Shropshire singer takes to big US stage
From Claverley to New York – a teenage singing star has performed for a host of celebrities at an event in the USA.
Maisy Kay, originally from Shropshire, performed for an audience of Hollywood stars and VIP guests at the United Nations last week.
The 18-year-old sang the theme song she wrote for the film Wonders of the Sea 3D, titled Heart of the Ocean.
She performed in front of UN delegates, museum heads, celebrities, and general guests attended the reception, which was hosted by TV personality Pat O’Brien.
Maisy, who attended the former Dower House School in Quatt, near Bridgnorth, now lives in Los Angeles, and has composed and performed the title song for the film.
The documentary is directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean-Michel Cousteau – and she wrote the song after being inspired by the film's cinematography and message.
She said: "Being a part of this film has been the experience of a lifetime. First, in writing the title track and now having performed the song at the United Nations, I feel so very lucky to be a part of this team. "The United Nations SDG program is an important initiative, and one I wholeheartedly support. Our oceans are our greatest resource, it’s important we do everything in our power to help bring awareness to the issues at hand."
Maisy also studied at Tettenhall College in Wolverhampton before moved to America at the age of 13.
A self-taught pianist, singer, and songwriter, she has been writing songs since the age of five and has written and produced more than 100 tracks.
Some of the A-list producers she has worked with include Peter Mokran, Captain Cuts (Ellie Goulding), Adam Argyle and Martin Brammer (Olly Murs), Jason Gaviati, Justin Siegel (Cassadee Pope, Black Eyed Peas), Kenny Harris (Panic! At the Disco), and Sameer Bhattacharya (Flyleaf).
The night was an filled with glitz and glamour as the Trusteeship Conference Room was turned into a 3D world under the ocean with special 3D viewing glasses for the entire audience.
It was transformed into an underwater experience of visual wonder as some of the most interesting sea creatures came to life in 3D.
In addition, co-director Jean-Jacque Mantello and producer François Mantello participated in the opening ceremony and VIP reception afterwards.
Director Jean-Michel Cousteau stated: “The soundtrack is an important component in conveying the movie’s message. We are fortunate to have such beautiful music. When I heard Maisy’s song, I immediately knew it would be a great title song for the film. Maisy Kay is one of the most talented young women I have ever worked with, and her potential seems boundless.”
The film premiered this year at the Cannes Film Festival. Wonders of the Sea 3D is directed by the legendary oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau and Jean-Jacques Mantello and is produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Francois Mantello. The film is slated for a staggered release worldwide starting in 2017.
For more information, visit: www.maisykay.com