Cool People Know: Mia Lorelei (Q & A)
Photo: Charlie Rey Harmon
SAN DIEGO NATIVE MIA LORELEI IS EXPLORING HER OWN ALT-POP LANDSCAPE — with the release of her two latest singles, “Come Crashing” and “Running Cold”. The filipino singer-songwriter has always had an affinity for music and writing but it wasn’t until she moved to New York that she realized her passion for making music could not be ignored. Lorelei’s discography pulls from her angsty emotions —that I’m sure most women in their early twenties can relate to — as she explores her dynamic relationships with herself, nostalgia, and loved ones.
We were so honored to sit with the artist and chat about what motivated her to start releasing music, sonic inspirations, the album she can’t get enough of, and more.
SIICK: Do you remember the first moment where you really began considering to pursue music as a career?
LORELEI: When I was eight, my dad took me to a ZZ Ward concert. I remember thinking “I want to do that so bad.” But I was a shy kid so it felt so out of reach. It wasn’t until I moved to New York that I realized how much of my life music takes up. Studying business, I had no time to do it. My roommate encouraged me to put out music, then I found DistroKid and realized it was more possible than I thought. Being surrounded by other musicians here in New York has also been super inspiring. I went home for winter break and spent those 3 weeks planning and recorded my first EP.
SIICK: “Running Cold” and “Come Crashing” stitch together, representing a new era for you as an artist. Can we talk a little more about what these tracks mean to you?
LORELEI: These two songs are sonically how I always dreamed of sounding. It's been very gratifying for people to see me the way I’ve always wanted to be seen in the music world. I’ve been able to learn what sounds I like and how my creative process works in my every day life. Now that I understand those things, being able to push my music to the next level has been so fun to explore. Obviously, I always have new stuff to learn.
SIICK: What inspires your songwriting?
LORELEI: It’s typically always me and an acoustic guitar. I’m very melody reliant so I like to figure out chords. I’m also very specific about the syllable count of a line so even if I’m saying nonsense, just getting the frame of the song down is important. For “Come Crashing”, I was on my way back home to San Diego from New York — the change of scenery going from the city to the coast is always inspiring. I have an old summer fling that still lives in San Diego and was just thinking about how I tend to glorify past memories when they should be buried. The line “building castles out of things we buried” came to mind on the plane and I typed it in my notes.
SIICK: Who are some of your sonic inspirations?
LORELEI: I’ve been heavy into Slow Pulp this past year. I definitely want to keep pushing a more rock, experimental sound. On the other hand, a more folky/alternative songwriter that inspires me is Daffo — they’re awesome. Superfan is one of my favorite artists right now and his songwriting is insane. Mali Velasquez also dropped an album like a year ago and it changed my life. I love when artists are able to be vague but also have detailed imagery. It’s both vulnerable but vague enough for you to insert your own interpretations as a listener. I love to tow that line in my own songwriting.
SIICK: What's the ideal setting for someone to listen to these two songs?
LORELEI: They’re both a little angsty. “Come Crashing” — I automatically get a beachy vibe. Maybe a drive down the coast for my California girls? But in the October/November period when it's a little cloudy and you’re thinking about how sunny it used to be in the summer. “Running Cold” is for when you’re in your room and have been working for hours and just need a break. Hit that play button and get those feelings out.
Photo: Charlie Rey Harmon
SIICK: Your visual aesthetic is so thoughtful for your releases. What does your creative community look like?
LORELEI: Growing up in southern California, I was surrounded by a lot of other young creatives who were doing things DIY which was so inspiring. A lot of my best friends are very creative. One is a photographer so I’ve been doing random photoshoots since middle school before I ever started exploring making music. Also, I love the film look and I think if you hand someone a good eye a film camera — whether or not they’ve done photography — it’s always a magical combo.
SIICK: What’s your favorite album that’s come out this year so far?
LORELEI: Superfan dropped an album this year called Tow Truck Jesus. I’ve seen him live a couple times. His band is so tight. It was one of the most recent shows that I’ve been to in a long time that felt very impactful. As an artist, it’s been harder to go to shows because I find myself comparing myself to the person on stage. But I idolize him so much and appreciate his artistry.
SIICK: Is there a goal you have as an artist that keeps pushing you forward?
LORELEI: I’m already way past anything I could have imagined. I’m kind of figuring out what my next project is going to be and creating an album. I guess knowing that I haven’t written my best song yet is inspiring and also terrifying but it can be directed positively. I have my whole life to reach that. I’d also love to play my favorite venues in San Diego like the Voodoo Room or Soma.
