Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist?

Meet Maia Toakley: she’s an artist from right here in Sydney/Eora, and her brand new track “Pessimist Babe” is a track for both the pessimist and optimist inside you.

Inspired by a conversation with her partner’s parents, Pessimist babe is a track about keeping expectations low to avoid disappointment. With a slow build up and cathartic release, this has been a standout track in Maia’s discography. With her cutting vocals and band’s tight accompaniment, this is a track for the books.  Recorded and produced by Charles Tait, this track is the first in a series of releases Maia has planned, setting fans up for a glimpse into what is on its way.

If you’re a regular Sydney “gig-goer”, it’s likely you’ve seen Maia at one point or another. She was named SydneyMusic.net’s “Hardest Gigging Artist” last year, and has performed well over 20 live shows throughout 2024. If you haven’t seen her, you may have stumbled across her podcast “HOW DO YOU MUSE“, which looks at the realities of being an artist in the current climate and realities of being a creative in today’s world. She’s hosted artists like The Slims, EGOISM and Annie Hamilton, as they share their insights into the industry.

Maia joined Dream State host Jas in the studio to chat about “Pessimist Babe”, the Sydney music scene and her evolution as a musician.

She also performed an acoustic version of “Pessimist Babe” live in the 2SER studios, which is avaliable on

LISTEN TO DREAM STATE EVERY SUNDAY, LIVE ON 2SER 107.3FM 8-10AM.