Mia Delamar Talks About New Album & How Themes Of Modern Love Inspired The Music
Intro:
Mia Delamar is an independent singer/songwriter from Atlanta who is featured in today’s interview article. She released her new album “Love Me…Not” earlier this month & the reception has been extraordinary. In addition to her impressive music resumé, Mia is well-studied in her craft after earning her Bachelor's degree in Music during her college years. These days, her fans respect & know Mia for her unquestionable versatility in the world of R&B. Before reading our brief conversation, make sure you check out this new single below.
Me: What was the creative process like while making this new record? How'd you get inspired?
Mia: I actually started writing this album during the pandemic as part of a personal challenge I created for myself called the "Quarantine Chronicles." I wanted to make sure I kept working on my craft while everything was shut down. That challenge led to the original versions of songs like "Cool," "Complicated," and "Personal." Once I had those early tracks, I really took my time with the rest of the project following the release of my EP ‘H.O.M.B.’. Sometimes I would sift through beats until I found one that felt right, and other times I would work with producers to create something that matched the image I had in my head. I tend to see the song visually before it fully comes together sonically. I will never forget writing the bridge to "The Drain" in a parking garage—right before going to see a movie, which I think was the live-action Little Mermaid.
Inspiration shows up in the most unexpected places. Most of my writing happens late at night—between 2 and 3 AM. That’s when the best ideas usually come to me. I always start by recording a demo in my home studio, just to get the structure down, work out any kinks, and build out background vocals. That way, when I get to the official studio, I’m not wasting time or forgetting any ideas I had in the moment. My studio sessions themselves are very intimate. I don’t like a lot of people in the room, so it’s usually just me and my engineer—and sometimes my parents or my brother. I like to keep the session focused, comfortable, and creatively open. I don’t even eat during sessions. It really is just a time to lock in.
My process is a mix of everything—random lyrics in my Notes app, voice memos I record while out and about, and handwritten lyrics in my song notebook, which I only write in using pink ink. Inspiration comes from literally anywhere: something someone says, a scene in a show, how I’m feeling that day... even just a phrase that pops into my head. Sometimes I write a song in 15 minutes; other times, I only get the hook or the bridge, and I know I need to step away and come back when the rest is ready. I don’t force it. I’ve learned to trust the flow.
Nice! Additionally, would you say that you draw inspiration from any other specific artists or genres?
In general, I look up to artists like Brandy, Beyoncé, and Missy Elliott, just to name a few. I have a deep respect for their work and everything they’ve contributed to music and culture. I hope to one day reach that level of greatness in my own way. At the core, I’m a student—always learning—and I truly believe that to be the best, you have to study the best.
When it came to "Love Me...Not," though, I didn’t go in with anyone in mind. I just started writing what I felt in the moment, and it all came together so naturally and beautifully. That said, you can still find traces of the icons I admire woven into all of my work—they’ve definitely shaped how I create, as well as my willingness to trust the process, take risks, and be bold in whatever direction the music takes me.
How would you describe your current style in your own words?
My overall style is Pop/R&B. Sometimes I will lean more into my Pop side than R&B side and vice versa, but I think I've always kept a clear idea when it comes to my genre mix. Each project, I continue to get better and better and solidify myself and my sound. I can't wait to see how I evolve.
For this new album, were there any core themes or messages you hope listeners take away after listening?
The album spans the nuances of love in the modern age. I talk about universal experiences of heartbreak, healing, self-love, and acceptance. In the beginning, you can feel what it is to let yourself fall and fall hard. In the middle, I hope listeners grasp the fact they you are more than enough and you deserve someone who will take you seriously, you deserve to take yourself seriously. However, by the end, you realize that there is only so much of yourself you can give until there truly is nothing left. Through this, I convey the hope in trying again and the beauty in the entire journey. Love is messy, exciting, scary, and can hurt, but the journey is worth it. Love, whether romantically or platonically, is all around us, and we all must learn the best ways to navigate it.
With that in mind, what was the most challenging part of executing this full-length project?
Having to pivot. So many things got thrown at me the last few weeks leading up to the release. When you're independent, everything is riding on you. If you don't do it, it won't get done, and that can be very taxing. However, working through this process only made me a better artist and businesswoman.
Also, where does your stage name originate from? Has it ever changed in the past?
My stage name is the name I was born with. I think it fits me perfectly, and it's not a common name. I think my parents just knew I would be a star!
That’s awesome! Your family clearly saw the vision early on. Are there any other upcoming releases or plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?
There will most certainly be some visuals and performances on the way. I can't wait for all of my fans to see it.
And finally, in your own words, why should a new listener check out this album today?
You should listen to my album "Love Me...Not" because it’s not limited to just one mood or emotion. Each song captures a different feeling, so no matter where you are in life—or love—there’s something on this project that will resonate with you. I poured my heart into every track, and my hope is that you, as the listener, can feel even a little bit of the magic I felt while creating it.
