If you don’t know DJ Mia Maya yet — it’s time to change that.
She’s not just behind the decks — she’s behind a movement. Based in Seattle with Texas roots, Mia Maya is a multi-genre DJ, Friday night radio host on C89.5, Twitch Partner, and the founder of MMBASSY, an all-female DJ collective that’s shaking up the electronic music scene.
Her sets? Fire.
Her mission? Loud and clear: amplify women in a male-dominated industry.
Whether she’s lighting up clubs, spinning on mountaintops, or streaming to thousands online, Mia is more than a DJ — she’s a cultural force.
In this exclusive Pump It Up Magazine interview, we dive into her journey, her vision, and the beat that keeps her going.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DJ MIA MAYA
🎤 Pump It Up Magazine: Let’s start at the beginning — how did growing up in Texas shape your musical identity?
🎧 Mia Maya:
Although neither of my parents played instruments, music was always a constant in our home and on long car rides. We listened to a mix of country, rock, classic rock, indie, and the occasional pop, and while my parents had deep emotional connections to those genres, I never quite felt the same.
Everything changed when I discovered electronic and dance music in high school—it was the first genre that truly resonated with me on a deeper level. It felt like I had finally found a sound that matched my energy and identity. That said, I still throw on some country or rock when I’m feeling homesick for Texas, but electronic music has given me a space to express myself in ways I never could before, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
🎤 PIUM: What inspired your move to Seattle, and how has the Pacific Northwest influenced your music and career?
🎧 Mia Maya:
Honestly, it was my boyfriend/partner who first sparked the idea of moving, and I’m so grateful because, in many ways, it felt like Seattle was calling us for the next chapter of our lives. We moved in 2021, both realizing we needed more—more music, more nature, more inspiration. Shortly after landing in Seattle, I fully immersed myself in DJing and launched my Twitch channel. Looking back, I truly believe that if I had stayed in Texas, I might never have taken that leap. Moving to Seattle gave me the space and energy to chase what I love, and I haven’t looked back since.
🎤 PIUM: Your sets are incredibly dynamic — from House and Tech House to DnB and Downtempo. How do you craft a set that keeps the crowd on their toes?
🎧 Mia Maya:
Whenever I build a set, I consider a few key factors: the time slot, the venue, and the overall lineup. I want to complement the energy of the night, not disrupt it. If I’m playing early, I’ll ease people in; if I’m closing, I’ll push the energy to its peak. I also take into account the styles of the other artists—setting the right tone while still bringing my own unique sound.
For me, DJing is about connection. I want to take the dance floor on a journey—building energy, creating moments, and making sure everyone feels part of the experience. My ultimate goal is for you to leave my set feeling lighter, happier, and more carefree than when you walked in. If, even for a moment, I can make you forget whatever was weighing you down, then I’ve done my job.
🎤 PIUM: Tell us about MMBASSY — what inspired you to create an all-female DJ collective, and what impact has it made so far?
🎧 Mia Maya:
When I first started in the Seattle scene, I couldn’t ignore the lack of women on lineups, even though I knew so many talented female DJs. The more I looked into it, the more I realized that visibility was a huge issue—women just weren’t being seen or booked at the same rate as men. It’s no secret that the DJ industry is still heavily male-dominated, and I wanted to be part of the change.
Since launching the MMBASSY, I’ve seen a real shift—more women on lineups, more collectives curating all-female events, and an overall push for inclusivity. It’s incredible to see the impact we’re making, little by little. My hope is that one day, festival lineups will reflect true balance—closer to 50/50—rather than the current reality, where women make up just 12.9% of festival acts.
🎤 PIUM: We love the concept of See Her Be Her. Can you share the vision behind it and how it’s helping shift the landscape for women in electronic music?
🎧 Mia Maya:
In 2024, I realized that International Women’s Day wasn’t being widely celebrated in Seattle, despite it being a globally recognized day. I wanted to change that. After several iterations, See Her Be Her was born—a space dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the contributions of women in the music industry.
At MMBASSY, our mission is to spotlight women’s impact—whether they’re commanding the stage as headliners, creating production magic behind the scenes, or engaging with and energizing the crowd. See Her Be Her brought that vision to life.
During the day, we hosted 5 panels and 2 workshops open to people of all genders, providing insight into the industry and fostering community. At night, we celebrated with a lineup of over 12 incredible female DJs. It was an inspiring experience, and I can’t wait to bring it back next year—bigger, bolder, and with even more energy.
🎤 PIUM: You’ve played everywhere from underground clubs to snowy mountain resorts. How do you approach performing in such varied environments?
🎧 Mia Maya:
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to perform in so many unique indoor and outdoor spaces, and I’m grateful for every single one. From the HiYU and Gas Works Park to mountain-side stages, each setting brings its own energy and atmosphere. Just like when I build my sets, I approach every venue with intention—considering the space, the crowd, and even the weather conditions to create the best experience possible. No two performances are ever the same, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
🎤 PIUM: You’re also a Friday night host on C89.5 — one of the top dance radio stations in the U.S. How does your radio work connect to your live DJing?
🎧 Mia Maya:
I love being a Friday daytime host on C89.5—it’s an entirely different but equally rewarding experience from performing live. Radio gives me the chance to reach people during their everyday moments—whether they’re running errands, grabbing lunch, or just getting through the day. Being able to curate a soundtrack for those moments and connect with listeners in a more personal way is something really special. It’s an amazing feeling to engage with people both on the airwaves and on the dance floor, and I’m grateful to be part of a station that’s been a cornerstone of Seattle’s dance music scene.
🎤 PIUM: As a Twitch Partner, you’ve built a global fanbase online. What has that experience been like, and how do you keep virtual audiences engaged?
🎧 Mia Maya:
Twitch is an ever-evolving platform, and I absolutely love the musical freedom, community, and practice it has given me. Beyond just a place to DJ, it’s been a space to build meaningful connections and grow alongside an incredibly supportive community. I’m so grateful for the relationships I’ve formed through streaming—it’s something truly special.
I aim to stream three days a week, but this year has been unexpectedly busy. Even when I’m not live, I stay engaged with my community through Discord and Instagram, making sure we’re still connected, sharing music, and keeping the vibe alive. Twitch may be where it started, but the bonds we’ve built go far beyond just the stream.
🎤 PIUM: The industry is still evolving when it comes to representation. What changes are you seeing for women in electronic music, and what still needs to happen?
🎧 Mia Maya:
I love seeing more women on lineups and being booked for performances—it’s clear that change is happening. But there’s still more work to do. My hope is that when people curate lineups, they move beyond simply filling a single spot for a woman to meet a quota and instead embrace true inclusivity. Representation goes beyond the stage—it means hiring female photographers, VJs, and sound engineers and making sure women are recognized in every part of the industry. Progress is happening, and I’m excited to keep pushing for a future where women are fully integrated into every aspect of the scene.
🎤 PIUM: If you could collaborate with any artist — dead or alive — who would it be and why?
🎧 Mia Maya:
That’s such a tough question because there are so many artists I admire! If I could collaborate with anyone right now, it would be Eli & Fur, LP Giobbi, Blond:ish, or Alison Wonderland—all incredible female powerhouses who continue to inspire me. Their talent, creativity, and impact on the industry are undeniable, and I’d love the opportunity to create something special with any of them.
🎤 PIUM: What exciting projects, events, or releases are you working on right now?
🎧 Mia Maya:
I’m currently working on a few new events and finally diving into producing! While everything is still TBD, I’m really excited about what’s to come. I’m hopeful to release my first track into the world sometime this year, and I can’t wait to share it when the time comes!
🎤 PIUM: Finally, what keeps you grounded and inspired as an artist and leader in this space?
🎧 Mia Maya:
I’m incredibly grateful for my boyfriend and partner—he’s my rock in so many ways. On top of that, my family keeps me grounded, and I’m thankful for their unwavering support and encouragement as I continue to pursue my career in this space.
💬 Follow Mia Maya & Stay Tuned
Want to hear more from Mia Maya? Be sure to follow her on:
🌐 Website: MMBASSY.com
📧 Email: mgmt@mmbassy.com
📸 Instagram: @dj.mia.maya
🎥 Twitch: dj_mia_maya
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