Introducing The Compassionate Mysie
Genre-smashing experimentalist, Mysie, is an artist daring to diverge from the box the industry tried to shove her in. A London native, this musician started her career when she was only sixteen. Only, then she was called Lizbet Sempa, a soul singer-songwriter with a rich and rooted sound that is far from the artist she is today. Her music relies heavily on her African roots, influenced mostly by her Ugandan grandfather, who was an acclaimed jazz musician.
In her current work, she is inspired by the whimsical stylings of Thundercat and N.E.R.D, and particularly by a song titled “On the Level” by Mac DeMarco, which pushed her to develop her own sound. Her songs focus on relationships: their growth, their development, and the journeys that each person within that relationship must go through on their own. Even though she is so early in her career, this artist is already receiving accolades. She is a spark just waiting to ignite. Her sound is buoyant and pure with a chilling edge that you just can’t pinpoint…but makes you want to listen to more because of it.
We got to chat with the songstress about everything from her track ‘Heartbeat’, her debut EP Chapter 11, and more…
Your new latest track Heartbeat is fantastic! Where did you pull inspiration from when creating this song?
Heartbeat is about the day-to-day struggles within a relationship. It’s about knowing you have a choice to grow with or without that person. When creating this song, I was heavily inspired by two albums, ‘I Created Disco’ by Calvin Harris and Anderson Paak’s ‘MALIBU’. I just loved the sounds, melodies, the nostalgia, and that’s really what I wanted to bring to this track.
The imagery for the video is insane, did you have a specific idea in mind when coming up with the concept?
I sing about the feeling of ‘butterflies’ so, Me and Duran Abdullah (Director), spoke about what this means and how different that sensation can feel in various life experiences. It can feel exciting and beautiful yet dark, sinking, and unhealthy. Duran drew from these different feelings to create scenes where I could express myself in different ways. The common link throughout is the use of ribbons, which are symbolic of the connection to yourself and the power held by the people you connect with. Some links you can cut and some you can’t, but it’s all beautiful.
Your debut EP, Chapter 11, is a beautiful piece of work. What was your creative process while making the record?
These songs were written more or less around the same time I was discovering myself as a person. At the time, I didn’t love myself, and I didn’t see my worth nor value. Chapter 11 really was about starting fresh. These songs are really a collection of epiphanies and moments in my life where I learned a lot about myself and the people around me. Sonically, I came together with Duncan Pym, and it was such a journey getting to where I am now with my sound. We wanted to make a record that completely represented me, my foundations, and my influences.
Which track off the EP is your favourite?
‘Doves’ is my favourite track on my EP because I just loved working on the chords and rhythm. It just exudes drama and has a very ethereal side to it.
What’s your routine when you’re writing new songs?
I go to my piano and start playing with different chords and rhythms. From there, I add a melody and gradually form words. Depending on the mood of the song and where I take it, it always comes from a personal place.
How would you describe your sound?
Ethereal, Experimental, Bold and Colourful.
Is there an artist or genre that has shaped you as an artist?
Jamiroquai. They are my favourite acid-jazz band of all time. Their music makes you feel something that you can’t quite describe. I love groove, I love rhythm, and I love mad chords and Jamiroquai are a huge inspiration.
What are your top three goals you want to achieve with your music?
To be able to create and play music every day. To connect and perform to listeners around the world and then to release my first album.
Make sure to check out Mysie new video for her track Heartbeat below…
