Mia LJ is another up-and-comer from New York, and an artist we are excited to have supporting us on our fifth year anniversary! She has been praised for her “star power,” and her song, “This Livin,” has brought her to stages from TV to radio across the country.
Check out a bit of her story below–including some serious love for some of her fellow artists, and worldwide favorites. Also be sure to follow the instructions below for a special contest giveaway!
How did you get your start?
As a self-taught musician, I started experimenting with the guitar at five years old. From there, I dove into playing the piano, drums, bass, ukulele, and cuatro. Naturally, singing & songwriting followed.
Who or what has inspired your sound and latest track, “Take Me To That Night?”?
Reflecting on the past, present, and future always sparks inspiration. “Take Me To That Night” walks fans through sensual experiences that I shared with a girl over the course of two years. The song starts out slow & soft with just two elements [guitar & vocals] carrying each other. Then, the desire to rewind time is expressed through an electric guitar arrangement put in reverse. From there, the song gradually builds with a heavy modulating bass in the chorus and vulnerable vocals begging for more. The keys are a smooth touch that compliment the vibe.
Is there a story behind your name?
My last name is quite long & hard to pronounce. I started abbreviating to LJ around sixth grade and it’s stuck ever since.
What is your favorite show memory?
I played a show with one of my favorite bands at seventeen-years-old. After my set, I joined the crowd to watch them perform. This group of people approached me saying they were massive fans of the headliner, had never heard of me, but loved my music & performance more than the main act’s. It was an incredibly humbling moment. Being compared to musicians that I admire is eye opening. Moments like that remind you of potential. I was so focused on doing better [that it] took away from the pride of how great my performance was in my mind. Getting caught up in how much better life can be rather than realizing how great it is in the moment is too easy. That memory serves as a reminder to never let negativity overshadow the positives in life.
What would be your dream tour and why?
Ah, supporting Coldplay on a stadium world tour. I’ve been watching their live sets for ages. The band’s energy, sounds, and visuals are always so genuinely uplifting and original.
Tell us about your writing process; any unusual quirks?
Most song ideas come about very spontaneously. Prior to this year, I’d never stopped and said “I’m going to write a song.” Melodies & lyrics would just pop into my head, and I’d jump on the idea from there. Something unusual — it always takes me a bit of time to remember my lyrics immediately after writing. It’s as if they come from a subconscious part of the mind — like everything in life, they come and go faster than you’d imagine.
What’s your favorite song to cover?
Ahhh, I love to jam so picking a favorite is tricky. Amy Winehouse’s “Stronger Than Me” is definitely a vibe.
If you were to create a “soundtrack to your life,” what songs would be on it?
1. Threads – Now, Now (full album)
2. Blackbear mix
3. Classic mix (Biggie’s “Juice” & “Big Poppa”; 112’s “Only You”; Diddy’s “Bad Boys for Life”; etc)
4. G – Eazy mix
5.”Copy Paste” – Jesse Rutherford
6.”Talk About It” – Njomza
7.”Comfortable” – Lontalius
8. Drake mix
9.”God is Fair” – Mac Miller
10. House of Balloons – The Weeknd (full mixtape)
11. Volumes mix
Would you like to add anything else?
LOVE TO ALL THOSE SUPPORTING. THIS IS JUST THE START. STOKED TO SHARE THIS ALBUM WITH YOU.
Contest Entry Details:
- Follow @MusicCreatesUs and @MiaLJ on Twitter
- Retweet this post to enter
- Winner will be announced on August 20 and will receive free entry (with a +1) to SoFar Sounds on August 30 or a laminated and signed poster from Mia LJ.
Filed under: Creation Stories Tagged: 5th anniversary, contest, giveaway, mia lj, music creates us, sofar sounds, take me to that night