This interview explores Athena Maria’s journey from childhood songwriting to breakthrough moments, theatre influence, teaching, and future ambitions—revealing how passion, vulnerability, and creativity continue to shape her evolving musical path.
1. You’ve been singing and writing music since childhood, but was there a specific moment when you realized music was more than a hobby and could become your true path?
I realized music could really be a career path for me after I saw how my art connected with people. Being able to see people’s emotional connection to my music and lyrics were really what sealed the deal for me; I’ve always wanted to make a difference, and being able to do so with music seemed like the best dream to come true. I’ve been chasing that dream ever since.
2. Your songwriting draws from very personal experiences as well as eclectic influences—from Harry Styles to French fusion jazz. How do you balance vulnerability with creativity when shaping a new song?
I love this question! When I make music, I always try to use my current music taste to inspire the creative and sonic direction of the song, and I use my personal experiences to dictate the lyrical direction of the song. I’ve started to notice a pattern in my songwriting: there is a period of time shortly after I get into a new niche that I start writing prolifically – I pump out 2-3 fully fledged songs every week. After a bit, it slows down a little bit more until I get a new spark of creativity.
Usually by the end of a few months, I have a really nice set of songs that balance emotional depth with musically unique elements.
3. “Lemon Juice” became a breakthrough moment for you, especially with the live performances. What did that song teach you about your artistic identity and connection with your audience?
Before I debuted “Lemon Juice” live for the first time, I was actually building some resentment toward singing it live. I had rehearsed it so many times that it didn’t excite me anymore, and I kept beating myself up about not sounding exactly how I do in the recording. I was in a lesson with my voice teacher, Ian Holljes, when he told me that I needed to let go of what I thought I was supposed to sound like and remember why I loved the song so much. Once I did that, singing it wasn’t about me anymore. It was fully about immersing myself into having fun and connecting with the audience. That’s what makes that song so special to me now: seeing the audience have fun with it.
4. You originally dreamed of Broadway before fully embracing songwriting. How has your musical theatre background influenced your stage presence and the way you tell stories in your music?
Being a theatre kid has opened up my connection with my voice and body so much. A lot of people don’t realize how important physical connection to the body is when it comes to singing.
I don’t mean just proper singing technique, I mean being fully aware and intentional with every move you make when performing. Theatre has really helped me open up more in terms of that.
Without my musical theatre training, I don’t think I would love being on stage as much as I do.
5. Beyond being an artist, you run Lovergirl Music Group and teach multiple music programs. How do these entrepreneurial and teaching roles shape your growth as a musician and as a person?
Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding experiences because of how much it forces you to grow, adapt, and learn. Teaching both big classes and individual private lessons has shown me the importance of collaboration – the best way to learn is to make sure the student knows you are on the same team. In terms of running Lovergirl Music Group, being an entrepreneur takes a lot of patience, responsibility, and grit – something I take with me in my everyday life.
6. As you approach graduation from the Frost School of Music, what are the next steps you’re most excited about—both musically and professionally—and how do you envision balancing all the different passions in your career?
To be completely honest, the future is a really daunting thought to me. I plan on moving out of Miami and getting my masters degree, but beyond that I really want to be as open as possible to any possibilities. There are so many things about music that excite me, so I feel like I could really adapt to whatever opportunity life throws my way. If it were up to me, I would focus on my artist career before I start teaching full-time, but I truly am open to anything. In terms of balancing it all, I think my deep love for all these different passions will always keep me connected to each creative pursuit, whether or not it’s my main focus at the time.
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