For nearly a decade, MIIA has built her reputation on fearless emotional honesty, crafting songs that explore heartbreak, healing, and the complexities of being human. From the enduring impact of “Dynasty” to the deeply personal narratives that have defined her catalogue, the Norwegian artist has never been afraid to confront difficult truths. With her latest single, Necessary Evil, however, she steps into new territory—pairing her trademark vulnerability with the pulse of UK garage, speed garage, and club-focused production.
The result is a track that feels both intimate and expansive, blending emotional storytelling with an undeniable sense of movement. Beneath its sleek, dancefloor-ready exterior lies a deeply personal reflection on love, loss, self-discovery, and the difficult choices required to remain true to yourself. It also serves as an important introduction to Huldra, MIIA’s forthcoming album inspired by Scandinavian folklore, female empowerment, freedom, and the pursuit of self-love.
In this conversation, MIIA discusses the evolution of her sound, the emotional experiences behind Necessary Evil, the mythology that shaped Huldra, and why she believes the most powerful art emerges when people are brave enough to tell the truth—even when that truth is uncomfortable.
“Necessary Evil” introduces a darker, more club-oriented sound for you. Was there a specific artist, scene, or moment that inspired this sonic evolution?
I’ve loved this type of music ever since I was a kid listening to Britney, Miley Cyrus’ “rebel” album Can’t Be Tamed, Rihanna and so on. The last couple of years though I’ve been super inspired by female artists like Tove Lo and PinkPanthress, who truly dare to go outside the box. I’ve really allowed myself in my music, now, to experiment with different genres and expressions.
Your vocals on this track feel both intimate and powerful. Did recording this song require a different emotional mindset compared to your previous releases?
Appreciate that! No. What’s important to me, or what I believe always makes a song the best it can be, is to be as honest as possible in the singing and storytelling. So I try to focus on the words, and letting my emotion really come out through those words. At the same time, I have to use a lot of body strength to sing the actual notes. Probably sounds like a lot to think about at the same time, haha. Which it is! So the key is to find a balance, where you don’t think too much, still you’re concentrated, but your in the music. If that makes any sense at all
UK garage and speed garage are genres deeply rooted in movement and atmosphere. What drew you to those textures and rhythms creatively?
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So it was my producer who brought me this track! He knew that I’ve wanted to do a song like this. I love dancing. And the last couple of years I’ve been taking up dancing and putting it more and more into my music videos and live performances. So it makes sense to have some more upbeat songs where I can express that side of me. I also love combining this musical expression with super emotional lyrics.
You’ve built your career on emotional honesty. Do you ever feel vulnerable sharing such personal experiences through your music, especially on songs like “Necessary Evil”?
I almost always feel vulnerable. Every day. But also strong! I feel like I’m growing more open and vulnerable, and more stronger and confident, every single day. Bit by bit.
The phrase “necessary evil” can mean different things to different people. What do you hope listeners take away from the message behind the song?
Absolutely it can mean different things. And that’s how I hope people can interpret it (in the way that feels most real to them). To me however the phrase has a specific meaning. I was in a relationship for almost 13 years. We even got married. No matter how happy we were or how deeply we loved each other, I realized a painful truth, that perhaps I didn’t want this life we had together enough. The worst part was that I ended up hurting him, who had been my best friend and partner for so long. In many ways I wish things would have happened differently, for his sake. Because hurting him was the worst thing I ever did. However, one way or another, I had to choose myself. Hence the title “necessary evil”
Nearly a decade after “Dynasty,” the song is still connecting with millions of listeners worldwide. Why do you think that track has had such lasting emotional impact?
I think it’s because of the true story it carries. “Dynasty” was about my aunt and uncles breakup. Which was very hard on them both—and on me. The three of us were very close, and creative collaborators. So it was a real heartbreak. I think people long for music with this kind of brutal honest sentiment. That is why I write the way that I do today. I write about really difficult stuff. Taboo themes that people usually don’t dare to talk about. I believe, that talking about the hardest stuff makes us more open and understanding, and ultimately more loving, towards each another. We’ve all made bad choices in our lives. Judging others, not knowing their whole story, is something I think we can all work on. I believe in more grace and love <3
How has your relationship with music changed from when you first broke out at 17 to the artist you are today?
