In a refreshing burst of musical creativity, Toronto-born and Belleville-raised Alt-R&B/Pop sensation UNA MIA has teamed up with COLORSxSTUDIOS to unveil her captivating singer/songwriter artistry through her sultry debut single, “Lose You.”
Classically trained in voice from the tender ages of eight to eighteen, UNA MIA is set to release her debut body of work next year. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, the Canadian singer-songwriter promises a musical journey that offers listeners a glimpse into her personal experiences, with each track acting as a poignant entry in her musical diary.
Set against a lush soundscape adorned with warm guitar lines and a crisp beat, UNA MIA enchants with impeccably smooth and whispery vocals that delve into the depths of internal conflict. The full performance, filmed in the enchanting backdrop of Berlin, Germany, weaves a hypnotizing tapestry of lyrics and vocals that reflects the artist’s newfound sense of healing and freedom—a recurring theme in her upcoming releases.
UNA MIA’s music is a breath of fresh air, embodying the spirit of self-discovery and empowerment. Her journey, marked by soothing melodies and intoxicating lyrics, encapsulates the transitional phases from adolescence to early adulthood. With each note, UNA MIA unfolds the narrative of her personal growth, making her music a testament to the resilience and strength it takes to become one’s own hero.
As we eagerly await the release of her debut project, UNA MIA stands poised to make a significant impact on the music scene. Her collaboration with COLORSxSTUDIOS serves as a tantalizing preview of the musical brilliance that awaits, promising a sonic experience that is as refreshing as it is evocative. Keep an eye out for this rising artist, as UNA MIA prepares to leave an indelible mark on the industry with her unique blend of Alt-R&B and Pop sensibilities.
Check out UNA MIA’s mesmerizing COLORSxSTUDIOS performance:
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the music industry?
UNA MIA: I’m UNA MIA and I’m an artist born and based in Toronto, Ontario. However, I was raised in a small town called Belleville, two hours east of the city. My family immigrated to Canada from Bosnia, so Balkan culture is also a big part of my upbringing. I’ve always been really connected to music and loved singing from a really young age, but grew up feeling like it wasn’t an option for me. I was used to many people telling me it wasn’t a stable option for a career and I didn’t feel supported in pursuing it when I was younger. Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith while at university. I started uploading a lot of covers on socials and began networking with a variety of creatives in Toronto. I eventually met my current manager and producer, Ty Leon, and we ended up building a beautiful body of work together.
What inspired you to become a singer?
UNA MIA: What inspired me to be a singer was influenced by growing up in such an amazing era of music in the 2000s. Listening to superstar acts like Destiny’s Child, Lauryn Hill, and Britney Spear after school was something that brought me so much joy and passion for expression. They looked so free and I loved that. Singing always made me feel so empowered and connected to myself. As an only child, I usually spent my alone time singing and listening to music. I grew so in love with it to the point where it felt like it held a significant purpose in my life and I eventually pursued it.
Can you share some of your musical influences and how they’ve shaped your style?
UNA MIA: My musical influences include blues/soul artists like Etta James and Aretha Franklin. My mom would play them all the time in our home while I was growing up. I loved the richness in their voices and felt so connected to the emotion expressed through them. I went on to embrace more modern versions of R&B and Pop as I grew older, captivated by the beautiful voices of singers like Rihanna, Kehlani, and Billie Eilish. An artist I feel most drawn to right now within the R&B genre is Brent Faiyaz because his music feels like a breath of fresh air for me. Alternative R&B specifically allows so much room for experimentation and owning one’s originality. This is something I like to embrace within my own creations since it really gives me space to show my authenticity as a singer-songwriter.
What has been the most memorable moment in your music career so far?
UNA MIA: The most memorable moment in my career so far was debuting as an artist COLORSxSTUDIOS. That was absolutely incredible. I have been watching artists perform on COLORS since I was in high school so to see my face on there felt like a dream turned to reality. Plus, I was really happy with all the love my song, ‘Lose You, received.
How has your sound evolved since you first started making music?
UNA MIA: Since I started, I feel like my sound has shaped itself into something really unique. Initially, I was so focused on constructing songs rather than really pouring myself and my story into them. Stylistically, I approach my music as a diary entry. I try to convey something we can all relate to while still staying true to my own experiences. Sonically, I love stripped stuff that can be embellished. I like to keep it simple and then add layers. I love the dichotomy of having really strong writing and delivery balanced with stripped soundscape because it offers a really interesting balance of soft yet complex.
How do you approach the songwriting process?
UNA MIA: Do you have any rituals or specific methods? When songwriting, I like to start with a simple guitar, bass, or piano melody. Then, I usually freestyle over it and arrange the melodies for the song. Eventually, I piece together the lyrics based on the mood of the production and melodies.
Are there particular themes or topics you enjoy exploring in your music?
UNA MIA: While I was creating music over the past few years, I felt really attached to themes of letting go of relationships that no longer serve you and embracing self-love since it directly reflected the journey I was on personally.
How do you prepare for live performances, and what can audiences expect from your shows?
UNA MIA: Live performances are something I’m definitely excited to do more of. Although I’ve been performing since I was young, I’ve only done a few shows as UNA MIA. However, when I am prepping for a show, I make sure to really lock in with rehearsals and most importantly, know what I’m singing about. I’ve learned that once you have the message behind each song locked in your mind, everything else like movement and vocal performance flows effortlessly. For that reason, audiences can expect sincerity and a great time.
Are there any artists you dream of collaborating with in the future?
UNA MIA: A few artists I would love to collaborate with in the future are Drake, SZA, Billie Eilish, and Brent Faiyaz.
How do you stay authentic and true to yourself in a competitive industry?
UNA MIA: I think it’s important to be more self-focused than other-focused because, at the end of the day, your art is supposed to fulfill and feed you. Competing against yourself and willing to be the best you can be will always have the best possible outcome, in my opinion. Plus, you’ll probably end up positively surprising yourself with all you didn’t realize you are capable of achieving. I also believe that having the right people around you is everything. I feel very blessed to have such an incredible and passionate team that supports me at all times.
What advice would you give to aspiring singers or musicians trying to break into the industry?
UNA MIA: Some advice I would give to aspiring singers or musicians is to trust yourself when taking the leap of faith with your dreams. It’s better to try than to live in fear or regret. I’d also say surround yourself with people who really believe in you and that are willing to build and develop with you. No one has it all figured out from the start so it’s vital to be patient with yourself and have faith.
Is there anything you wish you knew when you were just starting your career?
UNA MIA: Something I wish I was more cognizant of in the beginning is that developing and growing as an artist takes time. Being patient with the process is key. I really do believe in divine timing and that everything happens when it’s supposed to.
Outside of music, what are some hobbies or interests that people might not know about you?
UNA MIA: Some of my interests outside of music include learning about astrology, reading psychology books, enjoying really great movies, and more recently, exploring dance.
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that your fans might find surprising?
UNA MIA: Something fans may find interesting about me is that I studied classical voice for roughly ten years and used to compete in local opera competitions.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months or years?
UNA MIA: Fans can expect an EP coming their way next year! The past few years have been really transformative for me on a personal note and this project reflects so much of what I’ve got through. This includes coming-of-age themes, a journey of finding your sense of self, and becoming your own hero.
Are there any specific goals or milestones you hope to achieve in your career?
UNA MIA: Regarding goals and milestones, I would love to have a #1 charting song, an incredible world tour, grammy awards, and eventually artist of the decade.
For more info on UNA MIA, see below: