Cool people like cool things, which is why we asked Maya Laner to share a taste of her taste on Perfectly Imperfect.

Maya Laner is a New York City-based musician who performs under the name True Blue. She’s generated a lot of buzz in the last few years from the handful of singles and EPs she’s released, namely 2022’s Lucy and 2018’s Edge Of, and is currently working on her debut album, which she tells me will arrive later this year. Maya also creative directs, styles, and produces for other musicians, performed on Jimmy Fallon with Alex G, and is currently playing bass in Caroline Polachek’s live band for the “Desire, I Want To Turn Into You” tour. Lucky for us, Maya is here to tell us what she’s been into.

Without further ado

Maya Laner (instagram, twitter)

🍪 Purse Treats 

If you’re a person on the go, always stay strapped with a purse treat. There will always be a moment where you need to lift your spirits or raise your energy levels. It’s also nice to have something you can share with other people that sparks joy. I’m trying really hard to work on my sugar addiction but the purse treat is something I can’t really give up. I’m like the epitome of that meme that’s like “if I don’t have a yummy treat every couple of hours my condition worsens” lol. My go-to treats are dark choc coconut bars, justin’s pb cups, & barnana dark choc covered bananas 😛

🫧 Listening to Tapes in the Bath 

If I want to get really relaxed or need to hard-reset my energy I love to listen to tapes in the bath. Tapes are my favorite audio format other than CD because the vibrations hit in such a physical way. When you’re in the bath it gives the sound perfect reverb, and the tape warble seems to bounce off of the steam in the air.. it feels like magic. My favorite tape is the Emma Kirkby Collection, which I found in my parents basement. It’s a collection of stunning baroque & medieval music. When Columba Aspexit by Hildegard Von Bingen comes on I am possessed. I couldn’t find this release on any streaming services in the US so I bought the CD on eBay and (allegedly) made a rip to share the magic with my friends (or anyone who asks ;)... ). I also add Dr. Singha’s mustard bath to the mix if I really want to levitate.

🏴‍☠️ Treasure 

Everywhere I go I’m looking for treasure. Sometimes it's just a nice looking rock or radiant shell, other times I find a gold chain or wad of cash on the sidewalk. I have always had a collectors spirit and can’t help but to keep my eyes peeled at all moments for something shiny or blessed. You can get so much joy and life force from charmed objects. I can see myself ending up as the cliche eccentric person on the beach with the metal detector looking for precious objects in the sand. Your trash is probably my treasure. For example, I have a beautiful blue plastic bottle I have kept for 5-6 years and have brought all around the world with me.

🌀  Acupressure Mat / Body work tools

My friend Megan recommended I get an acupressure mat and my life has never been the same. I may not use it every day, but if I’m ever in a state of acute physical/mental/spiritual distress this thing always saves my life. It gets your blood and energy flowing to heal you of almost any ailment. It is my most recommended tool for healing to everyone I know and I think everyone should have one! I would get the neutral gray colored one, but I have the garish green one. Trust me it’s insanely powerful and will change your life. My other favorite tool that I use everyday literally is a small wooden massage tool from Tangerine. The wood smells heavenly and it’s perfect for massaging the scalp, neck, shoulders, and face. This is never not in my purse!

🌹 Living Libations

When I was in my late teens / early 20’s I had perfect skin and liked to flippantly claim my secret was “not washing my face.” While that didn’t age well (lol), there’s definitely something to leaving your skin alone as much as possible and treating it with gentle natural products. I am obsessed with this 100% natural and beyond organic skin care company called Living Libations.  It has the best hippie graphic design and packaging I have ever seen, and some of the best smelling products ever. My favorite products are the Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever, the Scalp Tonic, the Ozonated Dew Dab, and the oral care products.

👙 Oddobody

Best underwear ever. 100% organic cotton and super soft. Understated but still sexy.  I love the string bikini. I’m trying to replace all of my underwear and most of my clothes with natural fibers.

🍼 Bio-K

If you know anything about anything… you know that gut health is the ultimate wealth. It is literally the foundation of everything related to health and wellness. Mental health, physical health.. if you don’t have a robust gut microbiome you will be suffering somehow. I have probably taken upwards of 100 courses of antibiotics in my life which is not only insane but also super bad for you / your gut. I’ve been trying to go hard re-populating my gut with the good stuff and Bio-k is one of my favorite ways to do so. It’s expensive as fuck but it’s super powerful and I’m addicted to the taste. I want them to sponsor me. The best flavor is the vegan blueberry made with rice.

🍔 Superiority Burger 

Superiority Burger is the best restaurant in New York City. It has a passionate and punk spirit, and their flavors are unmatched. Something about the food and the ethos reminds me of the food I grew up eating in the Bay Area. Creative, seasonal, fresh as fuck… it’s very grounded and connected to the source but still playful. You can literally taste the magic! I’ve been going there so long and so often that I’ve become a known regular and am now friends with the iconic owner Brooks. I have been in spiritual pain while they’ve been on hiatus for the last few months preparing to re-open in the old Odessa diner space. When they finally open you will probably find me and Nancy there 5 days out of the week (if not 7…lol). See you there! P.S. Their cookbook also has the world’s best banana bread recipe- TRUST ME.

Follow Maya on Instagram & Twitter

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