Maria Lane is an indie folk artist carving out a name for herself in Brooklyn’s vibrant music scene with her deeply personal lyrics and intricate compositions. Her ability to translate raw emotion into song has garnered attention from publications like The Fader, Brooklyn Magazine, and Under The Radar. With the release of her debut album, Black and Blue, in October 2024—an introspective project exploring the complexities of trauma—Lane has drawn comparisons to artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers. Recognized as Indie Boulevard’s Best Female Artist of 2024, she continues to craft music that offers comfort and connection to those who need it most. We sat down with Maria Lane to talk about her latest release, "empty bed, empty sheets."
TM: Hey Maria! So excited to discuss you and your music!
ML: Thank you for having me!
1. TM: Can you start by telling us how your musical journey originally began?
ML: Music’s always been a part of my life. I grew up in a super musical family my dad was always playing guitar and introducing me to artists like James Taylor and The Beatles. I started writing songs as a kid at the piano in my childhood home. It became this little escape for me. Later, in my early 20s, I picked up guitar, and that opened up a whole new way of writing and connecting with music.
In 2021, I released my first single, "Strangers Again." I’ve always been a really sensitive person, and for a long time, I felt like that made me different. But music made me feel less alone. There’s something about hearing a lyric that perfectly captures what you’re feeling—it’s comforting. That’s what drew me in and made me want to write songs that could do the same for someone else. Music has always felt like the most freeing way to express myself. It’s where I feel the most like me.
2. TM: Just last year you won Indie Boulevard's 2024 Best Female Artist award. What did winning that award mean to you?
ML: It honestly felt so empowering. I’m just really grateful for the recognition, it was a huge moment for me. It definitely made me feel like I’m on the right path, and that my music is connecting with people.
3. TM: On Valentine’s Day you released an apt tune, “empty bed, empty sheets.” Can you tell us the story behind this song?
ML: I wrote "empty bed, empty sheets" in January of last year. At the time, I was navigating the loss of intimacy in my relationship. A few months earlier, I’d received a message in my Instagram requests that my ex had been cheating on me and had slept with their castmate while they were out of state on a contract. It was a lot to process, and I actually had a panic attack on the M Train when I found out. They lied about it and refused to tell me the truth.
When I finally wrote the song, it was after they tried to initiate intimacy, and I rejected them. The next day, "empty bed, empty sheets" came to life. I posted it on TikTok right after I wrote it, and people were begging me to release it.
The song is about that painful feeling of wanting to be close to someone, but not being able to because they’ve hurt you in such a deep way. It’s wild how someone can say they love you while still causing so much harm. I really love the last lyric, "You tell me you love me, we're laying in empty sheets." It perfectly captures that disconnection and emotional distance.
4. TM: What did your songwriting process look like? How long did it take to compose?
ML: It was one of those songs that just kind of poured out of me. The melody and lyrics came instantly. When we started recording it in October, I had rewritten a few lines and completely reworked the bridge. I really wanted the bridge to dive into that feeling of insecurity and comparison that hits you after getting cheated on, especially remembering how something like kissing used to feel so amazing, but now it makes you sick. I also wanted it to have a cinematic quality—something that felt big and emotional, like the kind of scene in a movie that really hits you. It’s such a raw, vulnerable feeling, and I wanted the music to reflect that.
5. TM: What did your recording process look like for this release? Was it the same or different from your previous releases?
ML: We recorded in my producer Justin Meyer's home studio, which is really special to me. It feels like this safe space where I can pour out all these emotional words. We actually recorded the entire album in there too, so it’s kind of like a home base for me when it comes to creating. Hannah Burke, who played cello on "Til April" and "Fresh Air," is featured on this track as well, which really adds to the depth and emotion of the sound.
TM: What is one song you wish Maria Lane wrote?
ML: I have a whole playlist of songs I wish I wrote, but at the moment I would say “How To Disappear Completely” by Radiohead. I think the lyrics are so good,“I’m not here, this isn’t happening” is something I relate to a lot, especially as someone who dissociates.
TM: What’s next for Maria Lane?
ML: I am currently recording some new songs, and let’s just say you can expect something from me sometime in the spring. I’ve also written the next album, so I’m excited to step into a new era. Plus, I’ll be making my Brooklyn Made debut on April 11, which I’m so excited about, it’s a venue I’ve been dreaming of playing.
Listen to "empty bed, empty sheets" below!
Credits
Acoustic Guitar: Justin Meyer
Cello: Hannah Burke
Production: Justin Meyer and Maria Lane
Mix: Justin Meyer
Master: Joey Messina-Doerning
Songwriting: Maria Lane
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