AceShowbiz - Maya Hawke opened up about her evolving career as she prepares to release her fourth album, Maitreya Corso, set for May 1. Following the conclusion of Stranger Things, Hawke admits she initially felt scared about what lay ahead, but her diverse projects and growing musical confidence show she has little to worry about.

The album is described as a "quirky, cozily organic, unceasingly melodic collection" reminiscent of Aimee Mann’s style, marking a significant artistic leap for Hawke. Alongside her music, she stars with Lewis Pullman in the romantic comedy Wishful Thinking, which recently debuted at SXSW to critical acclaim. Additionally, she is joining the cast of next year’s Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, expanding her presence in major film franchises.

During a live interview at the Rolling Stone Studio at SXSW, Maya Hawke discussed her creative process, influences, and the pressures of ambition. She explained that the album’s title, Maitreya Corso, merges two distinct inspirations: Beat poet Gregory Corso and the Buddhist figure of Maitreya. "It’s about new beginnings and a fusion of the divine and human spirit," she explained, envisioning the album as a journey led by a fantasy heroine.

Maya Hawke highlighted the profound impact of Taylor Swift on her music. She praised Swift for inspiring a generation to value personal storytelling in music, noting, "My feelings could matter. The details of it could matter." Hawke revealed she has listened to Swift’s work throughout her life and could recognize and complete any of her songs from just a single word.

One standout track, "Lioness," draws directly from Hawke’s experience on the set of Stranger Things. The song references her co-star Sadie Sink, capturing a moment when Sink’s performance reminded Hawke of the magic of acting. Hawke recounted a day when she felt uninspired but watching Sink’s authenticity reignited her passion. She called Sink "the greatest actress of our generation" and shared that she sought Sink’s permission before mentioning her in the song, respecting the vulnerability involved in being written about.

Reflecting on the balance between inspiration and exposure in songwriting, Maya Hawke noted that writing about intense emotions, even anger, is often about capturing a moment rather than a lasting feeling. She quoted Miley Cyrus on the nature of emotions entering the body but not defining the self, emphasizing the importance of communication and consent in sharing personal stories through music.

The album’s first single, "The Devil You Know," tackles themes of ambition and self-awareness. Hawke described the "gremlin" of ambition as a relentless voice urging her to do better and compete with others. She shared a revelation that true satisfaction might only come at the cost of losing her freedom and anonymity, something she is unwilling to sacrifice. Instead, she seeks to negotiate with this inner critic to maintain balance and artistic integrity.

Initially, Maya Hawke hesitated to fully embrace the musical side of songwriting, intimidated by the talent of musicians she encountered. She admitted, "I just didn’t think I was any good," and recounted how encouragement from collaborators helped her recognize the value of her own ideas, regardless of how they compared to others. This support transformed her approach from tentative demos at home to confident studio work with top musicians.

Hawke’s acting projects also reflect her taste for thoughtful, high-concept narratives. She expressed enthusiasm for Wishful Thinking, a film exploring how a couple’s emotional ups and downs influence the world around them. Hawke connected with the film’s message that personal inner states radiate outward and affect others, stressing the importance of tending to one’s emotional landscape before trying to improve the broader world.

Joining the Hunger Games franchise was an easy choice for Hawke, who described it as "anti-fascist populist art." She also recalled watching Amanda Plummer’s brief but memorable portrayal of Wiress, the older version of her character, and was surprised that such a powerful performance lasted only seven minutes on screen. She reflected on the idea that there are no small parts, only small actors, highlighting the significance of every role regardless of screen time.

Through her music and acting, Maya Hawke continues to explore complex themes and embrace vulnerability. Her upcoming album promises a blend of poetic influences and personal insight, while her expanding film roles demonstrate her versatility and commitment to meaningful storytelling.

With Maitreya Corso arriving soon and her involvement in major cinematic projects, it’s evident that Maya Hawke is entering an exciting new phase of her career, marked by artistic growth and fearless creative exploration.