Mia Porter – Meditating In Asia (2023)
In 2021, singer-songwriter Mia Porter emerged as one of the more interesting upcoming artists with her debut EP okay. She found her way to the Brussels-based music magazine Highclouds, but her influence did not begin and end there. From Belgium to the USA, the UK, France and her native Netherlands, Porter has received coverage from music publications, radio stations and playlists. This is my introduction to the Dutch musician, so come with me as I jump into her single ‘Meditating In Asia’.
Following her 2021 EP okay, ‘Meditating In Asia’ is Mia Porter’s first release in two years. This could be due to whatever – honing her sound, focusing on gigs, or just taking a break – the fact is, she has returned stronger than ever. Unlike the mishmash of indie-folk and alternative pop in her previous releases, ‘Meditating In Asia’ has sonic cohesiveness within the tunnel of cinematic obscurity. This is not to say okay is completely bizarre, merely that ‘Meditating In Asia’ has the taste of sophisticated sonic evolution for Mia Porter.
For me, Porter’s off-kilter vocals are reminiscent of Björk; however, an insatiable eclectism within the hushed vocals brings a hypnotizing uniqueness to the song. Wistful and whimsical, ‘Meditating In Asia’ is a cinematic landscape of kaleidoscopic swirls and perfumed fog carried in soft synths. A slice of horns breaks through at one point but still the song is a flood of mellifluous sounds. Interestingly, just as gentle and comforting as the melody is, it is the vocals that pull at your heartstrings in a pure, honest, and barebones way.
Serving as a prelude to her upcoming full-length album, set for release in 2024, ‘Meditating In Asia’ is more than a string of moving sounds in sequence. Serene and tranquil with a slash of raw honesty in the melody, she oscillates between the lightness of a sonic cloud and the darkness of the mire of despair. Porter explains:
“It’s a heartfelt exploration of the intricacies of a potential heartbreak where I try to maintain a sincere tone while infusing it with a comic familiarity.”
For more from Mia Porter, check out her Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more amazing avant-garde singles on The Other Side Reviews Avant Garde playlist:
