Canadian experimental vocalist Mimi Oz continues to redefine style boundaries together with her new EP ‘Firefly’, a three-song electro-pop exploration co-produced with beat maker Left Pop. Oz seamlessly fuses people songwriting with the daring textures of synths, layered harmonies, and evocative sound results, crafting songs which are as sonically adventurous as they’re emotionally resonant.
Rooted in storytelling, her lyrics navigate the intersections of affection, politics, and private liberation. Tracks on ‘Firefly’ mirror a post-pandemic renewal, capturing the fun of self-discovery and rise up in a world rising from lockdown. From neon-haired transformation to critiques of societal and company management, Oz channels each defiance and vulnerability right into a sound that’s uniquely her personal.
We sat down with Mimi to be taught all concerning the EP, what makes her tick and far more right here at Music Crowns!
Hey Mimi! How are you doing?
Hey! I’m properly
How did your early influences from 50s and 60s pop and jazz form your method to storytelling in music?
I purchased a large assortment of data after I was a young person. Listening to such a spread in all probability influenced my writing, but it surely was by no means intentional. I used to be into a whole lot of Bowie, however I listened to every part, he was a little bit of a chameleon in that sense as properly too, pulling from many various influences. I by no means set out with the intention of writing in a selected style, however individuals have commented. For instance, if I hearken to a whole lot of Louis Armstrong I’d write one thing with a few of his essence, I actually like Louis. Anytime I went to cowl a tune I’d additionally find yourself writing one thing comparable.
‘Firefly’ marks a step into electro-pop territory. What drew you to this sound, and the way did collaborating with Left Pop affect the inventive route of the EP?
I discovered working with a band to be troublesome. Not solely due to covid however I had been lengthy since uninterested in working with a crew of individuals. I wished to do one thing totally different with much less reliance on others. Harrison “left pop” and I labored these tracks from the bottom up, by brainstorming and simply attempting issues out. It was tedious as a result of we didn’t precisely know what we had been going for, however that’s what made it extra of a collaboration. Harrison comes from a background of constructing a whole lot of digital music typically with use of analog devices and results, so the EP positively carries a few of his vitality by way of his manufacturing strategies and selection of sounds.
Are you able to stroll us by way of one observe on ‘Firefly’ that you simply really feel encapsulates your imaginative and prescient for the EP?
The observe “Attractive Driver” holds essentially the most vitality associated to the imaginative and prescient of the challenge. Butterfly and the Finish are songs about unrequited love and type of residing in a daydream, and Attractive Driver is about breaking by way of from feeling like a slave to your day job. I feel something in your life can grow to be the enemy if it’s stealing your soul and vigor for residing. Which leads me again to the title of the EP “firefly”, I had dyed my hair this alarming, brilliant neon yellow. I began blindly following my passions put up covid and fireflies grew to become the symbolism behind that pleasure or pleasure that was felt.
Your tune ‘Jackie’ focuses on feminism and lesbian love. How do you see music as a platform for exploring social points or private id?
I feel a whole lot of the occasions when music is used to discover private id and social points, the artist is unaware. For instance, when Dylan wrote occasions are a changin, I consider he was studying a e-book or on the time and wasn’t writing about political actions of the 70s. In my writing, one of many issues I’m able to do generally is get actually drawn into a selected feminine character, her story or her expertise in life with regard to love. My songs “dreaming once more” and “Caroline”, are each examples of that, and now Jackie. I feel it’s vital as a result of there are different girls who will hear it and see themselves or others and really feel understood or spoken, so that may be highly effective. You by no means know who will find yourself listening to your music, or who it’s supposed for, that’s the great thing about artwork and life.
Are you able to share a second from working with Left Pop that stunned you creatively or pushed your music in an sudden route?
There have been a whole lot of moments, but it surely’s arduous to recollect. I do know Harrison was actually affected person and handled the songs with care.
Past ‘Firefly’ and ‘Jackie’, are there new instructions or collaborations you’re excited to discover musically?
I’m at the moment finding out music part-time. I’m significantly drawn to gospel. I feel usually it will be nice to rely much less on a band although I like the vitality. I’m unsure precisely what’s subsequent, I assume one factor at a time. Its arduous to do albums, particularly as an indie artist. Perhaps If I method it from extra of a DIY perspective and simply get again into the enjoyment of taking part in round it will be doable to do one thing full size.
And eventually, should you might collaborate with any artist, previous or current, who would it not be, and why?
I’m not likely positive about collaborations for the time being. I have a tendency to understand artists on their very own, and I don’t get caught up in what could possibly be.
