maniia was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic as Mariia Chykulay. In 2016, aged eighteen, she moved to the US and is now based in New York. Her music channels the spirit of early 2000s pop and electronic sounds through a deeply personal, modern lens. The tracks are marked by dark synths, reflective lyrics, and textured production, capturing the emotional complexity of growing up, claiming independence at a young age, and navigating the often overwhelming decisions that shape your future, including of course some heartbreak.

One Track Mind is her new single. It dives deep into obsession, vulnerability, and emotional spirals. Set to a hypnotic, synth-laced pulse and brooding electronic beats, it’s a bold anthem for anyone stuck in their own head, searching for release.

This week, there’s only one track on our mind: One Track Mind by maniia. It’s the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, so it’ll be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

Follow maniia on Instagram | Spotify

In the Wildcards 2025 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.