Celebrating Unique Voices: Mia Z

Welcome to our 50th episode of the Unique Voices Club! I can't believe we're actually here. Honestly, I didn't even remember that this would be the milestone until I sat down to write this post. And of course, I’m diving back into my vault of unique voices discovered on singing competitions. It's been a while since I've done that!

Mia Z: A Voice Like No Other

Mia Z appeared on the same season of The Voice as Sawyer Fredericks. They even collaborated on the song "Stranger," which I was obsessed with for most of 2016. I was hoping to see her perform with him in Boston later that year. But now, she has a Unique Voices Club entry of her own!

Having grown up in a musical family, Mia was surrounded by her mom and grandparents playing in multiple bands and on various instruments. Her influences are a rich blend of rock and blues, infused with the soulfulness of Bill Withers and the storytelling sentimentality of Eva Cassidy. Plus, she draws inspiration from modern RnB pop artists like Rihanna and Ariana Grande.

When I listen to her, I can’t help but hear the jazzy vocal fry reminiscent of the late Amy Winehouse and the melisma of Christina Aguilera (who hilariously kicked herself during her Blind Audition because she couldn’t turn her chair). But that whistle register? In my opinion, it’s her secret weapon! It gives Ariana a run for her money, especially since Ari doesn’t have the lower range and genre-bending to back it up. I mean, the girl would stand out in country music!

Watch the video below to see what I mean:

Evolution of Mia Z's Artistry

As you can see and hear, Mia Z's artistry has evolved over her ten-year career. It would be so easy to pigeonhole her into a rock/blues box based solely on her vocals (and that’s exactly what labels want to do). But, as is the case with art, creativity means branching out of the box sometimes.

While I typically don’t enjoy country music because it all sounds the same to me (though I do love some Brandi Carlile, even if she’s not strictly categorized as such), Mia’s experimentation with the genre would actually make me want to listen to a country artist. Her voice is totally unorthodox for it! And that’s the beauty of this blog: shift your expectations.

Embracing Authenticity in Music

Mia Z embodies the spirit of authenticity. Her journey reminds us that music isn’t just about fitting into a mold. It’s about expressing who you are, quirks and all. This is a crucial lesson for all aspiring artists out there. Embrace your unique voice!

If you want to join the movement that shifts expectations of what kind of art is marketable, subscribe to the Firebird Flock. For as little as $14 a month, you can help keep the mission of the Unique Voices Club alive. Share the unique voices you discover with others in the group. Plus, with some exclusive merch, you can represent something you believe in.

Take advantage of this opportunity! Share all the posts with your inner circle, and I’ll catch you at the next episode!

Stay educated,

Alexia