There’s a certain kind of artist who doesn’t just sing — they transport you. Maithili Raelle is one of them. With roots that blend Jersey nostalgia, Bollywood warmth, and the pulse of New York’s R&B and pop scene, she creates music that feels like a late–night confession set to a heartbeat.

In this exclusive interview, Maithili opens up about the sparks behind her songwriting, the artists who shaped her voice, and the hours when inspiration hits hardest. She shares how music became both therapy and purpose, what success truly means to her, and the vision she’s chasing with fearless clarity.

If you’ve ever wondered what drives an artist to pour their truth into sound — or how a single lyric can spark a movement — keep reading. This conversation might just leave you hearing music a little differently.

Where are you from?
I’m a Jersey girl. I grew up on 70s/80s/90s radio music in the car and at home, and Bollywood soundtracks and R&B slow jams/urban pop/hip hop after moving to New York City.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Whitney for power, Mariah for soul, Ariana for precision and SZA because she’s real. I love so many artists who can make you cry, dance, and introspect in the same song.

Tell me about how your creation part begins, and how is your workflow.
It always starts with a vibe. I’ll catch a random melody in my head or a lyric that hits different, usually when I’m in my feelings or half sleeping. Then I open a session, dim the lights, and build the world around it.

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere — love, heartbreak, random 3 a.m. thoughts, or things I wish I’d said out loud. Life experiences, personal and that of others nearby or a world apart.

When is your favorite time of day to create your music?
Late at night like 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. That’s when it feels like the world’s holding its breath and I can actually hear myself think.

Describe how art is essential to society nowadays.
Art is the heartbeat. It keeps us feeling when everything else tries to numb us. Music connects people who’ve never met, and in a world full of noise, that connection matters more than ever.

What motivates you to create?
That rush when someone DMs me saying my song made them feel seen. That’s wild. I make music for those moments when people say, Yo, that’s exactly how I feel.

How do you define success as a music artist?
When you can create something that feels true and people love you for being you. Success is walking into a room and knowing it was you and original.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Totally. Writing is my therapy. Performing is my confidence. Music gives me clarity when life gets messy, which is like always these days.

How do you develop your art skills?
By staying obsessed. I’m always in the studio, watching legends, learning production tricks, and pushing my vocals to do things that scare me.

What is your next move?
I’ve got a new single dropping soon — darker, sultrier, way more personal. And we’re planning a few live shows.

Where will we see you in 5 years?
On world stages. Collaborating with artists I grew up idolizing. Building something bigger than me — a movement, not just music. I want my songs to be the ones you scream in your car and still feel years later.

As Maithili Raelle continues to craft late-night worlds of melody and emotion, she invites listeners to join her journey in real time. From behind-the-scenes glimpses of studio sessions to first looks at new releases and live shows, you can connect with her and experience the music as it unfolds.

Follow Maithili on social media o stay in the loop — and be among the first to hear the songs that will make you dance, cry, and feel seen all at once.

Maithili’s official links: Single — “Used to Love” (Spotify):
• Single — “Used to Love” (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/us/album/used-to-love-single/1842742038
• Artist — Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5R0tPXrFHERm5RJNgnupXt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maithiliraelle/
• YouTube (official channel): https://www.youtube.com/@maithiliraelle
• Website / EPK: https://maithiliraelle.com/
• Link hub (more platforms & latest posts): https://linktr.ee/maithiliraelle
• Recent visual (dance/short): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8YxO8UmpTH8