Miu Haiti – Is This Love

By starrymag | May 9, 2023

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I believe my sound to be contemporary, eclectic and heartfelt, but I’m more comfortable letting the public define what it sounds and feels like to them.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Michael Jackson is the first artist who blew my tiny mind as a little girl. I couldn’t wrap my brain around the effect that he had on the crowd. We don’t have time for me to list all the artists that I love, but the ones who have impacted me the most are: Celine Dion, Edith Piaf, Evanescence, Zekle, Boukman eksperyans, Fugees, Black Eyed Peas, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Josh Groban, Sean Paul, Selena, Bélo, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Is This Love.”

A) The pandemic hit, and I was calling all my loved ones to check up on them. And, I ended up in an extra-long chat with my longtime collaborator, Canadian Artistic Director Ralph Leroy, who conceptualized and directed the music video of my song, “They Say.” I told him that I wanted to shoot a music video for “Is This Love.” Ralph was with me in the studio when I recorded this song, and I remember this day particularly because everyone in the studio was in tears as I finished the last take on this record. He promptly said, “Send me the song. I have an idea.” A day later he laid out the concept to me over video call and it was, to me, exactly what this song needed. His vision was carried out by videographer Ryan J. Ardito. The music video was filmed in Purfek TV’s studio, and video director Storm provided the final touch.

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

A) This song is inspired by my personal experience. I have been in a few situations where I had to ask myself this question. I feel like most people go through this situation at some point. I’m grateful for those who reached out to let me know how they felt like I’ve described exactly what they feel in these moments.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) Because this song reveals a very vulnerable part of me, we decided to go for a stripped down, all white visual to insist on the intimacy that the song conveys, and it gets messy at the end just because facing your feelings often does get messy.

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

A) I don’t have a specific process to create. Melodies and/or lyrics can come to me when I least expect it. I just make sure to save them on my phone. I can go back to my notes when I’m in the studio, or I can let the beat show me what to do. I can also sit down, mess around with my guitar until I find something interesting to build upon; honestly, that happens more and more recently – you’ll be hearing those soon.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I always prefer to be present for the whole production process. I like to be there when the beat is being conceived or change a few things to make it fit my style best. I like my sound customized. That’s how Nice Beat (Andy Irwin Charles) worked on the instrumental of “Is this Love.” I’m a maniac when it comes to my vocals. I love layering when the song calls for it, and every single adlib is intentional. Lately, I started producing some of my records from start to finish, and I enjoy the process of creating everything from scratch. My last single “Real Ones” is my first self-produced record published, and there’s more coming soon.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) I can’t wait for everyone to experience my upcoming EP as a whole. I felt very free when I was creating this project, and I can only hope that all the emotions translate to the listeners. As for tour dates, my team and I are still working on my calendar. You can stay in touch to find out more!

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

A) I don’t have a particular location that I’m attached to when it comes to live performances. However, the bigger the crowd, the more comfortable I am. My adrenaline is through the roof. I’m fed by the energy of the crowd. These shows are always the best.

Q) Which songs are still some of your personal favorites to perform live?

A) One song that I will never be tired of performing is “They Say.” Either acoustic, playbackor with a full band, this song naturally has this self-sustained energy that always gets me and the crowd going.

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

A) I would love to have a creative session with Pharrell Williams. He always has a fresh perspective, and his sound feels current no matter how the musical landscape is looking at the time. I’m excited to see what we would come up with.

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

A) We all can agree, the internet has changed the face of the music industry. Personally, thanks to social media, I have a direct relationship with my fans from all around the world. I can build my audience, and as an independent artist, this is an amazing asset.

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

A) I am immensely grateful for your support. It means the world to me when you listen and share my music. I always felt the calling to put words on feelings in order to help people express themselves, and seeing you connect with my work really gives me strength to keep creating. I don’t take this for granted. Thank you!