Artist Of The Week #224 - Mia Wray
This week’s Artist of the Week is Melbourne’s Mia Wray - who has just released her debut EP ‘Stay Awake’.
Stay Awake is a soaring testament to the newfound confidence that comes with reaching your mid-twenties and getting into your stride. The first three singles from the EP - ‘Stay Awake’, ‘Evidence’ and ‘Rerun’ – are complete with ‘Happy’ and ‘I’d Be Lying’. ‘Happy’, an ironic sad-happy track about mental health and pretending to be okay when you’re not, builds from a deep and quiet sadness to a loud and cathartic release.
She took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Mia, - how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hey! Yeah I'm feeling good. I've had these songs for a long time now and so it's so nice for it to finally be out for people to hear.
It is called ‘Stay Awake’ - what is the meaning behind that?
The song is about friendship and trying to be there for someone when they're going through a pretty rough time mentally. It's also about the ebbs and flows of a relationship and how even when you don't see eye to eye and have a falling out...you will eventually come back together because there's so much love there. I hope that answered the question...
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
Stay Awake was recorded at Pip Normans studio in Brunswick, Melbourne. It was produced by Pip and Rob Amoruso. I had the melody idea for this song for years and years and there were a few different versions of this song I will say. But it never quite felt right until those two jumped on the track with me. I'm so happy with the way it turned out and really glad I never released this song until I truly thought it was ready.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
Umm I'm not sure? All the songs are pretty different from each other which is something I really love about the EP. I guess the theme is that there is no theme, haha. All the songs stand on their own and have their own vibe and story to tell. I had a lot to say on this EP and I'm so happy with the way it came out.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Maybe '10 Things I Hate About You' or 'Bend It Like Beckham'? I dunno why but it just feels right.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
"But how am I supposed to love myself
When all I do is seek approval
From someone else" - Happy. I always love singing that line.
Now the EP is out there - what next?
A tour!! and some more stuff I can't announce yet... It's going to be a very exciting year!
