Splitting time between acting, singing, and many other projects, Maya Ixta Delgado was more than kind enough to take a moment to answer a ton of questions surrounding her career so far! To learn more about Maya and everything she’s got going on in her life, go ahead and check out our full Q&A with the talented artist below.

WWAM: You are best known for your recurring role as Young Tess on the Apple TV+ series Ghostwriter. How did you prepare for this role, and what has been your most memorable moment on set?

Maya Ixta Delgado: Filming "Ghostwriter" was an incredible experience. I traveled to Canada and worked with a very talented cast, directors, and crew. I prepared for my role as Tess by developing the important parts of her identity. Tess is a strong-willed, independent, Latina feminist in the 1950’s. Playing her was particularly meaningful because I felt a deep connection to her story and identity. My favorite moment was shooting the first scene because she had so much energy and power when she came on screen. I believe her character resonated with many young girls by offering them a powerful role model.

WWAM: You released your first EP, Shades of You, in 2017 and are gearing up to release your next EP, Diary Entries, on September 16. How has your music evolved since your first EP?

Maya Ixta Delgado: Over the past few years, I’ve focused on writing about deeply personal topics as I’ve transitioned from a teen to a young adult. My music mainly falls within the pop/alternative genre, and I also love writing songs in Spanish. I'm always discovering new elements to weave into my music. My goal is to write songs that are personal to me but also resonate with listeners on a deep level. Hopefully, my music can offer a sense of connection and understanding. I want to let listeners know they’re not alone—someone out there truly gets them.

WWAM: What was the inspiration behind your upcoming EP, Diary Entries? Why was it important to you to make this EP?

Maya Ixta Delgado: This E.P. is incredibly special to me because each song is inspired by an
entry from my diary, which has always been one of my “safe spaces” throughout my life, especially during my teenage years. When I felt inspired to make music, I usually went to my diary for more inspiration. Diary Entries reflect my growth as both an artist and a person. 

WWAM: As a songwriter, what inspires your music, and can you share the creative
process behind one of your favorite songs?

Maya Ixta Delgado: When it comes to songwriting, I always turn to what I feel in the moment. I don't plan beforehand about what I'm gonna write on a given day. I just write about how I’m feeling. I also like to journal to get some lyric ideas or themes. I also use my notes app and voice memos a lot, because sometimes out of the blue, I’ll get an idea or think of a hook for a song or see things that inspire me. Songwriting with others is really special too because other people can peer into my creative ideas and vice versa. I get to explore a story with someone else and two perspectives can only make a song or project stronger.

WWAM: How do you balance your music career with your acting projects, and do you find that your experiences in one field influence your work in the other?

Maya Ixta Delgado: I’m always working on balancing school, my career. What really helps me keep focused is my passion for the arts. Whenever I am doing work for school or on set, I always think about how important the arts are in my life. I also have amazing teachers who support my career path and are understanding when I have to miss school when I’m on set. For me, acting and music feed off of each other and they help me be a better artist.

WWAM: You founded the non-profit organization HeARTs of Maya, which awards
educational scholarships to youth passionate about the arts. What inspired you to start this organization, and what impact has it had on the communities in Dallas and Los Angeles?

Maya Ixta Delgado: I’m very passionate about “giving back” and “paying it forward.” I started HeARTs of Maya to support young people who share my passion for the arts. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of training at exceptional studios and learning from incredible coaches, but I’m aware that not everyone has the financial resources to access this level of training. I’ve met many talented aspiring artists who can’t afford classes, and I believe they deserve the same opportunities I’ve had. To date, we have awarded over 50 scholarships to deserving artists. My hope is that HeARTs of Maya can help make a change, one artist at a time.

WWAM: Outside of your professional work, you enjoy listening to K-POP, playing the piano or ukulele, and screenwriting. How do these hobbies influence your creative work and help you unwind?

Maya Ixta Delgado: I cherish my “me time” and make it a point to do something that refuels my soul.  Even though I don’t speak Korean, K-Pop is a genre that I love to listen and dance to.  I love to collect K-pop memorabilia, it’s so fun and whimsical.  I taught myself how to play the ukulele and its very relaxing to me because it’s such a manageable instrument and really, anybody can play it.  Screenwriting allows me to create my own stories and funny enough, I imagine the music I would incorporate with certain scenes.  

WWAM: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors, musicians, and
philanthropists who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?

Maya Ixta Delgado: It’s been said that in this industry, you will get 100 “No’s” to every 1 “Yes” but in today’s climate, I think it’s more like 100 “No’s” to every 1 “Maybe.” Perseverance is everything! Personally, I have surrounded myself with good people, people who genuinely care about my professional and personal well-being. This industry is ever evolving, and I am also growing as a person with it. This industry is full of possibilities if you have dedication, perseverance, and a hard work ethic.

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