In a remarkably candid revelation that's sending ripples through the music world, Sananda Maitreya - the artist formerly known as Terence Trent D'Arby - has declared he's consciously removed legendary acts including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder from his personal listening rotation.
The Honest Playlist: What Gets Played Now
The Grammy-winning artist, who shot to fame in the late 80s with his smash hit 'Sign Your Name', explained his surprising musical choices during an exclusive interview. Rather than reaching for the classic rock canon, Maitreya now finds inspiration elsewhere.
'I don't listen to The Beatles, I don't listen to Bob Dylan, I don't listen to Stevie Wonder,' he stated matter-of-factly, acknowledging this might sound like 'blasphemy' to many music purists.
Beyond the Classics: Maitreya's Current Rotation
So what does fill the headphones of this acclaimed musician? His current playlist includes:
- Jazz legend Miles Davis
- Folk icon Joni Mitchell
- R&B innovator D'Angelo
- Contemporary soul artist Emily King
He particularly praised Mitchell's ability to 'write a song about anything' and Davis's fearless artistic evolution, qualities that clearly resonate with his own creative journey.
From Terence Trent D'Arby to Sananda Maitreya: An Artist Reborn
The interview comes as Maitreya prepares to release 'Voyager', his first album of new material since 2017. His musical transformation began in 2001 when he legally changed his name from Terence Trent D'Arby to Sananda Maitreya, marking a profound personal and artistic rebirth.
'I had to kill Terence,' he explained, describing his former persona as a 'cartoon character' he'd created. 'He was a shield, but he was also a prison.'
The Pressure of Early Success
Maitreya's debut album 'Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby' was a global phenomenon, selling over a million copies in the UK alone and spawning the timeless ballad 'Sign Your Name'. But this rapid ascent came at a cost.
'I was completely unprepared for it,' he admitted, reflecting on the whirlwind of fame that saw him grace magazine covers and achieve almost overnight superstardom.
Creative Freedom Over Commercial Success
Now living in Italy and operating outside the mainstream music industry, Maitreya has found peace in artistic independence. He releases music directly to his fans through his website, free from corporate pressures.
His forthcoming album 'Voyager' promises to continue this journey of creative exploration, showcasing an artist who has remained true to his vision despite the shifting tides of musical fashion.
As Maitreya himself puts it: 'I'm not trying to be famous, I'm trying to be great.' And if that means leaving The Beatles in the dust, so be it.
