When Asha Maclean first stepped into a studio as a teenager, she discovered the thrill of shaping songs around ideas bigger than herself. That early instinct has now carried into “Yoga,” her newest single and video, which blends 1990s R&B nostalgia with polished pop rhythms and choreography that pays tribute to the icons she grew up watching.

“Ever since I started writing songs professionally in the studio, I’ve been used to writing about concepts,” Maclean said. “I think it makes songs fun and interesting to incorporate hidden or double meanings in lyrics. Yoga felt perfect for this topic because it generally involved being flexible, patient and challenged, which is what most relationships require.”

The track arrives with several remixes, including versions from Jay Mac and Mike D, and an Afrobeats mix that adds a global spin. It has already drawn attention from outlets such as Ladygunn, MTV and Live Nation’s Ones to Watch. The official video highlights her intricate choreography, echoing the golden age of R&B performers like Janet Jackson and Britney Spears while staying rooted in Maclean’s own style.

Maclean’s voice moves smoothly through the song, floating between nostalgia and present-day sparkle. The balance is intentional.

“I grew up on all the greatest 90s RnB while also living through some of the best pop music of my generation,” she said. “I try to make music that I would actually listen to, so I guess the blend comes naturally since I’m such a sucker for both genres.”

Her ability to pull from both sides of that spectrum has also attracted experienced collaborators. Charles Farrar, known for his work with Boyz II Men and Tyrese, has been a key producer in her sessions. She has also been recording with Grammy winner Darius Rucker.

“I’ve learned to trust more,” Maclean said of those collaborations. “When I have an idea for a song that I’m unsure about, I share it with collaborators I trust. I feel like trust plays a huge role in the success of a song, especially in its early stages of creation. Beautiful things come out of uncertainty.”

Performance has always been central to Maclean’s artistry. In the “Yoga” video she moves with precision and confidence, a reflection of both her past and her influences.

“I’d say I like to channel my younger self,” she said. “I used to want to pursue a career in dance when I was a kid, so I’d have lots of confidence and be very competitive in it. Now, I try to really hone that in when I’m in performance mode because it’s comforting. But I definitely have Britney and Aaliyah in mind, too.”

The New York City native was first noticed at 14 after posting a Billie Eilish cover online. That video shifted her ambitions and marked the beginning of her public career.

“That video was one of many,” she said. “It totally changed my direction and my dreams. It helped me realize I had more talent and potential than I thought. I’ve always loved posting my singing on social media, which is great for being vulnerable. I used to be scared of it, but now I want people to see my flaws and imperfections.”

Maclean grew up in Battery Park City, where music and art were part of everyday life. Her father works as a sound engineer and her mother is an artist.

“My mom was very creatively encouraging when I was a kid,” she said. “I took dance classes, tried to learn the guitar and constantly listened to her music. My dad is a visual artist, so of course he was in love with the fact that I cherished art the way he does. They both taught me to follow my heart, and now I couldn’t live my life any other way.”

That upbringing, paired with her work ethic, fuels her output today. She describes herself as having a “Mamba Mentality,” echoing the drive of Kobe Bryant.

“I find that I have tunnel vision when it comes to my music,” Maclean said. “I don’t always know exactly what I want to do or say all the time, but when something feels right, I follow it. I have learned to stay disciplined in all scenarios, how to continue working under any circumstances and how to remain balanced through it all. It gets tough, but the outcome is always worth it.”

Though her music often features strong choreography, Maclean says she does not build songs with visuals in mind.

“I never write with choreography in mind,” she said. “I personally like to focus on the sonics and the feeling of the song on its own. The imagery comes after everything else is perfect.”

Still, she embraces the way different remixes and reinterpretations can bring new life to a track.

“I’m very picky when it comes to different versions and remixes of songs,” she said. “But when a song moves me or makes me want to dance, I can’t help but become a fan. They teach me to be open to changes and alternatives.”

From “Yoga” to her upcoming duet “Fairytale,” Maclean is continuing to build momentum. For her, the goal is to stay present with each release.

“I’m honestly not sure what to expect in the future,” she said. “All I know is I’m happy to be working and sharing my music with the world. I want first-time listeners to feel nostalgic in every song. I want them to relate and understand me through emotion and my sometimes oddly specific lyrics. I want my older listeners to feel young again, and my younger listeners to feel excited for their future.”

With a foundation of family influence, a growing list of high-profile collaborators and a track that has already drawn national attention, Asha Maclean is positioning herself as one of pop and R&B’s rising voices. 

“Yoga” may be her most visible step yet, but she frames it as part of a broader journey of learning, discipline and creative trust.