Miranda Easten Only One Interview

New Zealand's very own country singer-songwriter, Miranda Easten is back releasing her new powerful and inspiriting love story, "Only One"; following the success with her first single, Cowboy Lullaby which is still gaining attention jumping to #16 on the Australian Official Top 40 Country Music Chart. "It's an uplifting song about proclaiming an unbreakable love for someone, when it feels like no words are adequate or worthy enough," Miranda says. "I'm a sucker for love and other people will find the song very relatable. It's a classic love song."

"Only One", which premiered with Rhythms Magazine, was recorded with world-renowned Greg Haver (Kimbra and Melanie C) at Roundhead Studios in Auckland. The new track will appear on the Christchurch-based musician's debut album, set for release later this year. Collaborators on the project include Greg Haver and New Zealand band, Tiny Ruins. The production is multi-layered, featuring a team of amazing musicians contributing electric guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and omnichord parts for the track. Written in under an hour, Miranda says working on the track with Greg and the team at Roundhead Studios was amazing. "I had to keep pinching myself," she says. "I had a lot of input into the single and, even though it was the first time we had worked together, Greg knew how I wanted it to sound."

Finishing her studies doing the Contemporary Music & Performance at Ara Institute of Canterbury Music Arts, there is no doubt that Miranda has a burning passion for music. In 2014, Miranda formed a duo called The Manuka Set with Vanessa Kelly, who had three #1 hit singles in New Zealand during her time in NZ group Deep Obsession. Miranda has also worked alongside New Zealand singer-songwriter and producer Greg Johnson who is based in LA. Miranda was the executive producer for his album, Swing The Lantern, and collaborated with him on both Stay and Stars & Dreams, released in 2019. Recently, Miranda has been mentored by Sacha Vee, founder of SOLE Music Academy, who has been helping her establish herself as an artist and to bring her vision to life.

Interview with Miranda Easten

Question: How would you describe your music?

Miranda Easten: Alt Country with an unconventional perspective on everyday stories.


Question: Can you tell us about Only One?

Miranda Easten: Only One is the latest single release from my upcoming album. It's an uplifting song about proclaiming an unbreakable love for someone, when it feels like no words are adequate or worthy enough. I'm a sucker for love and many people will find the song relatable. It's a classic love song.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Miranda Easten: Hope, optimism and beauty.

Question: Has Covid-19 influenced your music?

Miranda Easten: It's delayed the finishing of my album and limited touring options.


Question: What was your first performance?

Miranda Easten: My first public singing performance was in September 1997 when I sang in the Christchurch city square as part of a candlelight ceremony lamenting the death of Diana Princess of Wales. I remember it being an emotional and surreal experience.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Miranda Easten: Neil Finn, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Miranda Easten: Emotional connections with friends, family nature and my surroundings.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Miranda Easten: I have two go-to playlists that I play in the car depending on how I'm feeling. The first one cycles through Lana Del Ray, Jewel, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Eva Cassidy, Colbie Caillat and Dolly Parton (to name a few)

And the other playlist has like Duran Duran, Crowded House, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Crosby Stills & Nash, America, Huey Lewis, Dragon,


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Miranda Easten: My hopes and fears about the industry are challenged constantly, but the joy of making music always overrides the struggle.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Miranda Easten: The constant quest to be creative, to maintain inspiration and to stay true to my goals.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Miranda Easten: Walk the dogs, write songs, read books.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Miranda Easten: The creativity of the studio, how everyday inspires a different musical perspective and the beauty and terror of live performances.

Question: What's next, for you?

Miranda Easten: Finishing my album, planning for shows in New Zealand shows and post Covid touring in Australia.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Miranda Easten: Instagram  
Facebook  
Website  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort