Article Contributed by Mike
Published on November 3, 2025
Malena Smith, a St. Louis-based singer-songwriter, has released her deeply personal debut EP 27 in Maine—a project that chronicles a season of self-discovery, transformation, and artistic awakening.
The summer of Malena’s 27th birthday was a defining one. She left her job to pursue music full-time, took her first solo road trip to commemorate that leap of faith, and made the life-changing decision to stop drinking. Just before the turn of the season, she began writing songs again—and 27 in Maine was born.
The EP captures that coming-of-age-as-an-adult moment: the clarity of “18,” the internal tug-of-war of “Betray Myself,” the yearning of “Maybe,” the stillness and uncertainty of “Paralyzed,” and the realization of “27 in Maine (The Ride).” “It felt like my puzzle pieces were beginning to find their places,” Malena says, “but the number of pieces was indefinite.”
Produced by Brian Owens and engineered by Jay Newland (Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me) and Boo Mitchell (Royal Studios, Memphis), 27 in Maine bridges pop, folk, soul, and jazz—a seamless reflection of Malena’s genre-fluid voice and storytelling spirit.
Beyond its sonic beauty, the EP carries heartfelt stories at every corner. A youth orchestra—conducted by Malena’s former middle-school teacher—appears on “Paralyzed” and “Betray Myself.” Even her financial advisor, who helped her budget for the project, lent background vocals to “Paralyzed.” Every contribution feels like an act of love, adding warmth and authenticity to the record. The sessions took place inside Royal Studios, where the walls breathe Memphis soul.
Following singles “18,” “Betray Myself,” “Maybe,” and “Paralyzed,” the full EP arrives as Malena Smith’s debut declaration as a storytelling artist—a reflection of her growth, her empathy, and her unwavering voice.
“My hope is that people who need these songs the most will hear them,” she says. “And that anyone who connects with them knows they’re not alone.”
