Mia Pisano, an ‘Australiana Americana’ taking over Naarm

Australian country music artist Mia Pisano (she/her) is taking Naarm and soon the world (especially Nashville) by storm. The folk singer and songwriter is forming her own path in the Australian Music landscape.

Mia is a bubbly persona based in Naarm who just had her recent television debut on Channel 31 for ‘By Popular Demand’ brought on by Monash University’s Sir Zelmen Cohen’s School of Music. 

Mia Pisano is truly a talent few and far between. She sells her heart and her story into each song. Mia’s songwriting, heavily influenced by her 14 year old self, hearing Carrie Underwood; is flirty and candid - Mia will tell you how it is in plain and poetic terms. Mia is bringing this fresh Aussie accent into her sliding guitar, mandolin and upright bass - speaking of her tales in an upfront and frank way. Her vocals are those of a prowess as heard in her latest single ‘Sunshine Coast.’ 

Sunshine Coast is the perfect introduction to her ‘Australiana Americana’. We hear of the latest coastal ‘F*ck Boy’ and are immediately abrupt to the country blues and epic vocalisations of the one and only so called Australian soul.  Mia is playful and forthright in her lyricism and captivates through an unexpected and candid recollection of her experiences of womanhood. Her latest gig at ‘The Retreat Hotel’ featured balloons and decorations of the Murri (Queensland) coast. Inviting the listener to a world of storytelling and bespoke artistry, she herself is an undeniably quirky and energetic source of light.

Mia is far and above her age; soaring above expectations and will take the unexpected listener into the world of country music and out the tunnel of creative storytelling. I was lucky enough to have a lively chat with Mia on her music, where she told me me a little bit about Sunshine Coast.

“It’s a witty little waltz about someone walking out on a potential relationship, but keeping you around as a plan B. It’s scathing, lighthearted, and a little country. I wanted to pay homage to the cleverness and rebelliousness of artists like John Prine, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly.”

When thinking of who her music is for, Mia pictures her listeners as:

“Women and hypersensitive people, anyone who has been wronged by a man or experienced the deepest pits of heartbreak. The kind of person who could journal until their hand falls off.”

How did you fall into the world of country music and folk? 

“My parents taped a CMC special on Carrie Underwood when I was in primary school. From then on I was infatuated with storytelling music and desperate to go to Nashville. I think you’d be surprised if you looked through my Spotify now though. It’s mostly Kim Petras and female rage (lots of Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos).”

Do you feel confident in the Naarm music scene? Is it hard or are there challenges you face?

“Men who say and do stupid shit at gigs. Sometimes they just roll their eyes, and sometimes the sound tech interrupts your set to give his unsolicited advice.”

If you could, what would you change about the scene in Naarm currently? 

“I wish artists would actually get paid. Getting paid 10% of the bar sales should be abolished. There is so much more venues can do to compensate artists and still make money. Music is work. Buy tickets! Buy merch!”

For your dream gig with you headlining, who else would be on the bill?

“In my wildest dreams, I’d love to be on the same bill as Waxahatchee. But, I’ve already had the privilege of hosting one of my favourite local artists this year. Her name is Possum, and her EP “Possum Bitter” is fucking stunning and so clever.”

Any more releases, gigs etc coming up?

“I'm slowly but surely piecing together a short EP. This collection of songs will be a little more gut-wrenching than ‘Sunshine Coast’.”

Listen to Mia Pisano on spotify here and follow her socials @miapisanomusic to keep up to date with upcoming gigs!