P&P Spotlight: Mia Jae

Rising R&B phenom Mia Jae knows exactly what she wants - she resolves to be someone's final destination; she refuses to settle for someone that treats her as just a "Flyover Town." Against vibrant house beats, "Flyover Town" incorporates a wide range of artistic inspirations, including classical influences, musical theater, and several decades' worth of R&B. This track stylistically departs from the neo-soul structure and moody tone of her critically acclaimed debut album, Midnight in Monte Carlo.

Mia also delivered a stunning performance of "Flyover Town" at a recent Grey Studios event. Ahead of this show, Playlists & Polaroids had the privilege of chatting with Mia. We gained valuable insight into her background, creative process, and perspective on love. Keep reading for our full interview with her!

Image credit: Mia Jae, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU’LL LOVE MIA JAE IF YOU LISTEN TO: SZA, Ravyn Lenae, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, FKA Twigs, Khalid, Prince, The Supremes, KAYTRANADA

What artists did you grow up listening to, and who's on your playlist now? How do all of these names influence your craft? 

My father is from Panama and my mom is from Roxbury, MA so I was surrounded by an eclectic mix of music. Everything from The Supremes, Erykah Badu and Prince, to Frank Sinatra and Marc Anthony. I was really lucky to have such a good musical influence because it really shaped my music, especially my writing. [Right now] I’ve been in a real dance kinda vibe - Jazzy, LF System. But also a lot of Jazz standards and classic R&B and like some new Krue Kidd, I found him recently. My music is all over the place. And the new Bad Bunny… can’t forget that.

You’ve previously described yourself as “a new school woman with an old school soul” - what does this concept mean to you? In what ways would you say you incorporate both modern and classic influences into your craft?

I’m really heavily influenced by those who came before me. I think that shows in my music but with a “new school” element to it. I want to give a nostalgic feeling, but in today’s musical landscape.

It’s super cool that you’re an actor as well! In what was has your training in acting impacted your music, and vice versa?

I always say the most engaging part of my music is my live shows, and my theatre background I think has a lot to do with that. I’m here to entertain y’all for real for real! I wanna give my audience a real show and give them a little bit of my personality and story in my shows. I think it also helps people connect with the music more too. I tell a story, then sing the song about that story and people go “oh, I get it now,” you know?

Image credit: Tanya Lavache

You’ve shared that your last album, Midnight In Monte Carlo, was in part inspired by a trip to Europe - tell us more about that! How did traveling contribute to your creative process? 

Traveling is a big part of my writing process. When I'm stationary and in one place for too long, I'm convinced my writing and inspiration to write suffers badly. Seeing new parts of the world, meeting new people, making mistakes but in a new environment gives you not only new experiences to write about, but new perspectives to write them from. My song “Can’t Sleep” wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t date a guy from London and write about it. I think it’s hella important to travel if you’re a writer.

What inspired you to dip your toes into house/EDM with “Flyover Town”? 

I started actually getting into house music a little more just in my everyday listening. Artists like Jazzy and KAYTRANADA inspired me and it was so fun. I was listening and thinking, "Damn I wanna make music that makes people dance and shake some ass."

Did you collaborate with anyone to produce “Flyover Town”? What was the artistic approach towards the production of this song? 

I went back to my producer Aloof, who produced Midnight In Monte Carlo. I really just wanted to have some fun. I think I told him I want to make a record that Black Coffee or KAYTRANADA would play at 4AM in Ibiza.

Why did “Flyover Town” feel like the perfect first single for this new artistic chapter of yours?

My music has a tendency to be so heavy and emotional and I’m just not in that space anymore. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still gonna be yearning, longing, heartbroken songs…but it’s about time to have some fun!

Image credit: Tanya Lavache

What is your favorite song to perform live and why?

I think it’s a tie between “Can’t Sleep” and my first single “Better Man.” “Can’t Sleep” is fun because of how engaged the audience can be - who doesn’t like a good trifling man anthem? “Better Man” was my very first single so it holds a really special place in my heart. It’s my favorite song I’ve ever written and I think the emotion is really palpable, you know.

What’s next for you? Do you have any big projects in the works, which fans can look forward to this spring or summer? 

I’m finishing up my third EP and I’m really excited about it. I’m working on some more writing projects, so hopefully that’ll be something y’all get to see sooner rather than later.

Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyric from “Flyover Town” that stands out to you? Walk us through the process of yourself writing it, and how does it speak to you personally? 

“The skyline that you look for as your plane touch down” - being from New York, there’s nothing like seeing the skyline from a plane window. I get so hyped, even if I’m coming from the most beautiful place in the world to see my city. I want to be that feeling for someone. That’s how it came to be!

Mia's confidence and free spirit characterize her music, and "Flyover Town" is no exception. A versatile powerhouse, she puts a refreshing twist on timeless R&B techniques that we can't get enough of. If you feel inclined to dive deeper into her world, we've created just the playlist for you!