Miakie Looks Ahead With Single, ‘Resonating’

Dunedin, New Zealand based alt-pop artist, Mia Söhnge is the woman behind the musical project, Miakie (previously Mia Jay) and she joins us to talk all about her musical journey and the release of her latest single, ‘Resonating’.

Recently changing her artist name to Miakie, Mia was looking to create a name that would capture her personality and let her listeners know that she is looking ahead at what is to come.

As well as her latest release, ‘Resonating’, Miakie is currently working on a new EP project with producer, Devin Abrams (Shapeshifter, Pacific Heights), to be released in 2022.

Miakie’s latest single, ‘Resonating’ was produced by Matthew Young and Estère and is a smooth escape into the inner world of Miakie.

“this was my first experience in collaborative songwriting and I felt as though it elevated my ability tenfold. It was cathartic to open up to my co-writers about the bleak reality of this friendship and end up with a song about it by the end of the day.”

The track begins by featuring a strong and hooky drum line, combined with electric guitars and the sweet sultry vocals of Miakie. As the song progresses and builds, a dreamy atmospheric soundscape is created, filled with beautiful and airy harmonies.

‘Resonating’ will take you straight into the stunning inner world of Miakie.. A highly recommended addition to your summer playlist.

You can listen to ‘Resonating’ below:

Tell us a little about who you are in everyday life.

I’ve just finished studying at Otago University.

That has been a massive part of my life for the last five years, but I’m really excited to be moving up to Auckland next year and see where music takes me.

I love tramping, cooking, skiing, going to gigs, and going on adventures with my mates.

I’m very family oriented I love spending time with them.

What was it that first got you into music?

My mum was a classical pianist so she encouraged my siblings and I to be musical from a young age.

It started with piano lessons, then guitar and singing. She would even write musicals for our primary school.

To this day my family are my biggest fans so they are always the first people I show my songs to get comments and advice.

How would you describe the feel of your music?

I’ve been delving into a new genre of music recently.

I’m definitely drawn to ‘chill’ music. In the past I’ve played with alt/folk/pop, but now I’m creating more R&B pop.

It’s usually beat & bass driven with clear intention behind the lyrics.

You have released your new single, ‘Resonating’.. tell us a little about how this song came about.

I wrote this song at APRA’s Songhubs last year, my first experience in collaborative writing.

This one was written with Matthew Young, Estère, Sarah Ryland and Finn Roberts.

It was a really fun and eye-opening experience, and I found myself to be less inhibited than I thought I would be.

What does ‘Resonating’ mean to you?

When we got into the studio that day, the team asked what had been on my mind recently.

I was thinking of a friendship that had ended a bit awkwardly, a bit uncomfortably, and how it would feel to see this person again.

They asked me questions about what had happened and how it made me feel, and we drew on that.

You have an upcoming EP.. what can we expect from the EP?

I do have an EP coming sometime in the New Year.

While Resonating is just touching on the R&B realm, this EP dives into it.

I’ve written about struggling with identity and coming to find myself in my early 20s.

What is your creative process like, when you are creating your music?

This has definitely varied over the years.

I used to find that I would write a song alone with my guitar and then show my band, and they would add their personality into it.

Now that I’ve been exposed to collaborative writing, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.

Usually myself and a producer are writing, and we will start with a beat & bass line (I looove the bass).

After adding some harmonic elements like keys and guitar, we think about the feel of the song and how it could relate to me lyrically.

From there we are away, but it’s not always easy!

Has there been anything along the releasing process that you would do differently next time?

I’ve been really lucky to be working with Luna Management on this project, so Mckenzie has been in control of most of the aspects of the release.

It was nerve-wracking because this was my first release under the new alias, but it ended up so much better than when I’ve done it independently.

I’m sure there will be things to learn from it in the future, but for now I’m really happy.

What would success in your music look like to you?

Honestly, for me it’s always been about being involved with the music industry.

I know that it is difficult to actually make a living and become well known in NZ music, so as much as I would like that, it’s not a be-all-end-all for me.

I’m excited to try and find a job in the music industry, whether that be in artist management, labels, copyright, or events.

I want to be able to work with artists and watch them grow.

Whether or not I do the same is a different story.

Is there any message that you would like to share with your audience?

The thing I’ve always strived for in my music is to be relatable.

Lyrically, I like to write about things that I’ve been through that I know others go through too.

Mental struggles, love, loss, etc.

I hope that the people who listen to my music know that I’m very reachable, I would always love to have a chat, and I’ll always be on your level.

Where can people go to find your music?

My music is on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, wherever you find your music!

You can also follow me on Instagram (@_miakie) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/miakiemusic).

Thanks for the questions!