If you’ve ever seen Estonian bassist Mai Leisz onstage with legends like David Crosby or Jackson Browne, you already know she’s a master on the bass. But now? She’s stepping into a whole new spotlight – as a singer-songwriter. After nearly 20 years of keeping her voice tucked away, Mai just released her first vocal EP, What Love Can Be, and honestly, it’s stunning.
So here’s the backstory: Mai grew up singing – it was her first love. But like so many of us, life threw her a curveball. In her teens, stage fright crept in and took the joy out of performing vocally. She pivoted and threw herself into the bass, and well, that decision led her to some incredible places (hello, Grammy nominations and touring the world). But the singing? That stayed silent… until now.
What Love Can Be is more than just a debut — it’s a personal milestone – a kind of musical homecoming. And you can feel that in every note.
The title track, “What Love Can Be,” is the emotional core of the EP. Written after she returned to Estonia during the pandemic, it’s deeply personal – a reflection on home, change, and the inevitable passage of time. There’s this moment in the lyrics where her parents reassure her, “I will always be here for you,” and it’s gut-wrenching because, deep down, we all know that kind of comfort doesn’t last forever. What makes it even more intimate? Her family actually sings on the track with her. I mean, come on. Goosebumps.
The rest of the EP is a musical journey that spans continents and emotions. “Mo Chuisle Mo Chroi” is a dreamy instrumental duet with Greg Leisz on pedal steel. Then there’s “I Am The Architect,” which brings in world music flavors and features the haunting sound of the oud, played by Andrew Kzirian. On “If My Heart Was a Compass,” you’ll hear a traditional West African n’goni, played by Andrew Synowiec – not your everyday instrument, and it adds such a unique texture.
And “Stars Like Fireflies”? That one’s a full-on sonic hug. With Greg Leisz’s pedal steel, Michael Landau’s guitar magic, Lee Pardini on piano, and Alan Hertz on drums, it just… glows. You can tell Mai surrounded herself with players who not only bring serious chops but also serious heart.
Speaking of heart, Mai Leisz shared something beautiful about this project:
“After being away from singing for so long, coming back to my voice has been a healing process. What Love Can Be is a tribute to family, home, and the beauty of understanding that love remains, even through change.”
Oh, and just a few months ago? She became a mom. So yeah, all those reflections on time, love, and legacy hit even harder now.
If you’re into music that feels honest, emotional, and grounded in both skill and soul, you need to hear this. It’s not just a new chapter for Mai — it’s her reclaiming a part of herself that’s been waiting patiently to be heard.
You can stream What Love Can Be now on all major platforms. Trust me, it’s worth a listen (or five).
