Today we’d like to introduce you to Miya King.
Hi Miya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I come from a family of music lovers. Thanks to them, I was exposed to the likes of Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Sade from an early age. As a teen, I fell in love with jazz music and became a nerd about it pretty quickly. After a couple of years at Spelman College, where I sang in the jazz ensemble, I spent a semester abroad to study at Ecole Normale de Musique, a conservatory in Paris. I then finished my studies at Berklee College of Music, rounding out a pretty eclectic music education. I left Boston to return home to Los Angeles and begin my career.
I started releasing music in the beginning that was R&B/Soul, and even a pop track called “Touch” that I had so much fun writing with a friend of mine. But I later realized that I was putting off releasing the songs that I felt most expressed who I was for fear of not being understood. I’m definitely a jazz/alternative girl and I’m finally facing those fears. My newest track “Selfish” was released in June of 2023. It’s a departure from my introduction as an artist. It’s brooding and introspective, and I got to play a lot with my writing and production style in a really fun way. The song is a preamble to my upcoming fully self-produced EP, A Quiet Room, that will cover themes of loss, new love, and missed connections.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bit of a winding road in terms of finding my sound. Partially because I didn’t see a ton of artists around me that looked like me doing the music I wanted to do. Seeing yourself represented can really help you visualize your place. I’m so happy to have finally arrived at a place where I can come out as a Black, queer, non-binary neo-jazz artist and claim that space. And I’m sure that the more I present myself as such the more I’ll find people like me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, producer, and composer. I’m inspired by a lot of early jazz greats and a wide variety of contemporary artists to create what I like to call neo-jazz. I am known for my unique fusion of new and old, my intimate and raw lyricism, and my sultry vocals. I’m definitely the most proud of what I’ve done with my upcoming EP, A Quiet Room, in embracing all those facets of myself and expressing my freedom as an artist.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the artist community in LA. It’s so large and connected that it’s easy to stay in a creative space. You’re not alone as an artist here and there are always new creatives to connect with who understand what you’re taking on with this path. My least favorite thing about this city is that it’s way too expensive. The sheer cost of living here is outrageous and it makes me seriously consider moving every single day! But my family and friends have been so supportive and that keeps me grounded and helps me move forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miyakingmusic.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/miyakingmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miyakingmusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kingmiya/
