Today we’d like to introduce you to Miah.
Hi Miah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Miah is a Hip-Hop/R&B recording artist, engineer, director, actor and graphic designer from Suffolk, Virginia. This immensely multifaceted songwriter has a knack for delivering seductive crooner melodies with witty bars that are relatable to young adults coming of age in a digital world.
Currently based in Atlanta, he’s revered for his enchanting hooks, honest verses, and sleek production selection.
“My experiences with different women, the music industry and the tribulations of everyday life have taught me life lessons, of which often show up as recurring themes in my music; from love, loss, romance, motivation, financial freedom, mental health, physical health, emotional accountability and desire.”
Early on, I was blessed with the opportunity of being mentored by Grammy-Nominated engineer Gerald White, whom in a sense, helped me develop my ear for music. The Musiq-Tech-CEO has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Nipsey Hussle, T.I., 2-Chainz, and so on.
“When I was 17, I used to spend my whole paychecks to go to the studio with him and it got to a point where he would meet me halfway from studio pricing to lessons in life and music. He seen my potential and my ability to listen and he’s honestly been my main engineer ever since, as I’ve been very hands-on with my recording and mixing process on all of the records coming out this year.”
Behind the scenes, I’ve worked on various production sets for a production company named Out-Of-Sight. Spencer Sease and I have worked on some music videos of which led to producing videos for A-Milli producer Bangladesh, Empire artist Nevelle Viracocha, and so on.
“When we met at VCU, who knew where we’d both be in our professions off of our collaborations. I’m also blessed to have been to travel and shadow his work here and there over the years. I’ve grown my own eye for film and almost felt it was inevitable that I got into directing my own visuals and getting behind the camera.”
Miah even spoke on the past 3-4 years of his life, the progression he’s made as an artist, an individual, entrepreneur, and businessman. Seeming to have went in full artist development, Miah spoke on the highs and lows of his past few years.
Any records with any notable artists or producers? Anyone you’d love to work with?
“I won’t speak on any artists but I got a record coming out with Luney Tunez, producer whom produced Loveee Song for Future & Rihanna. Producers I’d love to get some records within the near future: J. White, Yung Icey, Mars of 1500 or Nothin’, Bizness Boi, DJ Moon, and Ca$h. Artists I’d love to work with this year: Phabo, Chase Shakur, I gotta’ say Kai Ca$h, Ye Ali, 2Toned, Hit-Boy, Don Toliver, Destin Conrad, Tesselated, and so many more.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Social media never told the tale with me. Life got weird for a while. People trying to manipulate me to write for them records for their own personal gain, insinuating they’d introduce me to various artists. People attempting to manipulate and bribe me into them becoming my management; from buying me clothes, trying to bribe me with yachts, sprinter vans, access to different forms of luxury, doing a lot of free work I assumed I’d be fairly compensated for. It’s gotten to a point where it’s made it hard for me to see relationships as genuine a lot of times. I don’t fault people for their motives, but I’ve definitely taken it into account both in my career and personal life.”
What does 2023 entail for Miah? Having only released 4 records over the past few years has seemingly raised the question as to what’s in store for the young artist. He spoke with us on his rebranding, his upcoming releases, and the what it took for him to get back to where he is now.
“I originally planned on releasing a few different projects in 2022. My laptop & hard drive got stolen out of my car this past summer. Though I lost a lot of records, it was bittersweet. I’ve been in a good creative space and been making really good money, so I just put my nose down and stood ten toes on recording new records. My sound has changed a lot, and I’m to be putting out a 2 records a month starting the top of the year, alongside some visuals and merch.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist first, web designer, graphic designer, director, and actor. As an artist, I’m known most for my rapping ability, I most recently have been putting out R&B-infused rap records. If you love Drake, Bryson Tiller, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Blxst, Don Toliver, J. Cole, Wale, 6lack, Ty Dolla $ign, I feel you’d enjoy my music a lot.
I’ve acted in Ethan Hawke’s Showtime series, “The Good Lord Bird”, a story told from the point of view of Onion, a newly freed teenager who joins abolitionist John Brown on a holy crusade to end slavery and finds himself part of the famous 1859 raid at Harpers Ferry, the Limited Event Series is an adventure equal parts absurd and tragic, spotlighting the ever-changing racial, religious and gender roles that make up the American identity. I was a part of John Brown’s crew of runaway slaves.
Being around some very elite videographers, I’ve learned a lot about directing and have been writing and directing my own visuals as of the past year.
My latest visual, “Habits/KOC”, is a two-part short film about a woman I dated who’s ex-lover tries to murder me in the process of regaining her love. For further context, dive into the visual more on miahmusic.co.
I’ve also done my logo and web design and have done some web design for a few production companies like 432 HZ UNLTD (432hzunltd.com). Currently, I’m working on web design for a farm as we speak.
What matters most to you?
Honestly, I’ve grown to realize my time and the people around me matter most to me. I’ve grown to make $100k annually and I’ve sacrificed a lot of my time in the process. For the time I’ve lost, I’m no longer willing to overextend myself to those whom don’t value me or my time. I’ve grown out of so many people and so many things over the past few years that I realize no longer serve me; and that isn’t a slight, but rather the inevitable that comes with bettering your life.
I’ve also made it a goal and priority to create as many jobs and opportunities I can for anyone and everyone around me. People never did so for me a lot of the time, regardless of my skill set. I never felt as if anyone ever was in the way of my progression, and in fact, I’ve been told I’m a bit too generous or pure at times. Nonetheless, it’s never stopped me from wishing the best and promoting others in the best ways possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miahmusic.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miahmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheresMiah
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiahMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-MA1caO8uQKHQ0ouum_xMA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wheresmiah
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BCES5rG65m7G40ND71vyH?nd=1&si=j6xa959oT7eO_bb7RTDK_A
Image Credits
Ron Desuan
