Electronic producer Elaine Mai and singer-songwriter MayKay have been collaborators before on Elaine’s album Home, but their latest work together was conceived with a rather different notion and audience in mind.
“What Will You Say?” was performed live at the recent Right Here Right Now Rally in Meeting House Square as part of The Ark’s Festival for children on February 24th 2023.
‘What Will You Say?’ will a commission by The Ark, Children’s Cultural Centre, inspired by the thoughts of children across the country, which were collated by The Ark and Iarnród Éireann, Last November, when the children of Ireland were asked to share what was on their mind in relation to their rights. Their responses formed the inspiration for song.
Elaine collaborated with musician and vocalist MayKay (Fight Like Apes/Le Galaxie) who co-wrote and produced the track, before recording it with The SuperTones children’s choir in Dublin studio Diffusion Lab.
“I wanted to create a track that could be a powerful rally cry for children’s rights. The Ark holds a special place in my heart, as I visited it when I was a kid and was blown away by it. To be able to return and be a part of a campaign that would empower and amplify the voices of children was an honour.”
Elaine Mai
“I really hope the kids are proud and take this song away with them knowing they inspired it and created it. And that we’re listening to them. There are so many kids in Ireland now that are here for so many different reasons. I hope they feel heard and loved too.”
MayKay
Elaine Mai & MayKay collaborated on ‘No Forever’
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
