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Change is good. Just ask Mya. The Grammy-winning multi-platinum artist is at a new place in her life and is rocking a groove thats deliciously grown, sexy and secure. Playful and passionate, tough but open, the changes Myas gone through allow her to be the woman she is, right now. Myas fourth cd and her Universal Motown Records debut is Liberation and its the sound of a singer expressing herself with no limits. From aching ballads like Lifes Too Short to the insistent, aggressive Still A Woman or the bumpin no nonsense, I Got That featuring the Game, Liberation is Mya, unencumbered. Liberation is a clean slate; my most expressive, vulnerable album, Mya says. Im putting my real experiences out there. On my first album I didnt know about love; I didnt even have a boy friend! Now what Im bringing is definitely more realistic. You can feel Myas new philosophy, her renewed confidence, her freedom and sharply honed focus throughout Liberations taut tracks; and the exhilarating vibe kicks off with the up-tempo lead off single Ayo. The club-banger was produced by Chris Henderson and features DC hype man DJ Kool. That song tickles me, Mya laughs. Its a straight party song, but the message is clear if someones doing you wrong, focus on yourself and move on. Ive been there, but I dont dwell on it; life is too short. That funky resolve also flavors Lock U Down. Produced by Scott Storch and co-written (like all of Liberations songs) by Mya, Lock U Down is a hip-shaking mission statement. Theres definitely a harder edge this time. The lyrics are less passive and more straight-to-the point. Equally honest is I Am produced by Kwame. That was one of the first songs we recorded, its kind of therapy. If theres a theme on the album its self- confidence that comes from my own personal experiences. Myas newfound strength stems from changes professionally and personally: because in many ways she is finally free to openly speak from her heart, soul and mind. After three successful cds at Interscope Records, Mya amicably left and, in 2005 signed with Universal Motown Records, where she says, I feel that Ive found home. Shes also found home within herself. Last year, Mya also moved from California, where shed lived since 2001 and relocated back to Washington, DC, where she grew up. The decision was based on an increasing sense that the business of music had muted Myas passion for making music. I just knew that I had to get back to my roots and rediscover what had made me excited in the first place. I have all this creative energy and all these ideas but LA it was too impersonal of a place to develop a real creative family. So I thought, let me go back to DC; get creative and do what I love to do. With that goal in mind Mya bought a house, enlisted her brother to build a studio, and began experimenting; laying down rudimentary tracks and learning how to engineer. By mid 2005 shed put together a band and took them to the Caribbean and Africa to perform her hits and new material. We had a great time. I was working with local, very talented people. Now I have a real team; crew, dancers, a band. DC hasnt really blown up like Atlanta, NYC or Miami. Theres no real scene here but so much talent. My goal is to bring more recognition to my city thats so rich in culture. Her drive didnt stop there. A long time advocate for young women and life long dancer and dance teacher, Mya established the Mya Arts Foundation, dedicated to providing the arts to DCs youth. Along with sp
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Got her start as a tap dancer.
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