"In a forest by the coast of Norway in February 2021, I felt a peace I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I had gone to therapy for a year, and finally, it started to feel like I didn’t allow my anxiety and traumas to define me. A tiny spark had been lit in me, and it felt like Mother Earth was guiding me along the way. I was just starting to reconnect—with nature first, myself second, and only then did I see that it was time to take back my voice."
While on a hiatus from music—embarking on a much-needed journey of self-discovery—MIIA finally made her comeback in 2023. Opening up a new and very personal chapter, MIIA gave her fans the deep, emotional ballad "Oxide." Continuing to release several singles throughout 2023, MIIA's monthly Spotify listeners grew rapidly (now at 2 million). The singles eventually culminated in MIIA's debut EP *Inner Voices Speaking* in November.
"*Inner Voices Speaking* is a collection of stories from my life that have been profound in shaping me into the young woman I am today. Each song is divided into: 1. An inner voice, and 2. A natural element (with its own symbolic meaning). The Air element paints the feeling of not being able to breathe because my inner critic was too loud. Water represents healing for my inner child and finding a way to float through life with more ease. My fire is brutal honesty, the (sometimes intimidating) power of my highest self, which I need to let take up space. Earth, and Space & Time encompass all of the above."
The EP came with three music videos—all written and directed by MIIA herself. Always looking for ways to include or surprise her listeners, MIIA made sure every music video and story was filmed in places of great sentimental value to her, allowing fans a gaze beneath the surface. The strong bond MIIA has with her fans—her "beautiful creatures"—has become a big part of her artistry. Wanting to give something back to them for sticking by her side for almost a decade, MIIA recently released a new orchestral version of the megahit “Dynasty” from 2015. The new version was made as "Dynasty" was approaching 350 million streams and was recorded with none other than the legendary Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK).
MIIA’s music has always been beautifully cinematic, often lending itself to placements across film and TV. Recently, her song "Beautiful Creature" was used in a worldwide Samsung commercial, and other songs have been featured in shows such as *The Kardashians*, *Vanderpump Rules*, and more. "Dynasty" has continued finding its way to the masses through features in Netflix’s *Love Is Blind*, a UNICEF climate change campaign, as well as through its organic virality on TikTok and YouTube.
"I want to make music that’s real because I truly believe that showing real feelings can make a difference—make us grow. We all have light and dark in us, and what I try to do is meld them together. I hope my music will help people find the comfort and courage they need to shine their own light in this life."
MIIA’s heartbreaking stories—and vocals—took the world by storm with her song "Dynasty," premiering on *Billboard* and hitting Top 5 in numerous editorial playlists on Apple Music and Spotify—like New Music Friday. "Dynasty" laid the foundation for the artist that MIIA had always dreamed of being—someone who brings people together. With "Dynasty," MIIA attained exactly that—a loving, dedicated fanbase from every corner of the world, increasing in numbers every day.
"My fans are extremely important to me. Without them, there would be no MIIA. I hope we will continue to be in each other's lives and that we, together, can unite people. I also hope I will keep trying my hardest to create a community for my beautiful creatures, where everyone can feel accepted, seen, and safe enough to be themselves. Everyone who believes in love, nature, peace, and equality is welcome."
Throughout 2024, MIIA has not only been exploring her musical expression but also used her voice more loudly than ever for the things she believes in. Making it to the finals in *Melodi Grand Prix*—the competition to represent Norway in Eurovision—MIIA made a huge impact both on and off stage. Her contribution, "Green Lights," and her magical live performance of the song went straight to people's hearts way beyond the borders of her home country. More importantly, MIIA seized the opportunity to advocate for causes she believes in.
"Being an activist is as much who I am as I am an artist. And my fellow artists and activists like Aurora, SZA, Elyanna, Macklemore, Nemahsis are who inspire me the most in everything that I do."
With a brand new, compelling live show and soon-to-be-released epic, eye-opening music, MIIA is more than ready to take on the fall. After returning to the live scene during the summer of 2024, plans are in motion for a mini-tour while she simultaneously works on her first full-length album.
"I have three main goals for 2025: release new music, finish my album, and perform live as much as I possibly can. I feel more ready than ever."