Mami Mia: "Fool Myself" (Exclusive Interview)
How did you get started in music?
I've always had a love for music. Growing up, I was very involved in my local music community. I would open for local bands, perform at events and fundraisers, and write songs every single day. But as I started growing up, a music career didn't seem attainable, so I chose to pursue a degree in Environmental Science instead.
Like a lot of young adults, I spent years trying to "find myself." I tried dancing, knitting- I even almost took a flying class to become a pilot, haha. The one thing haunting me during my soul search was the fact that I stopped doing music. As it turns out, what's meant for me has been with me all along- I had just been terrified of it.
Once I accepted music back into my life, opportunities started to unfold. I got accepted into a Summer Songwriting program at NYU in 2018, soon after I found Beatstars, fell in love with the community, and became one of their Campus Representatives in 2021. It was amazing getting to work with one of my favorite companies and meet some of the people I look up to in the industry. Then, I eventually got in touch with a community-based record label, HRDRV, where I became one of their community leaders and helped with their mission of revolutionizing the music industry.
What are some of the best experiences you've had in the industry?
The most amazing thing about my journey in the industry is that by simply being myself, being a good person, and doing what I love, I've performed at some of my bucket-list venues in the Bay Area, met and worked with Songwriters and Musicians I've long admired, and done exciting work with my favorite music companies.
One of my favorite moments in life was accepting my first music award through HRDRV. I've never won anything- not even a participation trophy. It was a surreal moment accepting an award from my first mentor, and being in a room full of people who see me, and hear me, and appreciate the light I aim to bring to the world through music and artistry.
In just a few years, I went from a girl who was lost and afraid to an Artist who is empowered, supported, and seemingly unstoppable. If I don't see opportunities now, I know I can create them on my own. I've had several heart-warming moments over the past few years, but by far, the best experience is seeing the growth I've acquired along the way.
What is "Fool Myself" about?
"Fool Myself" addresses some of the health issues I face, both physically and mentally. I, like many others, suffer from "invisible diseases," like SLE Lupus, and depression/anxiety. Lupus can affect everything in your body- it could alter your mind, can attack your body, and often feels like it constricts your soul.
Since people can't always see the pain that we feel, I communicated the way I know best- through song. I feel like the truth always comes out during the songwriting process. For the longest time, I rejected the notion of having a chronic illness, and I swept all those heavy emotions under the rug. I didn't realize that I had been suffering and suppressing unresolved issues for a long time, but now I feel like I can finally work towards overcoming them, and I'm finally ready to admit that.
In the song I say, "Can I fool you too if I can Fool Myself?" meaning, if I'm so good at convincing myself that I'm ok, am I also able to convince you that I'm doing fine? In this respect, I think I do Fool Myself a little too well :p
What are the current challenges you face in the industry?
Having patience is the most difficult thing. I believe that patience is the lesson I was meant to learn in this lifetime. Building any type of career takes time, and I'm barely 4-5 years in. I always forget that I'm still a "baby" at this game. There are so many things I want to accomplish, experience, and earn in my career, but to get to where I need to go, time needs to run its course. The music industry is at such an interesting place- there are technically no gatekeepers, and there are several people who built a music career from the ground up.
I do feel blessed to have been born at a time where the music and creative industry is booming, and knowing that I have control over my success. Doing all I do, self-managed, is certainly challenging, but that's why we have our communities, to help keep us afloat, keep our spirits high, and keep us inspired and encouraged to keep going.
What can we expect from you next in 2024?
2024 has me feeling energized, accepting, and excited to overcome all the challenges I've faced before, with a more sound body and mind. This year, I'm focused on scaling up my business, becoming a full-time Artist / Aritstpreneur, and want to create opportunities for myself and others.
I'll be dropping at least 1-2 singles per month, a couple EPs, another album, and will continue to learn everything I can about our ever changing music industry. You can certainly expect to see more of me on socials (IG, TikTok, and Youtube). I'm designing and testing merch, I have my first performance on the East Coast on April 21st at Beta Fest in Brooklyn, NY, which I'm super excited about! And I have so much more to come, you'll just have to stick around and see for yourself :)
SOCIALS
Website: http://www.MamiMiaMusic.com
IG: @aka.mami.mia
TikTok: @aka.mami.mia
