We were lucky to catch up with Mia Rio recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

During the 2020 pandemic, I saw an ocean of people turning to depression when faced with losses, suffering, and the lack of human interaction due to the lockdowns that we all went through. I also wondered how all the individuals who suffered through domestic abuse were doing during that time, the people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, and everyone who didn’t have a way to escape their tough reality during that time. I saw people’s mental health deteriorating even more. We were all forced to face ourselves for who we are and handle the emptiness so many have inside. It became even more evident to me what I’ve known for a while, that the world is hurting and doesn’t know how to heal. I didn’t want to have that same end. I’ve always known to take refuge in God so I spent most of my free time praying, singing to God, and allowing his presence to visit me and comfort me. I spent a lot of time learning about God’s mind and heart by reading the Bible, and tried to give a listening ear to anyone around me who I could tell was struggling. I wanted to help others heal if I could the way I’ve been. This full attention I gave God in 2020 made me so full and fulfilled that year! A river of inspiration flowed from within me and I ended up writing 10 songs of which 7 became part of my first Contemporary Worship album titled WRSHP, which was just released on March 1, 2023, on the streaming platforms. This album is super special to me because expresses my celebration and appreciation for the one thing that kept me standing when the whole world was down: Jesus. I’m sharing the album with the world so it can help them get the same outcome I had.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve been involved in Music and Acting since my childhood years but didn’t think about doing it professionally until my early 20’s. I was signed to a couple of indie labels at that time, explored other avenues in music independently, and now landed “home”, singing songs to God and about God to people to encourage them, inspire them, help heal, transform, save, whatever is necessary for them to connect with God and live a legitimately fulfilled life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s reading and hearing about the impact my music causes. I like hearing that way more than about how talented I am. I’ll never forget this message I read once of someone sharing with me that she hadn’t spoken with her dad in long years but after listening to one of my songs, she was encouraged to ask him for forgiveness and restart their relationship. I’ve seen people being healed from depression because of my music, people encouraged to use their gifts for a greater purpose after watching me on social media, and people striving for a higher standard of life because of what my values inspired in them. Everybody inspires something in someone but what an honor to be someone who inspires these kinds of things in people. I don’t take it lightly. What you see and hear is really who I am and what I believe in.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society will support what reflects either who they are or what they crave, their carnal desires. My dream is to see a society that craves healthy content and thrives in wholesome ecosystems, which in turn, will generate healthy and wholesome art. A comedy bit doesn’t need to be crude to be extremely funny. A song doesn’t need a vulgar edge or use disrespectful controversies for shock value to be exciting and so on. A movie doesn’t need to be gory or have semi-porn sex in it. Kids’ films don’t need to perform witchcraft spells to be captivating. These are just formulas people use because it still sells. We indulge in them voluntarily. We created the monster.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miarioonline.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miarioonline
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miariomusic
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/miarioonline
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/miarioonline