Following her musical debut via COLORSxSTUDIOS last year, Toronto-born, Belleville-raised Alt-R&B/Pop artist UNA MIA unveils her new single “Better Care” with accompanying music video. UNA’s sultry vocals stun on her second single release, showcasing the raw vulnerability that radiates from her sensual and seductive lyrics.
She expresses that songs are stories of her navigating through life’s journeys and further discovering herself. The new single’s lush R&B production further sets the tone for the up-in-coming crooner to display her newly found sense of healing and freedom, a common theme found throughout her forthcoming releases.
Photography IIRONIC (Renae Wootson)
Graphic Design Diana Flynn
What inspired Better Care? Any particular life experience behind it?
Better Care is about being authentic in intimacy. When I was first writing it, I approached it with the perspective of confessing your love and attraction to a significant other. However, I realized there aren’t many love songs written about honoring yourself sensually. I eventually decided to dedicate the song to self-pleasure because I see it as an anthem to celebrating loving yourself in the most beautiful way.
Are you entering a new chapter of your artistic journey with this song?
Most definitely! I felt like Lose You was an introduction and a taste of who I am as an artist. It also was written at the beginning of my journey. In contrast, I think Better Care represents a more evolved version of me. It’s sensual, feminine and represents an important part of womanhood. I’m really excited about this chapter!
How do you think your multicultural heritage shaped your creativity?
My multicultural heritage shaped my creativity in different ways. With my family being from Bosnia, I grew up listening to a lot of Balkan folk music. My mom would play it all the time and I grew to feel really connected to it. The songs were so emotionally and rhythmically amazing as well. I find that many creatives from that part of the world pour so much soul and passion into their work which immediately translates.
You draw inspiration from the giants of R&B. Are there any artists you admire particularly today?
There’s an abundance of artists I adore but my favorites are SZA, Brent Faiyaz, Drake, Beyoncé and Rihanna. They each offer something so artistically unique and all inspire me in their own brilliant ways.
Better care is mostly about self-pleasure. What are the things that give you pleasure and satisfaction in life?
Things that give me the most satisfaction in life include spending time with loved ones, reading, writing, spirituality, learning about people, being outside in nature, spending time with my pets, and most importantly… sleep. 🙂
What are some other themes you like to explore with your lyrics?
I generally like to play with imagery and showing instead of telling. I think it’s important to be clear with your words but to also have fun describing a subject/feeling in an interesting way. I typically write with a ‘diary entry’ approach. I find it’s most personal and honest. This offers a wide range of topics to explore, whether it’s love, faith, growth frustration, etc. The possibilities are endless.
You were under a lot of pressure to pursue your studies rather than music. What made you choose music and how should someone stand their ground in a situation like that?
It simply came down to taking care of my mental health. I allowed someone’s lack of belief in me to dictate my own view of myself, which was so wrong. Deciding to pursue my dreams reignited a fire within me to create a new reality for myself. The artist’s journey is so directly linked to the personal journey. I feel like in these kinds of situations, taking the leap of faith can allow one to heal, learn more about themselves and invite the magic of life into theirs.
What’s the scariest thing about delving into the unknown and pursuing a career in the music industry?
In my opinion, the scariest thing about delving into the music industry is leaving everything you’ve ever known behind to try something new. It will always feel crazy at first, like with anything, but it all gets better and more familiar with time. It’s a risk but having faith is the key. Trusting yourself and the universe also invites the right people in to support you.
How do you stay focused and fuel your creativity everyday?
I stay focused by practicing gratitude as much as possible and reminding myself why I decided to take this journey in the first place. My spirituality and my team keep me grounded!
