Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Sure! I grew up with all kinds of music, and my parents took me to a jazz club every month from when I was 8 years old where I saw a lot of big artists and instrumentalists. We listened to all kinds of genres at home – blues, jazz, pop, classical, folk, fusion and funk. I started taking piano lessons at a young age, but at some point, I started to get a bit bored of Beethoven and Haydn (sorry lads!) and I started to add my own ideas to the pieces, which didn’t impress my teacher at all, haha! I realised I love to create my own songs and lyrics, so I started playing and singing in a school band and eventually I went to a music college with more focus on rhythmic music and writing, and… well, I haven’t stopped since 🙂
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Mirby”?
A: Growing fanbases is all about being authentic. Not being afraid to show both your happy and your sad – we’re all just people trying to find out this life-thing, and I want my music universe to reflect that. I’ll keep releasing music that speaks to myself foremost. And hopefully someone else can relate. It’s all about community these days. I want to be a good friend and help where I can – my music is for anyone who needs a friend who can cry with you, lift you up, make you laugh and just inspire you to be yourself.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Music must MEAN something. Whether it’s humorous, sad, happy or political – it has to mean something to the listener. Mirby’s (my) music is all about creating colourful songs that reflect real feelings and human thoughts. In a world where ai generated music is becoming more and more infiltrated into the online world of music, I think it’s important to keep creating with our brains and have fun while we do it. That’s something a machine can’t do. To me, creating music has always been about having fun, being playful, experimenting with all kinds of genres and sounds, and hopefully the personality will shine through! I also use my social media more as a private diary than a polished commercial platform. I’m a sensitive little weirdo in a big confusing world, and I want to show people that it’s ok to worry, speak up, cry, laugh and just try your best. My goal is to create whatever I feel like and see where it takes me. We as humans are capable of so many things, and my music must reflect that. I got a comment from a fan last year who told me, my music was “like a hug”. That’s my favorite description of my music <3
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I look up to a lot of different artists – both big and small. My favourite producer is Charlie Puth – in his music he’s playing around with many different genres, instruments and sounds as well, and I truly look up to that in today’s pop music. My inspiration comes from listening to a lot of music in general and also on Instagram where I follow a lot of small musicians, artists and activists. Looking at other people creating, always makes me want to create as well! But my lyrics will always reflect the feelings and thoughts of my own. The more honest, the better. Life is so much more than heartbreak and falling in love (sorry but it is!) – it’s important to me to dive deep into other emotions as well – anxiety, lust, humour, courage, confusion and grief.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Be In Nature (while it’s still there).”?
A: When I started writing the lyrics, I never intended to release it. I just needed to put my feelings and thoughts about the world – and how I truly feel about it – into words. I also needed to remind myself of what works when a sense of powerlessness hits. You know, when political decisions are made that threaten the very foundations of our lives. What works for me is going outside, into nature, and breathing deeply. That’s where I recharge. Especially if I want to find the strength to make a difference. I posted a snippet of the song on my Instagram and received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. It made me realize that the worry I feel when I turn on the news resonates with others. That’s when I knew the song had to be released. I hope it can serve as a voice saying: you’re not alone in your concern, and there is still beauty to hold on to! Let’s protect it.
Q: How would you describe your music in one word for potential listeners?
A: In only one word? That’s hard! You’ll get 3 – it’s honest, heartfelt and playful 🙂
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Be In Nature (while it’s still there)”?
A: I was a little worried it might be too political, but then I decided it wasn’t. We live in a very political world right now – people are slowly waking up and starting to see what our world leaders are up to. And unfortunately, it’s more about profit than keeping nature – our whole foundation – alive. With this song I’m just showing my worry while trying to “hug” people who feel the same way. It’s honest, and hopefully it’ll inspire the right people to stay united.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Oh wow – obviously I would love to work with Charlie Puth, but I also love artists like Robyn, UMI, Sabrina Carpenter, Gareth Donkin, Johnny Yukon, Mekdes and a lot of other artists that I could definitely see myself working with 🙂
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: First of all, do it for yourself. Make the music for and to yourself. If others like it too, it’s just a bonus. And also, the more work you can do yourself, the more power you got. I won’t lie, it’s incredibly hard being an independent artist – I’m my own writer, distributor, promoter, adds manager, director, content creator etc. It’s incredibly time-consuming! But in the end, it’s also really fulfilling. The business is hard, so I believe that the more you can educate yourself about the industry and the more work you can do yourself, the more control you’ll have. You can’t be fooled by anyone because you know all the processes of making and releasing music. And you can move forward without having to depend on anyone else. That being said, I do have some great contacts – photographers, PR people and good friends – who’ll help me if I ask them and pay fairly. But only because they want to and love the creative process too <3
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: You don’t have to change yourself to fit in – be yourself and the right people will find you <3
