Rowan University provides many opportunities for students when it comes to music. However, one student took it a step further releasing an EP of four songs and uploading them to Spotify. That student was Jake Maayan, otherwise known as MSiggy.

Jake Maayan is a 22-year-old senior music industry major with a focus on business. Maayan has an extensive background in music since he grew up with it being a part of his family. 

“I grew up with a family involved in music. I grew up as a drummer, and percussion was my forte. My father’s knowledge of genres and bands has helped me learn a lot and find out what’s out there in the music world,” said Maayan.

Maayan’s inspiration for his EP is a mix of personal experiences and simply for the sake of having fun doing something he has never done before. What moved the music to be published was thanks to the Rowan Capstone project Maayan’s major requires. 

“Capstone came up, and I wanted to challenge myself, said Maayan. “I usually mess around with the variety of options I have on music production platforms, and from there I compose music pieces, write lyrics to test my skills, and get out of my comfort zone. I’m really proud of myself that I did it.”

Maayan’s stage name, MSiggy, comes from finding a pun and connecting it to himself. The “M” comes from how certain artists like hip-hop or rappers use this kind of style in the first part of their stage name, even though Maayan doesn’t make that genre. “Siggy” is his nickname, which is inspired by his middle name, Siegfried, the name of his grandfather. 

Aside from inventing the name, Maayan’s experiences at college helped him make this accomplishment possible.

“Rowan did contribute to my skills in the music components. Whether that was with the wind ensemble, music theory, or learning perfect pitch. Understanding the major and the business of music has helped me understand things better. I wouldn’t have gotten here without it,” said Maayan.

Maayan’s songs are meant to be catchy, but also relatable. From talking about love, anxiety, and even singing about having an addiction to doom scrolling, Maayan planned his songs to be something that people could enjoy and feel like anyone could see themselves in that situation. 

Along with songs Maayan made, he has some words for anyone who wants to upload music as well. 

“I only accomplished this because I stayed on top of it. I may have done it for school, but the part of planning and not rushing the work is what got me here,” said Maayan. “If you want to get good quality, don’t force yourself. Have some fun with it. If you’re forcing yourself to do it, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it.”

Maayan plans to continue more music while freelancing to continue his skill set and repertoire. When it comes to music, sometimes you have to bump the bass and spin the turntable.

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