Written interview with vocalist Maja Jaku — Blessed & Bewitched․ By the way, today is her birthday, on which occasion we congratulate him and wish him all the success and great stages, also through our mediation.
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Maja Jaku: – Thank you for inviting me — it’s an honour to speak about my music for Jazz Blues EU. I grew up in a musical family, so music has been part of my life from the start. I began performing very young: by the age of 15 I was already playing with local bands, and over time I moved more and more into jazz ensembles. From those early local gigs to jazz stages, performing has always felt like the most natural way for me to express myself.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
I was born in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, and I always consider it my hometown. That city has a beautiful, living musical tradition and it gave me my first musical experiences and early collaborations with local musicians. Those roots — the sounds, the people, the first stages — shaped my sensibility and stayed with me throughout my career.
What performers have been your inspiration?
My inspirations are both instrumentalists and singers. I grew up listening to Blue Note records through my father, who is a jazz trumpeter. The first record that really inspired me toward jazz was Freddie Hubbard’s Super Blue. I’ve also been deeply inspired by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, and Lee Morgan. As far as singers go: Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan — and mentors and role models like Sheila Jordan and Betty Carter. Andy Bey and Mark Murphy’s music have also been important influences in my development.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
The biggest challenge is the perseverance it requires — the constant love and effort you must put into your art. Being independent demands a huge amount of discipline, sacrifice, and belief in yourself. There’s an inner voice that keeps us going, and that willpower is what shapes us as artists and as people.
What do you base your success on?
I base my success on hard work, great sacrifices, and a deep belief in myself and in the music. It’s not a short path — it’s steady, persistent work, and staying true to what you want to say through music.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
Collaboration has given me so much. I’ve worked with inspiring musicians and mentors, notably Andy Bey, who influenced me greatly. For this record I had the privilege to work with Jonathan Blake, Dezron Douglas, Michael Rodriguez, and the talented young musicians Adrian Varady and Alan Bartuš. Playing with such committed, creative people expands my palette — it pushes me to take risks and to open new musical doors. Collaboration feeds my creative process: ideas grow, breathe, and transform when shared.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest release is the album Blessed & Bewitched, released by Origin Records (Seattle) on October 17.
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Maja Jaku — Blessed & Bewitched? What inspired its creation?
This record came from a desire to leave my comfort zone and realize a long-held dream: to come to the United States and record with musicians I deeply admire. The experience of recording in New York was magical. We recorded at The Bunker Studio, and the environment, the players, the energy — everything was on point. I was able to give a completely authentic part of myself without effort; the sessions felt true and alive. A big part of the inspiration came from Adrian Varady, who contributed two compositions to the album — The Witch and Lonely Little Fox. Adrian’s voice as a composer and performer added a special spark to the project. The whole record grew from that collaboration and from the impulse to create something honest and heartfelt.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
This album fits perfectly into my creative path. It’s one of the goals I wanted to achieve: as a woman born in Kosovo who has lived in Austria for 35 years, to go to America and record at the level I imagined for this music. In many ways it feels like a first album because everything went the way I had always dreamed — artistically and personally. It marks a milestone that I’m deeply proud of.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
My songwriting is driven by honesty, faith, and spirituality. I write from autobiography — from my personal world and cosmos. Themes I explore often include empathy, deep emotions, real-life experience, and the search for meaning. I write about what moves me internally: truth, vulnerability, and the connections that bind us.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I try to stay open-minded and respectful of jazz tradition while allowing modern influences to come through. A good balance is key: honour the jazz language, but also let in neo-soul, modern jazz, funk, and even hip-hop elements when they feel right. I believe that openness and authenticity help reach listeners without compromising the artistic core.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Technology and social media are real wonders. I’m also an educator at Jam Music Lab in Vienna, and my students have taught me a lot about how to approach technology and social platforms. I listen to them and use what they show me — they’ve been a big part of how I’ve adapted to modern promotion and audience engagement.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
One unforgettable experience was a jazz festival in Vienna — it was exceptional in atmosphere and audience, and it left a lasting impression. Another meaningful time was touring in Serbia and Austria with Jonathan Blake and Jure Pukl. I also recall special moments sharing the stage with the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, who is sadly no longer with us. Those performances were deeply magical and formative — his artistry, warmth, and spirit continue to inspire me.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
I’m a bit old-school — I was born in 1971 and I remember the thrill of buying CDs and records. That said, I accept and adapt to new realities. Streaming is the new landscape and it’s important for visibility, but I still cherish the tactile experience of listening to a CD at home. Adapting hasn’t always been easy, but I embrace the change while keeping some traditions close.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I try to be warm and present with my fans. Live concerts are where I usually connect deeply — I always take time to talk with people after shows, and I answer messages when I can. Accessibility and genuine conversation are, to me, the keys to building a real community.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Fans can find me at my website: majajaku.net, and on Instagram @majajaku. Thank you for your time and for listening — I hope my music reaches hearts and creates moments of reflection and joy. I’m grateful for every listener, and I look forward to sharing more music and moments with you.
By Olivia Peevas
