In this interview spotlight, I chat with Mia LJ about her latest release, challenges, motivations and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I was born & raised in New York. Soul Infused Indie Rock — a combination of RnB, alternative pop, and indie rock elements.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

I started playing music at the age of five years old. Jimi Hendrix & Lenny Kravitz were major inspirations that pushed me to dive into music. Music creates this vibe, no matter what the genre. That vibe, that energy is like a drug. That fix of energy motivates me to keep creating.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

Polaroid is the first release I’ve ever produced using a sample as the song’s foundation. I pulled up to my friend Manny’s studio, Penthouse in Times Square, at around midnight just to vibe & chill. When I arrived, he introduced me to an amazing producer / engineer / singer / songwriter, ninetwlv (Delanie Leyden). Delanie is one of my favorite producers to work with! She carries a crazy good vibe and works so hard, it’s inspiring. She had this guitar sample on loop when I walked into the studio, and I immediately felt something. The entire song was written & produced in about an hour. The whole thing was so spontaneous yet natural.

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

Challenges are just limitations set by the mind. Social media is pretty tricky to keep up with as I’m always on the move. But it’s so beneficial in pushing the music to parts of the world I’ve never imagined. Reading messages & comments sent by people from places like Russia, India, London, Seattle, Los Angeles, even my own city is so surreal.

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

• www.officialmialj.com
• www.instagram.com/official_mialj
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pDxZqoS1BAtgXbKaUGLSt

Anything else before we sign off?​

Massive thanks to everyone supporting. You’re helping me manifest every dream I’ve ever had, more grateful than words could ever express. So… MORE SOUNDS. LOVE! DON’T STOP.