I have had the opportunity to encounter many talented musicians, but Mira Sthira stands out with her unique singing style and captivating lyrics. Born and raised in Bath, United States, Mira draws inspiration from the everyday experiences and emotions that surround us all.
Her musical journey started with a diverse range of influences, from the pop anthems of Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson to the alternative rock of Beck and Faith No More. As she entered her teenage years, she discovered her love for electronic dance music and rave culture, which left a lasting impact on her sound and songwriting.
Mira’s latest single, “Let The Armor Go,” showcases her impeccable vocal layering and emotionally charged delivery, while the ambient synth soundscapes and crisp rhythms create a captivating soundscape. The song is a testament to her ability to create alternative pop music that is both emotionally expressive and musically sophisticated.
Her previous release, “Weird Girl,” received recognition from prominent publications like the “Portland Phoenix,” which included it in their “Best of 2021” playlist, and it was also distributed in major Zara outlets.
The release of “Let The Armor Go” will be accompanied by a music video produced in collaboration with Mikheil Music, adding a visually stunning element to this already mesmerizing piece of music.
In a world where pop music can often feel generic, Mira Sthira is a refreshing voice that stands out with her unique sound and captivating lyrics. I have no doubt that she will continue to make a mark in the music industry with her innovative approach to alternative pop music.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Gosh, I have countless influences honestly. In the last interview, I did I focused on what I grew up with as a child and teenager so I’ll now Segway into the music that helped me develop as an artist In more recent years and I’ll just pick a few specific genres.
My favourite Art Pop/Alt-Pop artists right now are Grimes, Aurora, Ren, Christine and the Queens and Leonie Pernet, Tove Lo, Lilly Allen, MIA and Robyn.
Some More Mainstream leaning Pop artists I like are Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Sia, Billie Eilish, 21 Pilots, Madonna, Halsey and Taylor Swift.
Some of my favourite indie songwriters and indie rock artists are Alt J, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Luscious Jackson, Tina Dico, K’s Choice, Ween, Mason Jennings and Fiona Apple.
Some of my favourite psybient, indietronica or electronic artists are Rufus Du Sol, trip switch, Tame Impala, Com Truise, Tycho, Cinnamon Chasers and Abakus, Junior Boys, Paul Van Dyk, Pendulum, Ocean Lab and Above and Beyond
Mira Sthira Shares A Brand New Single ‘Let The Armor Go’
What inspired you to write your latest album/song?
The song that I most recently released is “Let the Armor Go.” I wrote this song in stages. I first wrote the parts “Lies eyes traumatized” and “You built up what you wanted” years ago when I was just trying to leave a relationship I was in where this person would make up elaborate stories.
Some of these stories were designed to manipulate me and others were designed really as this person’s own defence system from their past which I had great sympathy for. This “built up what you wanted” part refers to how this person created a false reality to win people’s attention because of how they felt inadequate inside and also to convince himself that this was a better reality.”
The “violence in the honeypot” part refers to how I would come back into the relationship or with other people who were causing me emotional damage and that the relationships felt compelling to me, like honey. That there was something violent combined with a sweetness that kept me stuck and which would return again of my own volition.
These words and melodies remained dormant in my memory until a new situation arose where I found out a man I had been interacting with and friends with for many years had a secret partner he was not telling me about and had cheated on her with me. When I found out the connection with this person who I thought was a best friend stopped completely.
The “I dive into the mirror” part is about looking at myself, stopping these patterns and no longer needing to be at ALL responsible for taking care of another person who is not able to face themselves enough to take care of a partner.
“The Let The Armor Go” part is the newest addition to this song, asking myself and my higher power of goodness and love to help me release the armour I’ve built up from these experiences so that I can step into something vibrant and healthy, as I know I have before enjoyed healthy experiences and relationships and I know I can get back there.
What message do you hope to convey through your music?
These songs of mine are written not only for healing but in the hopes that it causes self-reflection and growth for listeners. I want to convey that resilience is important, as is self-care and time to really look and feel inward. Do not just fill the voids with the next addiction, stay strong and build up your heart and mind into something powerful.
What was the most challenging aspect of recording your latest album?
Trying to work professionally with a group of people with different perspectives on how something can sound can sometimes be a challenge. I would say the other challenging aspect is that it’s costly to work on musical projects that have the quality of sound that I’d like.
What has been your favourite moment or experience as a musician so far?
My favourite moments are the moments where my music has carried me through deep pain and suffering and provided me with a silver living or phoenix that bewilders me and provides me care and nurturing. I also really enjoyed first watching a professional music video that was put together. It felt like participating in the practice of magic with my friends.
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
Ha, good question. I’ve become a hermit. I’ve used music as a way to take care of myself but it’s also caused me to become a bit of a cat lady. One of my realizations is that I would like to make a point to get out more to connect.
I tend to right now see a friend every week or two and to see my family regularly. I have not gone on a date in over a year. I think I have used music to avoid dating but I would like to change this.
So I am open to that! I tend to like to develop friendships with those I work with musically however and that is actually important to me as music is not really a “career” to me but something spiritual that I am sharing with others and also sharing so that I can keep making it in the way that I do.
How do you handle negative criticism or feedback on your music?
It’s funny, I remember getting really offended once when my Mother said something about a song of mine. I think I was so upset because I wanted someone close to me to validate me.
But what I realized over time was that she was actually right about that song! I was able to remix and re-do the vocals and it came out way better. I’m not very sensitive to criticism from strangers, in fact, I consider it vital information that’s needed to improve and grow. On the OTHER hand, I think it’s JUST AS vitally important not to JUST change something because you received criticism.
It’s important to stay true to what YOU genuinely like. The criticism can help shape what you genuinely like but it should not DIRECT it in an authoritative way, otherwise, as an artist, you will wind up REALLY confused.
I will also say, that when you’ve shared a vulnerable piece of artwork with someone intimately and they begin critiquing it in an unsolicited way this can feel hurtful unless they ask if you’d like feedback.
Unsolicited critique is not something I would recommend when interacting with the artists you love as they may not share anything with you again and it may be very vulnerable sharing 1:1 despite how many other people have liked or listened to the work.
Artists receive more rejection and criticism than most people do each day, which is generally something more seasoned artists are used to. Just because a lot of people like something doesn’t mean an artist hasn’t heard just as much criticism and rejection as they do likes.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry?
I feel like I kinda said it above. Be yourself. Stay true to your integrity. Make music for you. You will find an authentic sound this way. Go out into the woods, take a break, and then also schedule time for a whole week to yourself to focus on your task. Avoid addictive behaviours and relationships. They really get in the way.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re excited about?
Yes! I’m working on developing a music video for a dark pop/alt-pop song I have as well as another dark pop/alt-pop song. It’s going to be quite different and perhaps startling. But it’s important to do shadow work.
This song I’m going to release is again about addictive relationships and is called “a fix” it’s about having a dialogue between different parts of myself that are seemingly in battle and wanting different things. One that wants “a fix” to fill the void and another, that wants to just be still and meditate in her own blood.
Do you plan to branch out into other genres or styles of music?
I think I need to be branchless. I have songs that are hyper pop, alt/dark pop, commercial 90’s sounding, EDM mixes, an alternative shoegaze rock song, and quirky Europop-type stuff. I have been told so many times it’s all over the place. So right now I’m focusing on an EP that is going to integrate some of these varying styles but perhaps with some more cohesion.
