Save Maiah Manser's Voice
Since the before age of 4 I have been performing and singing. I felt it was my magic trick because I could get out of pre-school nap time by going and singing to other classes. By the age of 6, I won my first talent show singing "Edelweiss". Afterwards, I looked up at my mom and told her that I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up: a professional singer.
Already singing and making beats at 2!
Growing up, I went through advanced choirs, countless performances, made my first recordings by the 5th grade (yes, that's a private recording haha!) and never faltered from my dream. I continued to pursue a degree in vocal performance at Cornish College of the Arts remaining in the honors program. As a student, I met Mary Lambert ; opening the door for an opportunity to join 3 full US tours with Lambert under Capitol Records as a backing vocalist/keyboardist, sharing the stage with artists like Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Macklemore and Pharrell Williams. By the time I was 20 years old, I started teaching advanced voice technique and began my professional career as a solo artist. I released my first recordings and played my first show for EMP's Sound Off! competition landing as runner up.
Performing on the main stage at Capitol Hill Block Party
Performing at Bumbershoot music festival
In 2016, I got my taste of the festival life, shining on both Capitol Hill Block Party (Main Stage) and Bumbershoot alongside artists like Bishop Briggs, CHVRCHES, Crystal Castles & ODESZA. Teaming up with Buddy Ross (producer for Frank Ocean, Haim, Unknown Mortal Orchestra), Phillip Peterson (string arrangement for Cashmere Cat, Santigold, A$AP Rocky), and the late Tom Coyne (mastering engineer for Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift), my debut Second Skin EP was released April 28, 2017 via Freakout Records. I have garnered support from Nylon , Fader , Pigeons & Planes and Vogue as well as syncs with TNT and Sila Sveta . Lastly, On November 9, 2018, I released a new single "Yards " which will be a part of an upcoming EP that will be surrounding and breaking down the expected societal standards of women.
Phew, it's been a wild one and it feels good to recount how much I have already accomplished coming from nothing with my voice, but now I need your help.
This past February I was diagnosed with a matured polyp on my left vocal cord by Dr. Reena Gupta , a highly respected and top laryngologist in the Los Angeles area. I suspect this injury was brought on by a mixture of overuse, bad speaking habits, and severe acid reflux.
Since the diagnosis, I have worked very diligently in voice therapy, relearning how to safely speak and sing and completely changing my diet to finally have a hold on my acid reflux. I have cancelled numerous shows and events to keep the injury from worsening. Unfortunately, with all of my efforts, this injury is irreversible through vocal rest and therapy and I will need to get surgery in order to move forward with my career.
This injury holds me back from ever touring, rehearsing, recording sessions, and just about everything that amplifies the continuation of my career in music. If I perform or play a show, I generally have to spend the next day in silence. I have to abstain from speaking to fans after the shows I do get to play, and I have to cancel all my lessons and sessions if I feel even close to a sore throat. Additionally, I can no longer go out to industry networking events. I make 100% of my income off of the music industry and staying active in it. My voice is my livelihood.
Unfortunately my insurance does not cover my only trusted doctor to perform this surgery. I will not settle for anything less than the best care for my voice and the love of my life. The surgery itself is $7,120 + additional doctor's appointments and voice therapy sessions. Additionally, I will be out of work and unable to speak for 2-3 weeks and possibly more. Thanks to a partial grant of $4,000 from MusiCares (I have so much gratitude!!), I was able to book my surgery for December 10th, but am still left with all my additional bills of living in Los Angeles, the rest of my surgery costs and absolute financial uncertainty. In raising $5,000 by December 10th, I will be able to be completely financially stable during my time of healing and whatever money I make above that number will go directly back into my music.
Ultimately, I refused to let this injury hold me back and I finally have the chance to be fully released from it. I get to go back to my life and doing what I love most. I am eternally grateful for all of your support and donations. Thank you thank you THANK YOU in advance. I can't wait to be better and it will be all thanks to you. <3
FOR EVERYONE WHO DONATES:
I will state your name in the thank you section of my upcoming album
FOR EVERYONE WHO DONATES $100+:
you will get a personal invite to my album listening party
FOR EVERYONE WHO DONATES $500+:
you will get associate producer credits in my next music video
Additional links to my music/videos:
http://www.maiahmanser.com/videos/
With all my love,
Maiah
