Listening Party: Mýa's Forthcoming 'Retrospect'

In this special listening party episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Mýa to discuss her highly anticipated 10th studio album, *Retrospect*, set for release on May 15, 2026. The album marks her first full-length project in eight years and arrives on the 25th anniversary of her platinum debut *Fear of Flying*. Mýa reflects on the album’s origins in 2016, sparked by a serendipitous studio moment that led to the lead single 'Give It To You'—a track co-produced with DJ D-Nice and born from a deep personal retreat into her childhood musical roots. Drawing inspiration from her parents’ vinyl collections, funk legends like Prince, Rick James, and Vanity 6, and her own early dance memories, Mýa crafted *Retrospect* as both a nostalgic homage and an introspective journey. The album blends vibrant, danceable tracks with emotionally raw songs like 'ASAP' featuring 21 Savage, which explores honesty in relationships and the urgency of communication. Mýa also discusses the evolving music industry, embracing social media’s power while grappling with the pressure to be authentic in a fast-paced digital world. The episode features exclusive previews of 'Give It To You,' 'Just a Little Bit' with Too Short, and 'ASAP,' underscoring the album’s infectious hooks and emotional depth. Key takeaways from the conversation include the importance of authenticity in art, the power of nostalgia as creative fuel, and the value of vulnerability in songwriting. Mýa emphasizes that growth comes from honesty, even when uncomfortable, and that self-trust—especially in uncertain times—is foundational. She also highlights how collaboration, whether with longtime partner My Guy Mars or unexpected guests like 21 Savage and Too Short, enriches her creative process. The album’s track order was intentionally curated to evoke the feeling of a summer day in Central Park, blending roller-skating energy with emotional depth. As Mýa prepares for her upcoming tour, *Retrospect* stands as a testament to her enduring artistry and deep connection to the music that shaped her.