In 2008, R&B singer Mya decided to step away from the mainstream. She faced a number of problems, including label changes, mismanagement and album leaks. So, that’s when she made the decision to create her own label, Planet 9, and release her music independently.
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Talking to The Frisky, Mya dished that it took a while to build her label.
“Time, patience, auditions, relationships built over time, [and] online connectivity. It’s amazing that one of my fans that created some fan art has designed 2 project covers and lots of promo banners for events and tour banners and gets paid as a Planet 9 independent contractor.”
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All that work has paid off, though. The singer dropped her latest album, Smoove Jones, on Valentine’s Day, saying she doesn’t see it as a full-length album, but the final EP in a series.
“It is the final EP to complete the Planet 9 EP Series I started. I listened to the fans. They said the EPs were too short, so I am giving them a bigger appetizer this time. It’s a concept project and an appreciation to them for riding with me for 18 years. Consider it the final appetizer before the main course!”
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She also addresses the pressure to compete in the music industry. She only competes with herself “to reach my highest self every year. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I were focused on what everyone else is doing.”
Fans will be happy to hear that the singer is still a romantic, which is clear in her music. She admits to believing in soulmates and destiny, but that “we can play a significant part in our destiny by free will and choice.” We are so glad she made the choice to come back.