A poised and heartfelt vocalist, Miesa’s knack for updating the classic R&B and pop sounds of the past comes to the fore on singles such as 2016’s “Too Bad for You,” 2020’s “Unsaid,” and the following year’s “4U.”
Miesa has been involved in the entertainment industry on some level since childhood, going back to performances at pageants and talent shows. Her father, a musician, encouraged her interest in a wide variety of music.
After Miesa signed to the Sony-affiliated Siri Music Group, she released a handful of singles from 2013 through 2016, including “Antidote,” “Nope (Can’t Let Go),” “Too Bad for You,” and “Sway (I Miss You).”
In 2016, she also appeared on the Skyville Live webcast alongside Patti Austin and Andra Day. In early 2017, she issued another single, “Overdrive,” which was a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart;it also received remixes and appeared in an acoustic version.
As the 2010s came to a close, Miesa delivered more singles, including 2018’s “Broken” and 2019’s “Unsaid.” Also in 2019, Miesa was featured as the Grammys’ NEXT artist and kicked off their Drop Series.
Following the 2020 acoustic collection “Stripped,” which featured the Emeli Sandé cover “Breaking the Law,” she issued the single “Worried.” In anticipation of her debut album, Miesa offered the single “4U.” A duet with Justin Garner produced by Mansur, it appeared in April 2021.
Her highly anticipated upcoming single “Blind” is set for release on December 10th. The song was produced by Viirgos (Arianna Grande, Nicki Minaj) and is as bold in production as the lyrics, while infusing the soulful warmth of her vocals.
Miesa confides, “Blind” is one of those songs that feels like everyone’s story and no one’s story all at the same time,” she adds, “sometimes in relationships the picture could be blurry.” Mixed by Paul Boutin (Toni Braxton, Babyface, Ariana Grande) and mastered by the legendary Herb Powers Jr. (Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston), “Blind” is off of her upcoming set.
What’s your story as an artist?
I guess my story is like so many artists who simply have a hopeless love affair with music. I grew up in a musical household and once music got a hold of me it never let go. Been signed to Siri for a few years, released a few EPS but looking forward to my debut album. Always married to the music.
What inspired this last release?
It’s a timeless story that I felt needed to be told, but from my perspective. Relationships are hard, messy, and often complicated, which is why there is no right or wrong way for you to figure yours out.
Do you get inspired by other art forms?
Absolutely. Everyday life is inspiring. I’m inspired by friends, family, movies, fashion, and even other musicians. You just have to be open to being inspired.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this?
Hahaha the funny thing with this song is that everyone kept wondering if the song was about my life personally. I always hope that I can connect with every song I record, but they’re not always about my life. The song was actually written by Aire & the Viirgos and I just fell in love with that.
What’s your favorite place or environment to write?
Honestly, my life is so crazy that voice notes seem to be the best place for my ideas.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
There’s so many, but ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley is one of the genre bending songs that has always inspired me. It’s a funky mix of R&B, Pop, Rock, and even a little soul.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
I would be lying if I didn’t say I still look up to Whitney Houston. There are definitely many others, but she’s always at top of mind. And of course Mariah. Mariah Carey retweeted me a few weeks ago and I felt like a lamb all over again haha
What excites you the most about what you do ?
Definitely performing live. There’s really no feeling like it in the world. Not even sure if I could put the feeling into words, but it’s amazing.
What is your view on genres and music styles since you mix a lot of them in your music?
I love music. Like I really love music, so no genres are off limits both as an artist and a fan. From R&B, Pop to Gospel it’s all open to me.
What does music and art mean to you?
It’s my refuge and I’m sure it’s that for so many people. Music gives a voice to the voiceless or soothes when nothing else seems to comfort. I mean if you think about it, there is a song for everything and I absolutely love that. No matter the question, music is the answer.
How would you describe your act in one word?
Authentic