When I was 17, I was listening to a bunch of different genres (still do that), and I was told that I had to solely focus on pop, and basically eliminate all my others influences. After releasing Dynasty I was also competing on the highest level really, which put a lot of pressure on me. I was only a raw talent and not really cut out for the “big game” yet. I am a much more trained singer now, although I know I have so much more room to grow still, which I now find exciting. 17 year old Mia was not excited to grow. She wanted to be the best right away, and when she couldn’t be that, she basically hated herself and lost all confidence. It took a long time to heal certain wounds. But it was worth it. Now, I have so much more FUN with music. I let myself play, and I listen to my gut.
You’ve spoken about creating a safe and inclusive artistic universe for your fans. Why is emotional openness such an important part of your identity as an artist?
It’s just who I am. Not only as an artist, but as a human. I see myself a bit as a healer—it feels like my purpose in this life is to be this open, vulnerable, yet strong, presence, or mirror even, for people to recognize themselves in.
Your upcoming album “Huldra” is inspired by Scandinavian folklore and themes of freedom and self-love. What first connected you to the mythology behind the album?
Growing up in my small town in Norway! Kragerø has over 400 islands and one of them, Jomfruland (directly translated it’s ´virgin island´), is a place I spent a lot of time as a kid. Being out on this island I heard stories about huldra. There was also this a famous Norwegian painter (one of my favorites), Theodor Kittelsen, who’s many paintings are from this very island. I fell in love with this fairytale world. It always felt so familiar to me—especially huldra, although I was kinda scared of her as well (which makes more sense now that I understand her, as a woman). Huldra was always feared by others because 1. she couldn’t be controlled, and 2. her powers. I used to be afraid of myself too—both my “good” and “bad” qualities. I was afraid to do wrong. All I wanted was to do good, be a good girl, the “perfect woman”. My album, instead, allows us to be flawed. It’s a journey toward self-love, freedom, and the death of shame.
Was there a particular turning point during the creation of “Huldra” where you realized this project would be different from anything you had made before?
I feel like I knew that from the start. I just wanted this project to be as me as possible, and at the same time, as universal as possible, so that anyone could recognize themselves in it. Which I believe it has achieved. And I can’t wait for people to hear it
Spike Stent mixed “Necessary Evil,” bringing a huge sonic polish to the record. What was it like hearing the final version for the first time?
Amazing! I feel honored he wanted to work on this track
Many artists separate emotional music from dance music, but your new single blends both worlds together. Why do you think emotional storytelling belongs on the dancefloor?
Dancing is pure emotion. Deep, human emotion. And story! I admire dancers so much. I think it is so courageous how dancers share these emotions, that come from deep within them, through their bodies and faces. That is showing deep vulnerability—and strength—at the same time. I’m trying to do put that into everything I do.
Your fan community, the “Beautiful Creatures,” seems incredibly personal and loyal. What’s the most meaningful interaction you’ve had with a fan recently?
Wow there are so many… People fr telling me every single week how my music saved their lives. Or how my music is the biggest light in their lives. I recently had someone who wrote me this: «I love everything about what you’re doing. Your music, your energy, the way you share it, it’s all so real.» That is all I ever wanna do. Share something real. So I texted this person back on TikTok, and we had a beautiful conversation. I am always very open in these conversations with my beautiful creatures, and they open up, back to me. It is truly so beautiful to me, how “strangers” can be vulnerable like that, with one another.
Visually and sonically, this new era feels cinematic and immersive. How important is world-building to you when creating music?
Thank you for saying that. The world-building is almost as important to me as the music itself. I am a storyteller, so it all goes hand in hand.
Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners will understand about you after hearing “Necessary Evil” and eventually experiencing the full “Huldra” album?
That I am love. And that they themselves, are love. We are all love, regardless of our “mistakes”. No human is perfect. But we must choose love. I am not looking for sympathy in any way. I am not writing these brutally honest songs to explain myself, or for people to feel sorry for me. I have written these lyrics, and made these songs and this album because it was real. This was/is my life. These are the things that happened. I hope it can inspire others to dare to own their own story. Even the darkest parts of it.
Connect with MIIA: Spotify, Website, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, Facebook
