Before dabbling in the wonders of TikTok, Los Angeles-based visual artist, producer, and singer Maiah Manser was already accumulating a strong following. Fans were obsessed with her two EPs, Second Skin and third degree, while critics for The FADER, Nylon, and Complex‘s Pigeons and Planes eagerly showed their support. Songs from the EPs were also featured on local and international radio, in movies like After We Collided, and in television shows like Tidelands and Lucifer. As she furthered her interest in film composition and scoring, Maiah took to TikTok to share her experience. Her posts went viral, giving Maiah the idea to tease a live performance video for an upcoming single, “With A Smile.” The video received a combined total of 25 million views from Instagram and TikTok, breaking new ground for her. Amidst such momentum, Maiah is gearing up to release her upcoming EP, Fourth Wall, which will focus on society’s fascination with fame and success.
Included on the EP with “With A Smile” is “Pretty Enough,” a dark and moody offering that deals with personal acceptance in a religious setting. Even though there are heavenly background vocals throughout, we get the sense that Maiah is more haunted than at peace. She is careful with her words, cautiously rolling out lines like, “Hallowed be thy name / I’m your angel / I’ve been kneeling all day / When will you fix me?” Elsewhere, she asks, “Am I pretty enough for your Jesus to save me?” Her tone implies that she does not care for or need an answer, showing that she is ready to reclaim her power.
About the single, Maiah shares,
“‘Pretty Enough’ is a powerful examination of religious trauma bathed in a sensual sonic and lyrical landscape. As a queer woman growing up in the Catholic Church, I was always left questioning, ‘Am I pure enough, good enough, straight enough, or pretty enough to be saved?’ With a religion that celebrates icons boasting love and acceptance, ‘Pretty Enough’ questions how that same congregation made me believe I should live in shame for who I am. Writing this song helped me take that power back.”
You can listen to “Pretty Enough” on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
Keep up with Maiah Manser: Facebook // X // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube // Website
