by abby crabill
photo by giulia mcgauran
Mia Rodriguez is a singer-songwriter based out of Sydney, Australia. She adds her own flare to the dark-pop genre through alternative indie inspired tunes and quirky music videos to accompany them. Despite being so young, she has already been named “Best New Artist” at The Sailor Jerry Rolling Stone Australia Awards. As of recently, Mia has also officially signed with Atlantic Records.
Mia's latest song, “Billion Dollar Bitch” featuring Yung Baby Tate, has been released alongside the music video. It's safe to say that Mia Rodriguez has taken her early success as it comes, and isn't planning to slow down anytime soon as she continues to learn and evolve.
Can you tell me a little bit about what got you interested in the dark-pop genre of music?
Mia: “I’ve always loved creepy stuff. Songs, cartoons, movies... big Tim Burton fan here. I enjoy turning the spooky visuals I see into music! I just think it’s so cool.”
You have experience with social media such as TikTok and Twitch. What is it that you enjoy about social media?
M: “I’ve always loved interacting with the world. I’ve never really travelled out of Australia before. I went on a cruise around Asia once, but I was young and didn’t really absorb it too well. So it’s just interesting to talk with people internationally!”
Can you describe your new song, “Billion Dollar Bitch?”
M: “I wanted something the gals and gays could pump up to (and anyone else of course, no judgement here). I also needed a song to pump up to. So now I’m releasing one! I’ve gotta make my fans discover their inner boss bitch.”
What was your experience getting to collaborate with Yung Baby Tate on “Billion Dollar Bitch?”
M: “I thought it was really cool to finally collab with another artist! I haven’t gotten the chance to do that until now. It was a bit challenging because she lives in the US and I’m all the way in Australia, but this is why social media is just so handy. I needed a bad bitch to jump on a bad bitch track, and she’s just so talented!”
If you didn't become a musician, what do you think you would be doing right now instead?
M: “Probably an actress. Anything in the performing arts. No one can drag me into the dark, I need that spotlight! Jokes aside, I enjoyed doing theatre in high school. I just really love ‘putting on an act’ and being someone else for a bit. It’s really interesting.”
What do you consider one of your greatest achievements so far?
M: “Probably the ‘Rolling Stone Best New Artist of 2021’ award. First ever award I’ve gotten in my life! [laughs] It made me feel accepted in the music industry. Very surreal moment. It also had some ice on that thing! Pimped out diamond ring, insane.”
What is one goal that you are still working to achieve?
M: “Having that ‘breakthrough’ feeling. Being able to tour all around the world and to give my supporters love. I think I’ve got everything set up, I just have to stay consistent and to keep learning and evolving!”