Mira Goto – Anybody Else

By starrymag | November 15, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I like to refer to my music as “diet country.”  It’s just a silly, made-up term, but I mean it to imply that I play country music. But I lack the traditional twang and accent.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Alanis Morissette, Colbie Caillat, Dashboard Confessional, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, Queen, Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, The Civil Wars

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Anybody Else.”

 

A) I wrote this song with Michael Logen and Simon Gugala.  Shortly before our writing appointment, I had a meeting with an industry executive and I was asking for clarification on something when he called me a “diva.”  He meant it almost as a threat “don’t be a diva, Mira” and I felt like I needed a song that said exactly the opposite.  A song that said “be true to yourself!” and “you’re allowed to be you.”  I told the guys what I envisioned and they breathed life into the idea that day.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think people relate to this song because we’ve all had a situation where someone criticized us, or called us a name.  There are unkind people in this world, but I wanted to remind myself, as well as others, that YOU are in charge of how that makes you feel, not them.

 

Q) The video is set to drop soon. What can you tease about it for fans?

 

A) I love this video so much!!  We took it as an opportunity to showcase all the beautiful and amazing women in our community.  Each woman in the video is different and they’re all absolutely thriving in what they do!!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I typically start with an idea or a concept. The idea will have a mood to it – maybe it’s a sad song – and I’ll try to find some music that compliments the mood.  I usually write the chorus first, since everything will point back to the chorus.  It’s not uncommon for me to rewrite the chorus a number of times though, especially if we end up with a verse that we love but doesn’t fit with what we’ve already written!  Always be open to rewriting.

 

Q) The song was produced by Ken Caillat, but how much of hand/say do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Ken is very artist-focused and an absolute dream to work with.  Every step of the way, he would ask me, “Do you like this” or “what do you think about adding more of that?”  If I wasn’t up for it, we wouldn’t do it.  He really wants the artist to have creative direction and input.

 

Q) How do you shake off a long day in the studio?

 

A) Oh man, long studio days are really hard for me. I always try to go for a run before heading in, so I don’t hate myself for sitting in one place all day.  Afterwards, I usually just eat and go straight to bed.  It’s easy to accidentally work through lunch, so by the time you’re done you’ve effectively skipped one to two meals and you haven’t had a break.  Eat and sleep; in that order.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) People.  I miss meeting new fans, fans who have turned into friends and seeing the looks on peoples’ faces when I sing that one line that I hope they’ll react to.  I miss everyone.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) This is a really tough question. There are places where the venue is outstanding, places where the fans are one of a kind and places that are fun to explore.  I suppose I’d have to say the place that I haven’t been to yet might be my favorite.  I never know what to expect, and approach it almost like a challenge: can I win this crowd over and come back for a second show someday?

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Alanis Morissette is probably my most favorite dream collaboration.  If I ever get the opportunity to do CMT Crossroads, she would be my #1 pick!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve had The Civil Wars on since the weather started cooling off.  Their songwriting and harmonies are timeless.  Their cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love” was actually the first dance at my wedding!  I’ll love them forever.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is amazing. You can build a fanbase without ever leaving your home.  It also allows you the opportunity to get to know your fans.  I can click on someone’s profile, see that they have kids, pets, a huge family, where they’re from, etc.  I share so much of myself in my songs and on my socials, so it’s nice to be able to learn about others as well.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) The highest compliment I can receive is you sharing my music with someone else.  For following my journey, learning the words to my songs, wearing my t-shirts and sharing in my excitement… thank you so very much!