The future of alternative R&B has a captivating new voice, and her name is Mai Anna.
The New York City-born singer-songwriter is officially stepping into the spotlight with the release of her emotionally charged new single, “Baby Blue,” marking her debut as a newly signed artist with Epic Records and Not So Fast. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video, the release offers audiences their first immersive glimpse into the artistic world of a rising talent whose music seamlessly blends vulnerability, imagination, and soulful storytelling.
Produced by Solomon Fox, “Baby Blue” serves as the opening chapter of Mai Anna’s forthcoming debut album, Sleepy Eyes, a highly anticipated project that promises to showcase the breadth of her artistic vision and emotional depth. Describing the album as a dreamlike musical experience, Mai Anna explains that Sleepy Eyes is about creating a space where listeners can fully surrender to emotion, memory, and self-discovery.
“If we were to define it, it is a dream state of experiencing music,” says Mai Anna.
The singer’s ability to create vivid emotional landscapes stems from a lifelong passion for building community and meaningful connections. Long before securing a major-label deal, Mai Anna was creating spaces for creativity and expression through grassroots philanthropy and community engagement during her high school years. That spirit of connection and world-building ultimately helped attract the attention of Epic Records and Not So Fast, leading to her signing earlier this year.
At the heart of “Baby Blue” is a deeply personal message about finding peace through cherished memories. Inspired by a conversation with a close friend and guitarist, the song encourages listeners to revisit moments that bring comfort, healing, and joy.
“I love making a song after a conversation with someone else because I get all of these interesting details and visuals from their stories,” Mai Anna explains. “Which I can connect to similar experiences and emotions that I’ve had.”
The result is a liberating and atmospheric anthem that highlights her rich vocals and natural storytelling abilities. Blending dreamy production with heartfelt lyricism, “Baby Blue” demonstrates why industry insiders are already predicting a bright future for the emerging artist.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Jamal Peters, beautifully amplifies the song’s themes of nostalgia and emotional freedom. Featuring ethereal blue tones and intimate cinematography, the visual follows Mai Anna and her pianist as they transition from an apartment setting to an ice rink—a symbolic representation of some of her happiest childhood memories.
An avid ice skater, Mai Anna appears graceful and uninhibited as she glides across the rink, embodying the song’s message of releasing life’s burdens and reconnecting with moments of pure joy. The cinematic visuals create a multidimensional viewing experience that mirrors the dreamlike atmosphere central to her artistic identity.
Mai Anna’s momentum continues to build. Earlier this week, she delivered an intimate live performance at the legendary Village Studios in Los Angeles, where she debuted “Baby Blue” before an enthusiastic audience. The performance generated significant buzz among industry tastemakers and music fans alike, further solidifying her status as one of alternative R&B’s most exciting new voices.
Her rise has been anything but overnight. From hosting concerts in her college dorm room to build awareness around her music to now signing with a major label and preparing for her debut album release, Mai Anna’s journey reflects persistence, authenticity, and artistic courage.
With Sleepy Eyes on the horizon and “Baby Blue” already resonating with listeners, Mai Anna is proving that vulnerability can be one of music’s greatest strengths. As she continues to expand her creative universe, audiences can expect a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Key Highlights
- Signed to Epic Records and Not So Fast in 2026.
- Released her debut major-label single, “Baby Blue.”
- New album Sleepy Eyes arriving soon.
- Music video directed by Jamal Peters.
- Known for blending dreamlike visuals with emotional storytelling.
- Emerging as one of alt-R&B’s most promising new artists.
Follow Mai Anna on social media for updates on Sleepy Eyes and future releases:
Instagram: Mai Anna Instagram
TikTok: Mai Anna TikTok
YouTube: Mai Anna YouTube
Report Mark Winkler
