Mia Whitfield: "Dare to Dream Big" (Exclusive Interview)
How did you get your start in music?
When I was 16 years old my mom sold a house to a very prominent producer who had just moved to South Africa from Scotland. His name was Brian O’Shea and he ran “The Farm” studio’s. I was 16 when I recorded my first 3 singles and 17 when my song was played on national radio stations for the first time. When I turn 18, I dyed my hair pink, EMI signed me & I started touring and performing full time.
Did you perform and record yourself?
Yes I certainly did record myself when I performed but not with my mobile phone, it was with a proper camera in those days. Luckily, I was a YO-TV presenter on a kids channel in South Africa for a year and half , I also released my first music video to all tv channels too which was a big kickstart for my career.
Why is vocal health and development so important?
Vocal health & development is so important when you are performing regularly and even more important when you are touring. Sleep, hydration, vocal rest, Vocal fitness & singing at a medium volume is what will help your vocal cords perform at their best and it will certainly save your vocal cords from developing nodules.
What makes a voice unique?
I believe that we all have unique voices, it’s just finding them that can be tricky. And It’s certainly easier to mimic other artists sound than it is to finding your real voice and having a coach help bring out the good elements in your sound. Consistent practice helps develop certain aspects of your voice and helps you refine those elements that make you unique.
How are you managing to stay inspired with all the changes happening in the world right now?
It’s been an interesting time that’s for sure but what has kept me grounded is focusing on singing to give & coaching those around me to sing for better mental health. What many people don’t realize is that Singing rewires the brain. It’s a proven fact. Neuroscience research shows that singing releases oxytocin (our happy hormone) and lowers cortisol levels (our stress hormone) therefore singing produces an emotional resilience to life’s challenges
What's a good bit of advice you can give to aspiring and developing singers?
My Advice to performing artists out there and singers wanting a career in the music industry is to stay true to what makes you feel alive, listen to that still small voice inside & don’t forget your WHY while you are pursuing your dreams!
What can we expect from you in 2021?
2021 is an exciting year for me as we have just bought our Singit headquarters. My hopes are to give our students the platform to not only learn how to sing but have the platform to perform on a regular basis.
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www.singitinc.com | www.miawhitfield.com
