At the beginning of every month, Modern Muze spotlights successful businesswomen who continue to inspire us. Today, we’re spotlighting maye, an emerging Venezuelan-born, LA-based independent singer-songwriter who is nominated for her first Latin Grammy in the category of “Best New Artist” this year. The prestigious award show will take place on Thursday, November 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Though maye has been making music since 2019, 2026 is the year she’s internationally being recognized as an up-and-coming artist by the Recording Academy. Last year, the award went to Mexican singer Paloma Morphy. Now, we got to exclusively chat with maye to see what this win would mean to her, ahead of “The Biggest Night in Latin Music.” “It means so much to me. In a way, it feels like the industry is acknowledging my existence and the work I’ve been putting into my music for so long,” she exclusively told Modern Muze. “It’s a moment that validates my journey, my career, and the project I’ve been building.”

To get a better insight into her musical influences, what she’s looking forward to at the Latin Grammys, and what advice she gives to upcoming Latina artists, Modern Muze talked to maye about everything from her Latin roots to her favorite beauty products.

How do your Latin roots influence your sound today?

My sound has always been heavily influenced by the Latin music I grew up listening to in Miami. With my Venezuelan, Colombian, and Spanish roots, I’ve always been surrounded by a melting pot of sounds, rhythms, and musical traditions. All of those influences naturally find their way into my music, even when I’m exploring different genres.

Are there any specific sounds you pull from Venezuelan music?

One of my favorite Venezuelan artists is Simón Díaz. I’ve always loved the way he approaches melodies. There’s something so haunting and almost eerie about them that really stays with you. Whenever I’m writing a slower song or a ballad, I often find myself thinking about how he might approach the melody. His music has definitely influenced the way I express certain emotions through songwriting.

You participated in Teletón Unidos por Venezuela to support relief efforts after the double earthquake in June. Tell us what this means for you and how people can help today.

It means so much to me to be able to directly support the country where I was born. I had the opportunity to perform for the Teletón, which was broadcast on Venevisión, and afterward, so many friends and family members reached out to tell me they’d seen my performance. Being included among the artists supporting such an important cause was incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful I was able to contribute my granito de arena, my little grain of sand, toward helping a country that will always be part of who I am.

Your music blends many genres. What is your songwriting process like?

My songwriting process varies a lot, and one thing I’ve learned is that there’s really no right or wrong way to approach it. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up my guitar and writing about whatever I’m experiencing in that moment. Other times, I’ll go into the studio, listen to instrumentals, or experiment with the producers I’m working with until we find something that inspires us. I love that songwriting can happen in so many different ways, and I’ve learned to embrace that flexibility.

What does your first Latin GRAMMY nomination mean to you?

It means so much to me. In a way, it feels like the industry is acknowledging my existence and the work I’ve been putting into my music for so long. It’s a moment that validates my journey, my career, and the project I’ve been building.

Being an independent artist makes it even more meaningful because I’ve been able to carve out my own space and create something that resonates among so many incredible projects and artists. To have my work recognized at this level, while staying true to my vision, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

What do you look forward to the most about being at the Latin GRAMMYs with your colleagues?

I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone. I think being nominated is already a reason to celebrate, regardless of who takes home an award. I’m especially excited to catch up with Viniloversus and Rawayana, since I’m also nominated through their projects. Being able to share this moment and celebrate all of these accomplishments together is going to be really special.