Maya Hawke on the Song That Struck a Chord
Maya Hawke opens up about her powerful connection to Fiona Apple's 'Under the Table' and reflects on her journey as both an actor and musician.
It’s hard to imagine anyone not having at least a passing familiarity with Stranger Things by now. The series has become a cultural touchstone, not least for its inventive storytelling and a soundtrack that’s as memorable as its cast. Among the ensemble is Maya Hawke, who has quickly become a standout presence. As the much-anticipated fifth series makes waves, it’s worth revisiting the show’s beginnings, back in 2016, when the cast were still fresh faces and Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ was yet to be rediscovered by a new generation.
Stranger Things is a reminder of how far both the show and its cast have come. Through global upheavals and changing times, the characters—Mike, Will, Max, Eleven—remain at the heart of the action, echoing the spirit of classic 1980s films that inspired the series. The arrival of Maya Hawke in the third series, as Robin, brought a new dynamic. Working alongside Steve in the now-iconic ice cream parlour, she quickly became a fan favourite, her performance pivotal to the unfolding story.
From On-Screen Success to Musical Pursuits
Of course, it’s no secret that Hawke is the daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. While her family background may have opened doors, it’s her own talent that has kept her in the spotlight. Early roles in a BBC adaptation of Little Women and a brief appearance in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood paved the way for her breakout in Stranger Things.
Since then, she’s added a string of impressive credits, including a part in Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro, a role in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, and even lending her voice to a Pixar production. All this before turning thirty. Yet acting isn’t her only pursuit; her musical career has flourished as well. Since releasing her first singles in 2019, she’s produced three albums: Blush, Moss, and Chaos Angel.
Musical Influences and a Profound Connection
Hawke has often spoken about her admiration for folk and female solo artists, counting Phoebe Bridgers, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen among her influences. Another significant figure is Fiona Apple, whose impact on Hawke is particularly strong. In her own words:
“Fiona Apple is another big one for me. She’s so inventive, and when I hear her observations about the world, I’m always like ‘Fuck!’ When I listened to her song ‘Under the Table’ from her new record, I related to it so profoundly that I wished I could have dragged it out of my stomach as my own. I feel what she’s saying so much, and it’s so specific and so true.”
Apple, who found early fame with her debut album Tidal in 1996, released ‘Under the Table’ as part of her 2020 album Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Despite a relatively sparse discography over two decades, her work continues to resonate with artists like Hawke.
Looking Ahead
Hawke’s career shows no sign of slowing. She’s set to take on a major role in the next Hunger Games instalment, Sunrise on the Reaping, scheduled for release in 2026. Whether on screen or through her music, her creative journey continues to evolve, shaped by the influences and experiences that have defined her path so far.