jnj: You are a classically trained singer and have performed with the Philadelphia Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Bonn Orchestra amongst others. What has led you to change the music style and to become a soul singer?
Mia Miata: The transition from classical to jazz/soul was not as difficult as one might think. Singing classical music is a great training tool for any vocalist. It teaches you diaphragm control, phasing, breathing techniques, and the ability to sing without the use of a microphone. But to answer your question more directly, Classical music didn't speak to my soul the way jazz/soul music did. However, through classical music I learned the importance and the beauty of voice and instrumentation and I united that premise with jazz/soul music.


jnj: How do you feel as an independent artist who's free to write and record her own songs in her own style?
Mia Miata: Being an independent artist is empowering and frustrating at times. I love the creative freedom to express my art from the heart and not limit my creativity to the industry norm. I am speaking from my heart and many listeners may be able to relate to my message. The frustration comes into play when my exposure is limited by my independent funds. Being a new artist lacking the luxury of a big label's marketing power, industry connections, and support makes it a difficult field to play in. The word "Independent" is true to its name, which also means independently funded. I am greatly moved by fans who really appreciate my artistry.


jnj: Would it be an option for you to sign with a major label and maybe risk the loss of your artistic freedom and where do you see the advantages or disadvantages as an independent artist?
Mia Miata: My preference is to join forces with a larger label with major distribution, connections, and marketing power while keeping my identity as a free-thinking, creative, and thought provoking artist. My utopian theory may seem far fetched and I understand there may be some compromises, but I believe that there are more advantages than disadvantages than compromising one's art.


jnj:You've recorded the album together with Kendall Leonard who plays all the instruments on Urban Arias as well. How did you team up with Kendall?
Mia Miata: My project actually started as a three song demo. Kendall Leonard answered an ad posted in a local music store. While shopping my demo to several record labels and receiving no responses, I decided to proceed with an album. Kendall and I shared similar theories of music and had great chemistry. It was a wonderful mix which led to the birth of my style: Jazzy Soul.


jnj: Please tell me what does "Jazzy Soul" means to you and why you've invented this label for your music.
Mia Miata: "Jazzy Soul" was just a creative way to describe my sound and style. It is mixture of piano, vibraphone, acoustic bass, flute, saxophone, flamenco guitar, and strong vocals. "Jazzy Soul" is a hybrid, if you will, of Jazz, Soul, Traditional Spirituals, and R&B. The sound is a rich stew of melodies, harmonies, and colorful textures blended with the attempt to tempt ones musical pallet and to savor the sound and for the "Jazzy Soul" experience to resonate and linger long after the music has ended.
"Urban Arias" was intended to set a new standard in urban music, pushing the limits instrumentally, vocally, and lyrically. The instruments were precisely chosen to exude the vibrations of life, energy, and universal love. As an artist, I presented my opus to the world unsure of the reaction, but sure that it must offered as a gift for enlightened listeners.


jnj: Your lyrics are very thoughtful. What inspires you to write your songs?
Mia Miata: Life experience brings an abundance of ideas for lyrically content. Ideas for songs often fall from within my emotions, spiritual beliefs, and visions from others. These are times when I must stop to record the thoughts that come in time. I am a student of life, and I am always looking to the lesson presented in life's challenges. Life inspires my music. "Music is my religion."


jnj: On Heavy On Your Mind you're paying homage to some of your musical heroes. Who has influenced you the most musically?
Mia Miata: My musical influences range from Puccini, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Stevie Wonder to the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Phyllis Hyman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nina Simone, and Rachelle Ferrell. The great operatic divas such as Maria Callas, Marion Anderson, Leontyne Price, Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman have also been a great influence in terms of vocalist with big voices and amazing techniques. My love for both jazz and classical music influenced me to somehow merge two loves, and thus creates new life: "Mia Miata's Urban Arias."


jnj: Are there any people who have influenced you on a spiritual level or influenced your way of life?
Mia Miata: The spiritual guidance of Jesus the Christ, The Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, Paramahansa Yogananda, Gandhi, Martin Luther King and the practice of yoga, chanting, and meditation has brought me to a higher conscious realization. I believe that life is a journey and throughout that journey, we are to learn the lessons that will help gain a higher level of consciousness. I am a student of metaphysics and universal law. My hope for humanity is that we will stop letting dogma and tradition separate us and let love and compassion unite us all as children of the Almighty Creator.