Mia Rebel, multi-disciplinary singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and entrepreneur, has composed and performed a contemporary anthem for international human rights. In her poignant, yet infectious, declaration of independence she sings, “It’s about the right, to walk around this whole wide world anytime I want to.” Rebel ingeniously repeats this phrase over and over, making it sound fresh each time she sings it. She never crosses the same river twice. With soulful inflections and nuance, she implores us to sing along and join that walk around the world, in lock-step with her groove.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Mia Rebel about the latest release (Any Time I Want To), surviving lock downs, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I was born in Georgia and I was raised in New York City & Air Force Bases across America. (Some of which were McGuire Air Force Base, Langley Air Force Base & Travis Air Force Base.)
My music has been described as “The Music Of The People”, “World Music”, and “Popular Music”. It is music that touches the heart and is enjoyed by multitudes of cultures from ages 1 – 91.
I would describe my style of music as music w/ depth, heart, and soul.
Wrapped up with fun, Easy-going and meaningful Lyrics.
I like to call my music “The People’s Sing-Along Music”.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Life, my love of being prolific, and music is what brought me to this destination and inspired me to pursue my passion, and to succeed in the entertainment industry.
My direction has always been embedded with breaking new ground in musical sounds, and the appreciation that there are no limits in music.
I write about joy, pain, togetherness, and solutions. This is the platform that inspires me to write about “truth”. That is what gears me up to resonate great sound and to uplift our music of the future.
The foundation of my music is based on my vocal and musical training from my mother and my aunt; both teaching me the elements of greatness in music.
They taught me about the styles & techniques of groundbreaking artists such as: Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Lena Horne, Marlena Shaw, Gladys Knight, James Brown and so many more, those who gave me my “grass roots” musical ear.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)?
My latest project is comparable to my previous releases, I strive to be consistent, Finance and budgets are going well with regard to this latest project too, so I can focus on my music – which is my passion and allows me more momentum and freedom for creativity.
Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Well I would say, I set out to keep “my specific”, or what I call “my constant”. I’m pretty committed to following my heart when writing and producing music.
What I create & express to the masses must be positive, authentic, genuine, and consistent with what I stand for.
To me it’s about being able to create “feel good” music…music that touches the heart and the soul.
This is what I am continuously committed to.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I would say technology would be one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced.
Somehow, I prevailed by asking questions and by learning as much as possible, organically.
Still, I have much to learn about the ever-evolving musical technology and I am open to that.
For me I’ve always stayed heavily connected with my colleagues in music.
Doing so, created a path within the music industry that has been quite positive, and enable me to adapt to changes and overcome challenges.
In 2022, my latest release “Anytime I Want To”, on Sonic Portraits Album “Art Of Protest” is #1 on the Roots Worldwide Contemporary Jazz Charts.
During this unprecedented time, my relationships with both the creative side and the administrative side of the music industry have grown tremendously too. And with that growth, more projects & opportunities were offered and became even more accessible to me. Quite frankly because of my commitment to my music, I didn’t have a choice.
I adapted by staying persistent and unwavering in keeping the spirit of my connection with my musical allies open. Also, by relentlessly creating new & valuable opportunities in the Music/ Television/ Film Industries, which also continue to adapt and change in these times.
I kept the creative fires burning during all of this by always including my musical family & the musical community in my projects. It is so important to do, especially now. I will always continue to connect the team of musicians & allies I’m honored to work with through the years as my formula of succeeding through the quick pace changes of both music and of our world.
What was the last song you listened to?
Stevie Wonder – Innervisions
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I say Yes to all of them;)
I love them all. I appreciate the evolution of music and musical technology.
I’m also grateful for the opportunity to have physically been able to touch and enjoy vinyl, 8-Tracks, cassettes, CDs, MP3s and now streaming.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
The best place to connect with me and follow my journey is https://anytimeiwantto.com
and via social media. I encourage people to reach out and connect too!
Mia Rebel Social Media
Twitter: @MiaRebelBMI
Instagram: miarebel8
Tiktok: @miarebel1
I really appreciate Your time. Thank you!
I really appreciate you as well. I had a great time, thank you.
