Maeve McMahon Finds Her Voice in “Traffic Lights,” a Debut That Doesn’t Wait for Permission

At just 22, Maeve McMahon is already writing like someone who has lived through seasons of love, loss, and rediscovery. Her debut EP, Traffic Lights, captures the in-between moments of transition, where everything feels uncertain, but staying still is no longer an option. Blending folk, pop, and country rock, Maeve carves out her lane without asking for permission.

The title track sets the tone with its quiet tension. “Traffic Lights” is about that emotional pause, when you are holding onto something that is no longer serving you, but you are afraid to move on. Maeve’s lyrics are raw and observant, delivered with a voice that is honest and emotionally grounded.

“Pressure” channels the weight of expectations. The lyrics reflect the feeling of trying to stay afloat while everything pulls you under. When the song finally opens up, it feels like a breath of fresh air. “Slow Burn” leans into unrequited love, capturing the ache without melodrama. “I See You” flips the perspective, offering light and presence in a moment of clarity. “Lost in the Sound” becomes a reclaiming of voice and power after feeling silenced.

What stands out most is Maeve’s ability to trust the simplicity of a strong lyric and melody. Nothing feels overdone. Her arrangements leave space for the listener to sit with the emotion and find their reflection in the story.

The EP started as private writing sessions in her room, but the final recordings feature a live band feel that brings the songs to life. There is an intimacy that remains, but also a collective spirit that makes the music feel universal.

Maeve McMahon has arrived with an EP that doesn’t try to be perfect. It just tells the truth. And that truth, in all its honesty and complexity, is what makes Traffic Lights so compelling.

What inspired the idea behind “Traffic Lights,” and how did that concept shape the EP as a whole?

Traffic Lights was born out of my struggle to reclaim my voice after years of being bullied by people who tried to silence me and dim my light. That growth led to the next song, where, for the first time, I felt truly seen and valued for who I am. I wanted to share the superpower that comes from staying true to yourself.

After a self-discovery retreat in Costa Rica called Evolve, I experienced real love and acceptance from women who saw and celebrated my uniqueness, and that built me up in ways I didn’t know I needed. It was the first time I’d ever felt that kind of support from women outside my own family, and it changed everything. The songs that followed reflect the empowerment and growth I found as I stepped back into alignment with my path.

You seamlessly blend pop, folk, and country rock. How do you stay authentic to your sound?

I blend genres as a reflection of who I am, rooted in my love for nature, guided by a wild side that refuses to follow the rules, and fueled by a free spirit that craves every experience life has to offer. I stay connected to my inner child and celebrate through these genres by blending my passion for pop music with my soulful love of folk and my edgy rocker side.

Blending these genres lets my whole personality shine. I channel the sass and confidence of Rihanna in my performances, the layered storytelling of Noah Kahan in my songwriting, and the soulful, edgy spirit of Miley Cyrus in my voice and sound.

Which song came to you first, and did that set the emotional direction for the rest?

Writing my first song, Lost in the Sound, gave me the power to thrive as an individual and continue to be who I’m meant to be. It started as a battle song to find myself again, but developed into a celebration of the bliss that comes from being fully authentic.

Strangely, I now have my bullies to thank for helping me reach the strongest form of myself, always ready to grow and experience new things without fear. This song sets the emotional direction for the rest of my EP, expressing empowerment, growth, self-love, and kindness. My songs are meant to show myself and others that we shouldn't let people box us into their idea of who we should be, but instead, rise as our true selves.

What was the recording process like, bringing these songs from your room to a full band?

These songs were written in the stillness of my bedroom, where I could be sincere. Once I brought them out for others to hear, it was incredible to see them connect with and feel my music, rather than just listening. The musicians I worked with each brought their unique talent to evolve these songs into layered and emotional projects. 

The process of transforming a simple idea into a finished work that I can share with others is a feeling I want to experience repeatedly throughout my life. Nothing beats releasing a new track for the world to hear, which holds so much personal energy and hope. One of the highlights of my music career so far was watching my songs come to life through the talents of my fellow musicians, which led to performing them live with a full orchestra, my entire band, and a crowd of people who truly supported me. It was pure bliss.

What would you say to someone standing at their metaphorical traffic light, unsure of the next move?

“You’re not stuck, you’re just unsure. The red light isn’t the end of the road; it’s a challenge to see if you can overcome tough times to prove to yourself you can do it. Don’t be afraid to feel uncomfortable, because that’s how you’ll become the most courageous you.”