An Interview With Abi Mia
Abi Mia is getting ready to drop a new, very personal and very passionate single called "Here To Stay".
The song has an immense power behind it as vocals belt out with emotionally driven intensity and a cinematic chorus shines.
A relatable and heartfelt track, "Here To Stay" showcases Mia's ability to put everything she's got into creating a song and that factor is a major part of why you become so attached to it.
Being able to take a part of your life and put it into song so you can let it go is not an easy thing to do by any means. Abi Mia pulls it off without a hitch and does it with a beauty and gracefulness that pulls on the heart strings every chance it gets.
There is a wonderful maturity in the songwriting and even the performance even though she is a young artist and her love for the craft gives the song a certain color and depth not always obtained by such a youthful songwriter. Perhaps Mia is an old soul. Or perhaps she just knows how to write music. Either way, this single is a gorgeous one and well worth your time.
With such a heavy hitter about to drop, we wanted to have a chat with Abi Mia to talk about where the song comes from and what's coming up for her next. Here's what happened.
TSWS: Okay Abi, let's start with "Here To Stay". This song has a powerful and almost cinematic feel to it. It's passionate and strong. Where did this song come from?
Abi Mia: As with a lot of my songs, I write based on personal experiences and emotions and really try to connect with the listener that way. 'Here To Stay' was inspired by a negative experience in my life that I thought I had put behind me but more recently I was reminded that it was still there sometimes. This song is quite emotional for me and it is that realisation that these experiences even though they are behind us may 'never go away' but we must do our best to still live and move on. I wrote this so very quickly as is usually the case when truly inspired by a real experience or emotion.
TSWS: The song is set to release on the 12th of February correct? Will it be on all platforms?
Abi: Yes the song will be available on most music platforms from Feb 12th!
TSWS: This was certainly a personal song. Do you use your music as a way to express what's inside?
Abi Mia: 100% yes! I think music has such an amazing power of being able to express one's true self. One of the main reasons why I love writing and performing so much is that it is a place I can truly be myself where sometimes in everyday life I would feel like I couldn't. I feel expression through music is also a very healthy and productive way of working through an emotion or experience and to be able to connect with others through sharing it.
TSWS: How did this all begin for you really?
Abi Mia: Music has always been in my life in some way but until recently it was more of a hobby and a fun expression than something I was pursuing seriously as a career. For me it really started in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic. During the first lockdown I was unfortunately not able to work much due to the restrictions but that gave me a lot of time to really think about what was important to me. Music has always been in the back of my mind, something that I wanted to pursue but I was never in the right frame of mind or never felt it was possible until last year.
I felt very inspired and realised that music was something I had to pursue as a career as it is where I feel most excited and like I am fulfilling my potential. I realised that if I was going to get up the courage to finally reach for my music dream that it had to be now while I had all the time to improve my skills, to start writing again and to record and release singles. My debut single 'Fly Your Way' is precisely about this! It is about having the courage to go for your dreams, to recognise your strengths and to choose the right path for you in life. Not live a certain way because of what others may expect of you. I am so grateful to have had this time to realise what I was meant to do and I am going to continue enthusiastically working hard to build my career as a singer-songwriter.
TSWS: "Here To Stay" has a lot of soul in the vocals especially. What are some of your biggest musical influences?
Abi Mia: Vocally I am very inspired by powerful female artists such as Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Adele, Alicia Keys, Zoe Wees and so many more! I love how their vocals always relay such amazing emotion and power and I always want to be able to put everything I can into my vocals to put across the message of my song effectively. I also love how they don't apologise for who they are and stay true to themselves through their music. Staying authentic is very important to me!
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Abi Mia: When I am not working on music - which is a lot of the time currently - I am running my own fitness business called 'Dynamic Definition Fitness Training' - a bit of a mouthful! Pre-covid I was a face to face personal trainer and nutrition coach but now I have adapted to an online format which also works really well! I like to focus on strength, health and an overall balanced lifestyle - something that is very much part of my lifestyle too! I had the pleasure of previously competing in Weightlifting Competitions so staying strong and healthy is very important to me.
I am also a very family oriented person and I love to see my family, especially my cute nieces and nephew , as much as possible and of course love hanging out and seeing friends (though everything is quite different at the moment!). I also enjoy a good book or watch tv to relax at the end of a busy day!
TSWS: How do you write your songs? Is it lyrics first or do melodies come to you? What happens?
Abi Mia: With my songwriting I don't really have one approach. Sometimes I will think of the lyrics first and then add the chords and melody. Other times I come up with a piano intro and chord progression first and then develop the concept and lyrics after. Often I get inspiration at the strangest times when I am out walking or about to go to sleep so I make sure to have my phone handy so I can quickly record a voice note so I don't forget the idea! Once I have a basic song structure I will record the piano part and a guide vocal onto my laptop software and then develop it from there! That enables me to see how the song structure is and how to add layers etc...
TSWS: Did you used to perform live? Will you be focusing on that again when the time comes?
Abi Mia: As I only started at the beginning of the pandemic I haven't had much opportunity to perform live yet. I was very lucky to get 2 live gigs between the lockdowns and I absolutely loved it! Performing live is definitely something I want to do a lot more of, even perhaps go on tour. For me singing and performing live is a big part of who I am as a musician. To be able to inspire and entertain an audience and to connect with them is brilliant. I have big goals for live performance! Bring on the stadiums! In the meantime I have been doing live streams on my Instagram page and that is definitely a fun thing to do while live music isn't allowed.
TSWS: Is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
Abi Mia: Firstly I would say don't compare yourself to other artists. You are your own person, your music is unique and don't ever feel inadequate because you are in a different part of your journey to other artists. I would also say always stick up for the way you want your songs to sound. Of course listen to advice and feedback of other more experienced musicians but if you don't agree then you don't have to change your music. Nothing in music is wrong! It is very subjective, there will always be people who enjoy your music and those who prefer a different style and that is ok! I would also say be patient and do the work! It is not an easy journey to undertake. There are so many talented, fantastic musicians out there so you have to give it your commitment and dedication like you would with anything you want to master! It takes time to build up but be consistent, work hard on your skills and you will get there!
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Abi Mia: I would love to thank everyone who is a fan of my music from the bottom of my heart! It is always so amazing when someone listens and likes your music and connects with it! For me being a singer-songwriter means connecting with people through music and by listening to it that is exactly what is happening! It motivates me to keep creating and definitely gives me the confidence to continue as well so a huge thank you for your support - it doesn't go unnoticed! I can't wait for you all to hear my next single and lots more music to come in 2021!