Rising Australian talent MAY-A has offered a bold new perspective on a rock staple. The 24-year-old Sydney-based singer-songwriter recently took the stage for triple j’s Like A Version, where she transformed Stevie Nicks’ 1981 classic, “Edge of Seventeen,” into a grunge-soaked anthem.
Steering away from the original’s unmistakable staccato riff, MAY-A and her band rebuilt the track from its foundation. The performance began with a minimalist, vocal-centric arrangement that gradually intensified, culminating in a distortion-heavy second half marked by searing guitar and bass solos. This shift allowed her vocals to shine, oscillating between delicate vulnerability and a raw, raspy rock energy.
The reimagined sound was the result of extensive collaboration with guitarist Chloe Dadd. MAY-A noted that the arrangement evolved through a process of trial and error during rehearsals. “When we began brainstorming the direction for this cover, we experimented with countless iterations,” she shared. “Chloe really took the lead in building out those textures.”
The choice to honor Stevie Nicks was deeply intentional. MAY-A spoke warmly of the Fleetwood Mac icon’s lyrical prowess, specifically her ability to navigate themes of mourning. “I’ve rarely seen an artist articulate grief and loss with such visceral power,” she remarked, calling Nicks’ songwriting “unique and profoundly inspiring.”
In addition to the cover, MAY-A performed “Last Man on Earth,” a highlight from her debut album, Goodbye (If You Call That Gone), which arrived on February 20. In recent discussions regarding her musical evolution, the artist (born Maya Cumming) reflected on her transition from a self-described “Taylor Swift pop girl” to a rock-influenced performer. Citing trailblazers like Sonic Youth, Hole, and Paramore, she explained how these influences helped her break free from genre constraints.
“Those women made me realize I didn’t have to fit into the boxes I’d built for myself,” she said. Describing her debut record as a “slow burn,” she emphasized her desire to create something authentic rather than chasing commercial polish. “I intentionally avoided a high-fidelity, hook-heavy sound. I wanted this project to be as raw as possible.”
Fans can experience the new material live as MAY-A kicks off her national tour on April 2 at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane, with subsequent stops scheduled for Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle, and Adelaide.
