Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mia Bella Hardy.
Hi Mia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Albany, GA. After graduating high school, I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. I had always been into the arts (music, drawing, poetry, writing, etc.), but SCAD kick-started my music journey. During my freshman year, I struggled badly with separation anxiety, and I didn’t make many friends.
It wasn’t until I was introduced to the Black Student Association that I could meet and collaborate with other music artists. I met people who were already well into the music production scene, and this is when I could start working on my projects. My first song, “#FEVER,” was recorded in a SCAD dorm room. My first full project, “PAIN,” was recorded while I was obtaining my B.F.A. in Advertising and Branding. I released PAIN in 2018 and have been doing different live performances ever since.
I have been singing since I was young, and I have been dancing since high school. It wasn’t until I made it to college that I gained the confidence to combine the two. I am absolutely happiest when I am on any stage performing, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and knowledge I gained while in Savannah.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been easy. A lot of artists’ talents are overlooked when there are others who are more popular. Popularity sells more than talent nowadays. There is also a lot more that goes into being an artist than people realize. If you are not where you need to be financially, or if you don’t have the necessary support, you may not make it.
If I am being completely transparent, I was able to record my project because I had the assistance of school refund checks. Once I stopped having the extra money, I had to take a break from recording. Not every gig is a paid one. Artists must have money to book studio time, pay sound designers, and pay engineers. We have to be able to pay for any video we may or may not need and pay for editing. If we want to have a show, you have to be able to pay for the venue, maybe pay a band. You have to pay for advertising and promotion. You have to be able to afford your clothes or costumes, get your hair and nails done.
It costs to be a performer. Being an independent artist is rough because you are trying to do everything yourself. Yes, there are opportunities to sign different record deals, but how do you know who you can and cannot trust? Especially as a brand-new artist who hasn’t even hit 20 years old yet. This can be a lot and easily deter you from music.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I fall in the singer, songwriter, and performer categories. My music genre is R&B. I grew up in the church, which makes my music stand out a little bit more. You can play certain songs of mine, and even though they are R&B songs, they scream “church girl.”
You can both feel and hear the organ in the music. You can feel the soul in my voice. I am happy that I could start singing songs of my own. One of the best feelings in the world is hearing people sing your song lyrics word for word.
Before we let you go, we have to ask if you have any advice for those just starting out.
For anyone just starting, my advice to you is to believe in yourself and stay true to who you are.
Do what makes you happy. Have faith in yourself, and don’t let anyone deter you from following your dreams. I wish someone had told me sooner to let go of people’s expectations of me and to truly follow my heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/thatgirlmiab
- Facebook: facebook.com/thatgirlmiab
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/MiaBellaHardy/
- Twitter: twitter.com/thatgirlmiab
- Other: fanlink.to/PAINbyMiaBella
Image Credits
Jamel Overstreet, Kendrick Carter, and Belinda Vickerson
