Hello Mia how are you?
Very well thank you. Thank you for having me.
Congratulations on the release of Sunshine how does it feel?
Thank you. I was so excited to release the song last Friday. It’s had a really great response. 11,000 views on Saturday on Instagram and over 22,800 plays on SoundCloud so far. I get lots of support on SoundCloud for my music, and I’ve received over 100 messages and comments for Sunshine this week which I am so grateful for.
What’s the story behind the song?
All my songs are about empowerment, resilience, not giving up and achieving dreams. When I was much younger and at Primary School, a Music Teacher told me that I couldn’t sing and not to pursue a career in music. I realised recently that, to some extent, my songs and my career are motivated by that experience. I didn’t set out to write lyrics about self belief, it sort of just happened.
Sunshine was written and produced in the States. It’s my 4th USA single this year. The song is about resilience. For me it’s about resilience in Music. It’s about accepting the highs and lows, about making the music I want to and not worrying about where it might lead me. The sun is shining is a metaphor for hope. I really love the message in the song. I hope it gives listeners hope in whatever they are trying to achieve, or if they are going through something difficult.
You’re a singer songwriter from London. How did it all begin for you?
I have always loved music. I listen to music continuously. Last year I listened to so many hours it totalled six weeks. It’s a lot, but it’s my passion. I started writing songs during the Pandemic. I wrote Maybe on Garage Band. The song is about achieving dreams. I loved the process of writing lyrics and the score, and I still love the buzz you get when it all comes together.
However I am a perfectionist, so sometimes I have to release music without being totally satisfied. I could literally spend months tweaking small things on a song that no one else can hear!
Maybe was my first release on SoundCloud. It was followed by a radio play, a live radio interview, and my first solo acoustic set in Trafalgar Square.
What did you listen to growing up?
I listen to every music genre from Michael Jackson to Pierro Picconi.
I love the 80’s, Billy Idol ‘Eyes without a face’ is a favourite at the moment but I have grown up listening to lots of different music – Sade, The Smiths, The Sundays and Keane.
You actually started your career age 8 in theatre, performing in Les Miserables, what was that like?
I went to the audition for the experience. I didn’t expect to be cast in Les Mis. In fact my mum thought the audition was for a local production. I remember her saying to me, just go for fun and you’ll be back for the school disco. It didn’t happen like that. I auditioned all day and I was one of 8 girls left at the end of the process. When I received an email to say I had been cast in Les Miserables, I just couldn’t believe it.
What is your favourite memory of that time?
I performed in over 100 shows at the Queens Theatre (now The Sondheim) on Shaftesbury Avenue. I loved the rehearsals and getting to know the cast. I remember we had to draw ourselves as Cosette and imagine what the character felt like.
My first performance was surreal. I can’t describe the feeling you get of being on such a huge stage. I remember thinking, this is what I want to do in my future.
You wrote your first song age 12. What was the catalyst for that?
I have always known that I wanted to sing and be part of the Music industry somehow. I started to write lyrics, and I loved the process. I think I had time during the pandemic. I had time to think and write. Being at home gave me the opportunity to start putting my passion into something tangible.
The words of my songs tell a story, and it’s my way of conveying things that are important to me. I am writing a song at the moment called ‘Chess’ it’s about social media and not telling everyone all of your story. I want to tell listeners that it’s ok to be silent and not to worry about follows and likes. You don’t have to say too much to be heard. You don’t have to shout to be seen.
Songs seem to come very easily for you, what is your writing process?
I write continuously, but lots of lyrics and music don’t make it! I am really fussy about what I release. I need each song to be better than the last. It means that I can write for a week and then start again. I think it seems like I write easily but it’s more about the time I put in. I write and sing every day and then suddenly it will just click and I will think to myself these are the lyrics! I have a gut feel about which songs are going to come together and which ones won’t. Sometimes a song can take 20 minutes to write. Blue Eyes Green Jacket was written quickly on a corner of a notebook. Whisper took longer as the song is about a man’s life story and I needed to write a score that stirred emotions.
I usually start with a theme, then the lyrics, then the melody and a strong top line. The lyrics change slightly though to fit the music!
You’ve also released music with your sister Darcey, will there be more collaborations?
My sister is 14 and also a singer. We are always singing together and practicing our harmonies.
‘Sometimes’ was written unexpectedly on a Saturday afternoon. I suddenly thought we need to release it. It’s had 50,000 plays/views on Instagram and SoundCloud.
My Producer in the States is now talking to me about another collaboration with Darcey next year. Can’t wait to do it.
We had so much fun creating Sometimes, with a photoshoot at Leake Street Arches.
What are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I am listening to Rachel Chinouriri, Victoria Monet, Kaytranada and I love Black Coffee.
What’s next for you?
I am 16 so I am currently in my first year at a performing arts college, where I am continuing my professional performance training.
I have been invited to LA in January for my first music trip.
My album ‘Destination’ will be released in 2025, and I have a merchandise collection coming out next year that includes T-shirt’s and hoodies designed around the lyrics of my songs. I am also hoping to continue working with SoundCloud Execs in New York. Finally I am working on some Progressive House Collaborations.
I have a following in the underground EDM scene in the States, mainly NYC, which I want to work more on next year.
