New York City-based Canadian neo-soul singer-songwriter, Miranda Joan has released her single, “Girlfriend”.
In this single, Miranda Joan examines the notion of labels and relationships in the 21st century, and how she values herself above an assigned relationship status. The track brilliantly features a clip of the venerable Eartha Kitt declaring “STUPID! A man comes into my life and I have to compromise? Think about that one again!”
Check out “Girlfriend” below and if you like what you hear, you’re in luck, her upcoming EP, Windborne will be released in Spring 2021, so stay tuned.
Find out more about Miranda Joan via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello readers! My name is Miranda Joan and I’m a singer-songwriter. I was born in Montreal and grew up in Vancouver, and have spent my time between Vancouver and New York over the past 8 years after completing an undergrad in Jazz Vocal Performance in NYC. I spend my days in music and lyrics because that’s what I love, and when we are in non-COVID times, I also make my way as a live performer. I co-founded a jam session called Femme Jam: NYC’s first all-female led jam session, and believe in the importance of fostering community and inclusivity wherever you land.
Tell us about your new single “Girlfriend”.
My latest single “Girlfriend” is a rejection of labels and the ways in which they can both limit our own experiences and define the ways we experience each other. We often prize relationships as the ultimate goal, but in my view, this is a piece of life. And especially for women, I think it’s important to say that our value and our identity are not defined by a relationship. This song was my way of examining ownership versus partnership in a relationship and a reflection on the ways in which that messaging is communicated to women.
Can you tell us about your music and writing style?
I like to say that my sound falls within the greater soul-bowl. I am influenced by jazz and a lifelong love of soul, pop, and R&B. I am also a big reader and love to write, so when I made the discovery in high school that the words in my journals could be transformed into song, it was a game-changer. I was hooked! My writing style has been mostly autobiographical and the process of songwriting has served as an outlet for everything I hold inside, and in that sense, quite healing. The flip side is that it can be intimidating to be vulnerable, but I share my stories in hopes that they may provide others with some comfort and connection.
How have you been keeping creative during the pandemic?
If I’m being honest, it has been rough! My life, and especially my industry as it relates to live performance, was turned upside down and I can’t say I was motivated to be creative at the beginning. The world was forced to isolate and paired with an important cry for social justice, it was hard for me to focus on much else. That being said, I have the privilege of mentoring some young people, and a turning point in this pandemic was when one of my 17-year-old girls reminded me that, when I was ready, art would be there for me. And she was right. It was. And I’m so grateful for her, the reminder, and music. Because once I surrendered to the reality of what was going on, it turns out I had a lot to say about it. I’ve used the time to finish my first album “Windborne” which will be out this spring and have been writing a lot working on what will come next. I think this time has forced us all to slow down and take stock. There has been a lot of time to think about which things will be worth rushing back to when it’s safe to do so and also where we may need to pivot. My love goes out to my fellow artists who have been going through it this time!
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so please tell us who your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists are.
There is a ton of amazing Canadian music but if I were to make a shortlist of contemporary artists I’m listening to right now, I’d have to say that I’m a big fan of Pomo’s productions, Anomalie, Kaytranada, and Charlotte Day Wilson. I recently did a performance for RBCxMusic’s First Up series in support of emerging Canadian artists, and the two other performances on my day were by Joseph of Mercury and NOA and they both slay, so shoutout to them as well!
Connect with Miranda Joan:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram