Mia Mormino is more than just a pop star in the making. Look a little closer, pastthe Los Angeles native’s massive pop anthems, 865k+Spotify streams, and 6.4M+ Youtube views, and you’ll find what every artist hopes for but few ever achieve: authenticity. What cuts through most in Mia Mormino’s impossibly catchy and heartfelt music is a singular message of self-empowerment. It’s an easy theme for lesser artists to pantomime unconvincingly, but for this singer/songwriter, her difficult journey to get to that place of self-love is exactly what makes her message so genuine, and her music so compelling.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Mia Mormino, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hey Kamil! So nice to meet you as well! I'm so excited about this interview! Honestly, I've been into music since I can remember. I have home videos of me around three years old singing in the bathroom and loving every second of it. Professionally I've been making music for about four years now!
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
That's a great question. My favorite thing about being a musician is performing or creating music videos. When I'm on stage/camera, all of my passion and obsession for what I do pours out of me without any effort. It's a huge reminder that this is so what I'm made to do. My least favorite part is probably the inevitable competition and comparison to other artists. It can slow you down when you allow your fears to seep in. But! It's something I'm actively working on.
Your latest song is 'Pour Another'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Absolutely! "Pour Another" represents the sin of gluttony in my 2021 collection of work titled the seven deadly sin-gles, where I created one song and music video per sin of the seven deadly sins. Wow, that was a mouthful, haha. Originally, "Pour Another" was a super sad and depressing ballad... very beautiful but not exactly how I wanted to end the year. So, I completely changed everything and made an unbeaten sassy song in its place. I'm so happy with my decision, and who knows, maybe I will release the slow one day!
How do you differ from most other artists?
I differ from other artists because there is only one Mia Mormino. I will never be someone else, just as nobody could ever be me. I think tapping into that authentic power and infusing it within my music is what makes me completely original.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I was born in Los Angeles, CA, but all of my family lives in/is from Chicago, so my sister and I were raised pretty much in both places. I am very thankful to have a stable home, but I absolutely love traveling. I cannot wait to travel the world and share my message/music.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The music I typically create is a bit all over the place in the best way possible. I'm inspired by such a variety of things that each song I make is pretty different from the next, depending on where my current inspo is coming from. Overall, the common themes within my music are cinematic, extensive, and honest.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
Wow, I love that question. My creativity is something I'm incredibly grateful for. Because of that, I make sure that I'm always keeping it a top priority and doing things that will fill my soul in that sense. Whether that's dancing, swimming in the ocean, watching movies that inspire me, etc.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
If I could open a show for any artist, it would be Halsey. She's one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to my career, and it would be an absolute honor to share the same stage as her while doing what we both love.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
My ideal musical collaborators are Halsey, Labrinth, James Blake, and UPSAHL. These humans have made such a massive impact on me and my life that creating something as special as music would be an absolute dream come true.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue this journey of self-discovery and reflection and implement what I find into my music. This year is all about reclaiming the power I've previously given over to the fears that swarm my brain. It's officially my villain era.