Maya Hawke Says Taylor Swift Changed Pop Music for the Better

Maya Hawke has praised Taylor Swift for changing pop music and inspiring a new generation of songwriters.

In an interview with PEOPLE, the 27-year-old actress and singer said Swift encouraged artists to believe their personal stories are worth sharing. Hawke said Swift helped make pop music more honest, lyrical, and emotionally open.

Hawke, who has released four studio albums, said she considers herself one of the many musicians influenced by Swift. She added that Swift’s impact can be seen across today’s music industry.

Hawke also spoke about the challenges of writing personal songs, saying promoting her music can feel like “promoting your diary.” She said praise rarely feels satisfying, while criticism can be painful.

She also recalled introducing her father, actor Ethan Hawke, to Swift’s 2010 song “Ours.” After he praised the song, the two attended Swift’s Speak Now Tour together, a memory Hawke described as an important and happy moment.