Tell us about yourself and your music
I’d love to, thank you! I am native to Washington D.C. and was born on May 25th, 1995. I have been passionate about performing ever since I was a young girl and have had roles in plays, like Alice in Wonderland. I have also participated in various vocal, music and written competitions – a poem of mine was once selected for the “Parkmount Poem Festival.”
My first EP, Wanheda, was released in February of 2019. The EP includes a variety of songs composed in creative ways. I don’t believe in putting myself in a box. I like to draw outside the lines and consider myself both different and unique.
But if I had to categorize my music, I would call it R&B soul. My goal is to make music that everyone can relate to…that everyone can feel.
I hope my audience will continue to follow me as l work hard to become one of the most celebrated singers/entertainers in the world. I know, that’s saying a lot! But why shouldn’t I pursue my dreams? What have I got to lose? I’m dedicated – I work hard to make sure that every step I take is in the direction of realizing my dreams.
Talk to us more about your latest release
Well, Wanheda was published in February 2019 and includes a variety of songs put together in one package. The goal of Wanheda was to have different songs with alternate meanings all on one EP. Kind of like a one-stop-shop, if you will. Throughout the album, the listener will hear about love, family, fun, and excitement. There is one song on the album that’s especially emotional and personal, as it relates to losing a loved one. You will hear both R&B and Rap…the songs are all so different, but when played from the first track to the last, they fit very well together and tell a kind of life story.
I am currently working on a new album that is set to release soon. Again, my goal is to remain different – to stand outside the proverbial box and to make music that everyone can relate to.
What inspired you to write this release?
I have always been an altruist. I love to help people pursue their dreams and reach their own goals…especially when it comes to music. A few years ago, I had an epiphany. I realized that I had to do more to make my musical dreams come true. I understood that I had to develop more focus, become more relentless. Since then, I have gained so much knowledge, and now I am putting this knowledge to work. I am now writing and producing my music. I collaborate in creative ways with other musicians and people in the industry. This whole experience – of establishing my goals and relentlessly working towards them – has inspired me to continue to help not only myself but others as well. I hope to inspire people through music. I want my latest release and future releases to help people through different life situations…to make them feel better, to inspire and to motivate them, to encourage them.
Describe the writing and recording process
Sure! BoogWonder, a talented local producer, was instrumental in masterminding the Wanheda EP. I set down the foundation of the lyrics and BoogWonder came in with the beats and rearrangements. We worked closely together throughout the entire process and informed each other’s vision and creativity. It was a true collaboration and resulted in the creation of an album that relates to many people and many situations.
The various beats laid down by BoogWonder set the tone of the EP. They intertwine and mesh in complimentary ways, causing the different beats across the separate tracks to reverberate as if in unison. This was the goal I had in mind for Wanheda– a kind of underlying, consistent sound that ties it all together. As for the lyrics, many of them are “off the top” – recorded freestyle and then rearranged. Altogether, the songs are an eclectic and diverse display of life stories. These contrasting settings are what make the Wanheda album unique.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
I had planned on performing in a few different states but the outbreak of the Coronavirus, unfortunately, has shut down many venues. I am looking forward to performing at the Musikfest in Pennsylvania this July 31st through August 9th. Hopefully, things will be better by then and the show will go on. But whatever happens, I will never stop netting my dreams. With every step I take, I will continue to work toward motivating and inspiring people with my voice. Even though this madness is happening, I remain focused on recording new music. I’ll keep coming back to the table. I can’t imagine anything getting in my way.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
Who have you been listening to lately?
Well, I love so many different music genres and listen to all kinds of diverse artists. I especially like to keep track of the new music that’s unfolding. My go-to list today consists primarily of Rap and R&B artists such as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Cardi B, Meagan The Stallion, Jhené Aiko, and Tank…just to name a few. These talented artists inspire me when I am creating my music – they set a benchmark for me.
Who are your biggest influences?
Wow, so hard to say when there is so much talent to choose from and when so many different artists have plucked at my heartstrings! If I had to pick, I would say that my biggest influences have been Beyoncé, Lauren Hill, and the late Whitney Huston. Each of these artists has an especially unique song style and offers up music that is sophisticated in its structuring and inspirational with its lyrics.
Over the years, I have gained so much from these great artists. One of my objectives is to work hard to incorporate all the knowledge that I have gained from their talent and infuse it into my music. I’ll have to be a better musician then, right?
Tell us about your passions
Music, music, music! Music has been my passion even before I fully understood what it was. My family always tells the story of when I was a toddler and how I would walk around singing opera, not just for the kicks of performing and receiving a round of applause, but also because it moved me. I used to sing alone in my bedroom when I thought no one could hear me! Anyway, my family knew right away that I’d be a singer. Whether it be Hip-Hop, R&B, Go-Go, Gospel, Pop, Trap or Soul, music is my first love. Music is my truest passion.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Mia J.
Connect with Mia J.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php?_rdr#!/profile.php?id=100000401804799Instagram: https://instagram.com/welcomemiaj?igshid=1n9sac45792p6Youtube: https://youtu.be/KDyX_uFTvPg
