MOSS

MOSS is Maya Hawke's second studio album, released in 2022 via Mom+Pop. Following her debut 'Blush', this record marks a significant refinement of her indie-folk sound, moving toward a more cohesive and confident sonic identity. Hawke cited Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' as a primary influence, particularly in its embrace of a hushed, narrative-driven aesthetic. The album was largely recorded with collaborators like Benjamin Lazar Davis and Christian Lee Hutson, contributing to its intricate yet sparse arrangements. Lyrically, the album is deeply introspective, utilizing art history references (notably the Balthus painting 'Thérèse Dreaming') as mirrors for self-examination. Critics noted the album's improved songwriting and its ability to maintain a sense of 'bedroom' intimacy despite its more sophisticated production. It stands as a pivotal work in Hawke's transition from an actor-who-sings to a respected voice in the contemporary indie-folk landscape.