This Week’s Music Highlights: 8/28/25 in New Jersey
Maia Sharp, a talented artist from Los Angeles, recently made the bold decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to further her music career. Sharp’s impressive resume includes writing songs for acclaimed artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, and Art Garfunkel. Despite her success in Los Angeles, Sharp felt drawn to Nashville, finally making the move in 2019 after her marriage ended. She found a new sense of purpose and belonging in Nashville, describing it as the place where she truly belongs.
The shift in the music industry has seen Nashville emerge as a thriving hub for artists, attracting talent from various cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Music Row is no longer the only path to success in Nashville, and Sharp has noticed the growth of different communities and opportunities outside of the traditional music scene. For her, the decision to move to Nashville was based on the foundation she had already built over the years through songwriting visits and collaborations, making the transition smoother for her.
Sharp’s latest album, “Tomboy,” showcases a unique evolution in her songwriting process. Instead of selecting songs retrospectively, she gave herself an assignment to produce two specific tracks, “Tomboy” and “Counterintuition,” which set the tone for the entire album. The production of these songs focused on percussion, rhythm, and playfulness, aligning with the album’s theme of celebrating individuality and reflection on childhood experiences. Sharp’s intention was to create a rhythmic and unconventional sound without the traditional drum set, incorporating various percussive elements like synth, guitar, and unconventional objects like books and bass to add texture and depth to the music.
To bring her vision to life, Sharp collaborated with percussionist Eric Darken, who provided an array of unique sounds and instruments, including a “Rattle Broom,” “Coffee Bag,” and “Hubcap.” This collaborative effort allowed Sharp to explore a different sonic landscape, pushing the boundaries of traditional music production and adding layers of creativity to her music. The result is a cohesive album that captures the essence of Sharp’s artistry and showcases her ability to innovate and experiment with sound.
Overall, Sharp’s journey to Nashville has been a rewarding and transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Her decision to embrace change and pursue new opportunities has led to a refreshed perspective on her music career, paving the way for future growth and creativity. “Tomboy” stands as a testament to Sharp’s resilience, artistry, and dedication to pushing boundaries in her craft, reflecting her journey from Los Angeles to Nashville and the artistic evolution that has defined her career.