Maya Hawke credits Taylor Swift for shaping her music

Maya Hawke says Taylor Swift’s songs shaped her music and mindset, calling the influence ‘undeniable’

Maya Hawke has opened up about the profound effect Taylor Swift has had on her music and creative life. The Stranger Things actress and singer-songwriter, 27, shared in a recent interview with Rolling Stone that Swift’s career and storytelling inspired her from an early age.

Hawke described how Swift’s lyrics and personal narratives shaped not only her artistic approach but also her understanding of her own experiences. “My feelings could matter and the details of it could matter, my personal stories,” Hawke explained. “Of course, it’s a Chekhovian thing, but I was hugely influenced by her.” She emphasised that Swift’s ability to turn personal moments into relatable songs taught her to value authenticity and emotional honesty in her own music.

The upcoming release of Hawke’s new album, Maitreya Corso, set for May 1, will further showcase this influence. Hawke recounted that she has been immersed in Swift’s music for her entire life, stating, “You could start any song from any word and I would be able to know where you were and finish it probably.” This enduring connection illustrates how central Swift has been to Hawke’s creative foundation.

Hawke also shared a personal story from October 2022, when she introduced her father, actor Ethan Hawke, to Swift’s music by playing him Ours from Speak Now. “He thought it was a really good song, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I just brought something to my dad that he didn’t know, and he likes it and I like it!’” she said. Their shared enthusiasm eventually led to attending a Swift concert together, which Hawke remembered as “such a happy moment, sharing an experience with someone who put so much energy into cultivating my taste.”

Looking ahead, Hawke hinted at more plans for summer 2026 but declined to reveal specifics. “Right now, I’m really looking forward to putting my record out and doing a little tour, but that’s more spring. For the full summer, I wish I could tell you, but I can’t,” she teased.

Hawke’s reflections underline the lasting impact of Swift’s artistry on a new generation of performers, demonstrating how one artist’s storytelling can inspire creativity, confidence, and a deep connection to music for decades to come.