After her debut single “Mirror” amassed over 30K streams on Spotify, as well as placement on their Mood Ring, Fresh Finds, and Equal Canada playlists, Toronto Pop R&B/Soul artist MIAMAGINATION is back with her new single “memories”. The song was born out of her own experience of needing to move on from past relationships.
“I wrote ‘memories’ to get some things out of my system”, she told SHIFTER. “A lot of things had changed in my relationships―lost loved ones, family struggles. In my head, I knew I was supposed to move on from the past, but while everyone else was moving forward, feelings still lingered inside of me. And it wasn’t something I could just ignore. So ‘memories’ is honest about being in a difficult place, but it’s also empowering because I choose not to stay there.”
The single’s cover art, showing dark and menacing waves, is indicative of not only the subject of the song, but the sound and depth of her usually soprano vocals.
“I wanted to turn that saying ‘wave of emotions’ into a sound, something like a storm at sea, where you’re in and out of water, trying to fight for your life. It’s lower than where I usually sing and so it brings out a new, darker side to my sound.”
Co-written, produced, and engineered by her husband and frequent collaborator, O’Neil Donald, the single features emotion evoking and sometimes philosophical songwriting which balances moments of strength and vulnerability. This is supported by the strength and vulnerability of MIAMAGINATION’s vocals as she displays the ups and downs, and range, of her vocals. While the single may be categorized by some as a breakup song, evoking moments of sadness and angst, the somewhat upbeat production oozes a sense of optimism.
While she has only released a few singles as a solo artist, she’s anything but a newcomer. She cities Brandy, Ella Fitzgerald, Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill as her inspirations and was always fascinated by the vocal spontaneity of R&B/Soul, Jazz and Gospel singers, and the evocative power of poetry. These features frame her lyrical style with a playful, yet sharp edge. She first discovered her ability to sing at only two years old singing Bob Marley songs which eventually led her to spending 15 years singing in groups, choirs, and as a background vocalist. Now she’s ready to step into the spotlight with her own distinct sound and message.
“memories” is available on all digital streaming platforms.
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