Canadian experimental vocalist Mimi Oz continues to redefine style boundaries along with her new EP ‘Firefly’, a three-song electro-pop exploration co-produced with beat maker Left Pop. Oz seamlessly fuses folks songwriting with the daring textures of synths, layered harmonies, and evocative sound results, crafting songs which can be 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’ replicate a post-pandemic renewal, capturing the fun of self-discovery and riot 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 study all concerning the EP, what makes her tick and rather more right here at Music Crowns!
Hey Mimi! How are you doing?
Hey! I’m effectively
How did your early influences from 50s and 60s pop and jazz form your strategy to storytelling in music?
I purchased an enormous assortment of data once I was a young person. Listening to such a range in all probability influenced my writing, however it was by no means intentional. I used to be into a variety of Bowie, however I listened to all the things, he was a little bit of a chameleon in that sense as effectively too, pulling from many alternative influences. I by no means set out with the intention of writing in a specific style, however individuals have commented. For instance, if I hearken to a variety of Louis Armstrong I’d write one thing with a few of his essence, I actually like Louis. Anytime I went to cowl a music I’d additionally find yourself writing one thing related.
‘Firefly’ marks a step into electro-pop territory. What drew you to this sound, and the way did collaborating with Left Pop affect the artistic course of the EP?
I discovered working with a band to be troublesome. Not solely due to covid however I had been lengthy since bored with 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 have been going for, however that’s what made it extra of a collaboration. Harrison comes from a background of creating a variety of digital music usually with use of analog devices and results, so the EP undoubtedly carries a few of his power by way of his manufacturing strategies and selection of sounds.
Are you able to stroll us by way of one monitor on ‘Firefly’ that you just really feel encapsulates your imaginative and prescient for the EP?
The monitor “Horny Driver” holds probably the most power associated to the imaginative and prescient of the venture. Butterfly and the Finish are songs about unrequited love and sort of residing in a daydream, and Horny Driver is about breaking by way of from feeling like a slave to your day job. I feel something in your life can turn out 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, shiny neon yellow. I began blindly following my passions submit covid and fireflies turned the symbolism behind that pleasure or pleasure that was felt.
Your music ‘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 variety 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 specific 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 essential 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 meant for, that’s the great thing about artwork and life.
Are you able to share a second from working with Left Pop that shocked you creatively or pushed your music in an surprising course?
There have been a variety of moments, however it’s onerous 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 presently learning music part-time. I’m notably drawn to gospel. I feel on the whole it will be nice to rely much less on a band although I like the power. I’m undecided precisely what’s subsequent, I assume one factor at a time. Its onerous to do albums, particularly as an indie artist. Possibly If I strategy it from extra of a DIY perspective and simply get again into the enjoyment of taking part in round it will be attainable to do one thing full size.
And eventually, in the event you might collaborate with any artist, previous or current, who wouldn’t it be, and why?
I’m probably not 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 might be.