Review Fix chats with singer-songwriter Mia Rose Lynne, who discusses her new LP, “Follow Me Moon,†which is set for a Jan. 15 release. Discussing her sound, creative process and goals for the future, Lynne lets the world know why she’s a special performer.
Review Fix: How did your childhood influence your sound?
Mia Rose Lynne: My parents have a western swing band and they used to make me sing harmonies with them on gigs! We also went to bluegrass festivals every summer up in the redwoods in northern California. I grew up listening to roots artists like Alison Krauss and James Taylor but also was surrounded by classical, jazz, and musical theatre. All of those flavors have seeped into my sound.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite song of all-time? Why?
Lynne: It’s impossible to choose, so I’ll just name one: “I Know You By Heart†by Eva Cassidy (written by Diane Scanlon and Eve Nelson). The melody is unique and hauntingly beautiful (as are Eva’s vocals) and the bittersweet lyrics are honestly simplistic, yet so moving. When I first discovered this song, I drove an extra half hour out of my way to just listen to it and sob in my car.
Review Fix: What was your creative vision for the LP?
Lynne: I wanted it to be fairly stripped-down to stay true to the heart of the songs.
Review Fix: What do you think makes you special?
Lynne: I think having a background in theatre helps me connect emotionally to the songs.
Review Fix: How do you want this LP to be remembered?
Lynne: People remember and interpret things in different ways and I can’t control that… but for me, I will always remember this collection of songs as one that reflects a special time in my life of redemption, hope, and giving love a second chance.
Review Fix: What are some acts that have had an influence on this LP?
Lynne: Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss, Joni Mitchell, Mandolin Orange, Brandi Carlile.
Review Fix: Who are some of your favorite musicians people might not expect based on your sound?
Lynne: Legendary pop divas like Whitney Houston — I only sound like her in my dreams!
Review Fix: What are your goals for this LP?
Lynne: First and foremost, I hope these songs reach people and that the songs resonate with them and move them. I also hope it opens doors and is the start of new adventures! For example, I’d love to explore the world of film/TV song placement.
Review Fix: What’s the standout song on this LP? Is there a story behind it?
Lynne: It’s hard for me to be objective on this but my instinct is to say “Follow Me Moon,†the title track. As a child, I believed the moon was following our car at night and when we got home I’d always say, “The moon followed us all the way home!â€Â The song has a desire to rekindle that childlike wonder and innocence — a wish to feel taken care of and to recognize a meaning/purpose. I named the album after this track because I feel its joyous yet melancholy tone embodies the rest of the songs as well.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Lynne: I am looking forward to doing some touring to support this release (follow my Facebook artist page to stay updated on shows or go to www.miaroselynne.com) — so far I’ll be in TN, CA, NC, SC, and IA. I’m also a musical theatre performer so will be finishing up “How The Grinch Stole Christmas†at the Grand Ole Opry and starting “Chicago†at Nashville Repertory Theatre in February!
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