one of her greatest strengths. "I'm a party girl at heart, but you'd never know because I seem so laid-back. I'm still the same person from 'Case of the Ex'—just in my grown woman phase." The album features a collection of upbeat tracks with shimmering synths, heavy 808s, and sharp bass lines, with standout moments like the Snoop Dogg collaboration "No Pressure" evoking the carefree vibe of a roller rink. In a recent review, music journalist Amanda Petrusich observed that the record "successfully merges nostalgia with contemporary production, crafting a sound that feels both classic and innovative."

Much of the recording for "Retrospect" took place in Los Angeles, where Mya spent years refining the tracks alongside co-executive producer Lamar "MyGuyMars" Edwards, a member of the production team 1500 or Nothin'. Edwards, whose credits include work with major artists like T.I., Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Drake, brought extensive industry expertise to the project. As an independent artist—she released her first four albums through Interscope and Universal Motown before founding her own label, Planet 9, for 2008's "Sugar & Spice"—Mya now appreciates the ability to oversee every aspect, from vocal production to studio scheduling and photo selection. This meticulous approach has been a defining feature of her career for nearly two decades, stemming from past frustrations with limited creative freedom. She cites her 2003 album "Moodring" as an example where excessive processing and Auto-Tune left her dissatisfied, emphasizing a preference for preserving "imperfections." "Once I went independent, I started working in a space where I could feel good about the results," she said. "Being independent lets me decide when something is finished." Mya's evolution from major label artist to independent powerhouse reflects a larger industry trend, with figures like Chance the Rapper and Taylor Swift similarly advocating for ownership and creative control. Background context: Planet 9, launched in 2008, has allowed Mya to release music on her own terms, a move that predates the current wave of artist-driven independence in the streaming era.

The influence of Prince looms large over "Retrospect," with the Minneapolis Funk sound shaping tracks like "Masterpiece" and "Life Is What You Make It." Prince, who passed away in 2016, once offered Mya guidance on navigating the music business as an independent creator. "He was a huge supporter of independence, obviously," she recalled, adding that he stressed living within your means and investing in your craft rather than in flashy possessions. "He comes from a mindset where there are no easy paths." This philosophy aligns with Mya's own trajectory since her 1998 debut, which saw her navigate the major label system with hits like "Case of the Ex" and "My Love Is Like… Wo." After her label mishandled the rollout of her fourth album "Liberation," she took control of her career, gradually sharpening her business acumen. "The world is yours to explore. It's a free space where you can try things and learn at your own pace," she said, highlighting the importance of testing songs, building lasting relationships, and assembling strong teams. Prince's estate, managed by his former lawyer L. Londell McMillan, has continued to advocate for artist independence through initiatives like the NPG Music Club. Notably, Prince's 1996 split from Warner Bros. and his subsequent battle for ownership of his masters set a precedent that many modern artists now follow.

Originally, "Retrospect" was intended to set the stage for an opening slot on the Pussycat Dolls' reunion tour, "PCD Forever," but the North American leg was canceled in early May, reportedly due to weak ticket sales. Mya called the cancellation a "disappointment" but said she was not informed about the specifics. "I don't have much information about what happened," she shared during an interview the morning after the news broke. Still, she is already planning a fall tour for "Retrospect," which was always part of her broader strategy. For Mya, the album represents the culmination of years of careful refinement and a clear artistic vision. "Music touches so many parts of life and the human experience," she reflected. "It can bring healing in an instant. It can lift up a room. Being able to affect others' moods with positive intent and stay on the right side of that is what drives me—love, healing, all the good things we need to get through life." The Pussycat Dolls, who formed in 1995 as a burlesque troupe before becoming a pop group, have experienced numerous lineup changes and tour setbacks over the years, providing context for the canceled dates. Industry observers note that the cancellation highlights the challenges of reviving legacy acts in a crowded concert market, where fan enthusiasm can be unpredictable.