A Chat With Miriam
Interview with Jay Lowe (Guest contributor)
I had a chat with pop/soul singer Miriam to discuss her career so far. Her new single ‘If Home Was A Man’ was released on 7th November.
You formed your artistry during your travels in New Zealand, and your first ever gig was in Auckland. What was behind you travelling there? Did you gain plenty of life experiences to use for your lyrics?
Miriam: I’ve always wanted to live and travel in a camper van since I was 18, so I ended up there. I lived in the van for a year and a half before writing any music. I don’t think the van itself gave me straight inspiration to write a song…but more the lifestyle allowed me to be a lot more free, lots of time to sit with my own thoughts about previous things in my life, which then allowed me to write my music.
‘Dark Side’ was the first ever song I wrote, I remember exactly where I was parked up along a beach in Sumner NZ. It took me a couple nights to complete.
Your brand new track ‘If Home Was A Man’ is out on 7th November. Can you tell me a bit about the meaning of the lyrics?
Miriam: This was my final song I wrote and recorded for the EP. I was desperate to get home at this point; I’d stayed an extra 10 months in NZ solely to get this EP recorded. I started thinking about how much I miss home and that feeling you get when you get home, that you don’t get elsewhere. And then it sprung to mind how if a man made me feel like home, he’d probably be a pretty decent man. Haha, so that’s how it has a twist, the song’s verses you would think they are just written about a person…then when the chorus kicks in, you realise oh okay cool this is about her home & the feeling it gives her.
‘Trashy Eyes’ is about how people change when they’re drunk; ‘Tonight you’ll meet another me behind the trashy eyes / Tonight I’ll be a different me I’m drinking my disguise’. Did these lyrics come from personal experience, and if so, how has this behaviour affected you?
Miriam: This is a personal song, all of my songs are. Before I went travelling, I partied a lot, I was always out doing something, and it always involved drinking and up to no good. I had loads of mates, I noticed years later that none of these people talk to me unless alcohol is involved and to me that isn’t what friends are. It isn’t a direct dislike to the person but more the situation. I’m at a point in life where I want friends who are genuine and they also know I am…not who only speaks to me because we’re going to the pub. The song is also about me a few years back and how I am a culprit to this behaviour…But I have grown a lot since then. Drinking is still fine, but I also want genuine connection with people.
There’s great lyrics to ‘Dumb Blonde’ and it has a bolshy and defiant attitude to it. ‘How dare you teach independence when you silence voices/course there couldn’t be a reason behind my choices’. Have you been on the receiving end of this stereotype whilst working your way up in the industry?
Miriam: No, luckily everyone I have worked with, whether that be gigs, band members or producers, they have all been really cool people and I’m grateful for them! But I am aware of the side of the industry that can be difficult, especially if you’re a woman.
You were BBC Introducing’s Artist Of The Week on BBC Hereford & Worcester, and have receiving radio play elsewhere in the country. You must be happy already getting recognition for your work?
Miriam: Yes, wow, I am over the moon! It’s funny, the night before I got the email, I voice-noted my friend who is also an artist and we were saying sometimes it feels like so much hard work for no recognition. haha. The universe had good timing. But the main thing is, I do hope it finds the right ears and people who either connect with the lyrics or just like a good, authentic tune.
There’s a real old school jazz club vibe to you in the same style as Amy Winehouse and Duffy. Which artists do you draw upon most for your creativity?
Miriam: I feel like with my first 4 singles, I actually tried a few different lanes….nothing majorly contrasting, but they are different. Since the EP started, my sound had kind of developed into what just felt right and suited me and my voice.
I definitely love the musical creations RAYE brings with her big band, lots of brass & sometimes huge orchestras. Adele – I also love her soul vibe but how her music is just timeless.
I believe you are about halfway through releasing tracks that will form your album. Do you have any idea when this will be out?
Miriam: Yes, roughly April the entire collection will come out with bonus version tracks. I’m hoping to have this out on vinyl. I’m actually flying back to NZ for New Year, where I will record those alternative versions with my producer Keegan (Instagram: goodboy.music)
What are your hopes and dreams for your music career? Is this something that you’ve always wanted to do?
Miriam: Right now, I just want to find my people and have fun doing so. There are definitely certain festivals I’d love to play. I have a 5-piece band, and we would love to get on some stages over the summer. A venue I’ve always liked the look of is the Royal Albert Hall, beautiful.
What are five albums that you can’t live without?
Miriam: My music is so varied….that’s so difficult, I am a sucker for any greatest hits between 60’s – 80’s, but studio albums I’ll go with:
London Grammar – If You Wait & Truth Is A Beautiful Thing
Jorja Smith – Lost & Found
Green Day – American Idiot
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Alessia Cara – The Pains Of Growing
Do you want to let us know of any gigs that you have coming up so people can come and hear you live?
Miriam: Yes, I am performing at The Barking Dog Urmston 21st November and Boxx2Boxx Coffee Manchester 28th November.
Thank you Miriam for speaking to The Other Side Reviews. Learn more about her on Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
