We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mina Aevum. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mina below.

Hi Mina, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’ve had so many regular jobs. All that I have excelled at quickly and can practically do in my sleep. They are so boring and unfulfilling. I get small opportunities to be creative within them here and there and am always praised. Currently still working a part time job. I don’t think about what it would be like to work a regular job. Instead I fantasize about the day when I am invited to jump at an opportunity that will propel me into a life where music and art supports me fully & I never need a regular job again!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello world, I have been building my own called “Tenderland”. At first it was a space reserved just for me to feel safe. I would run there with my headphones and sing to escape my present reality. My tumultuous childhood- early adulthood was not the beautiful world I may have come from in a previous life. I quickly learned what sounds soothed me and how to take images that enhanced the beauty in what others may see as mundane or uninteresting. Including myself. The internet quickly became a tool for me to use to get others to “see what I see” & allow me to express myself and give life for all the other people who may not have the words for how they feel. My proudest moments are when people message me and tell me how many times my music has held their hands. I truly feel isolated and like I come from a different planet most times but i’m having a human experience too. I have so much love to give & it’s nice to know that there are people on the other ends of this screen receiving it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’m still unlearning a lot. When I was younger I had so much confidence and was the magnetic force I wish to be today. I was always performing and singing and dancing and joking even bc I enjoyed the attention. It felt like love. It was external validation from adults peers, family but quickly tarnished and began to feel like a chore. I felt like I had to perform for love. That I wasn’t worthy of love unless I was the version of myself that sometimes came at the expense of honoring my true self. A product for consumption. The spotlight got hot and even caused jealousy and resentment in a lot of my relationships even family members. I turned to drugs and thought that I was destined to join the 27 club and burnout like a lot of stars do. It’s a lonely path. I had the most friends when I was the worst version of myself/ under the influence. I romanticized it and figured it was just “rockstar lifestyle” I’ve been teetering on the balance of wanting success in this industry and loathing it because of the culture we are now seeing brought to light via Diddy etc. I remember losing a Disney singing contest to a toddler gyrating on stage (I was 12) It’s been very disheartening growing older every year and feeling like my value decreased each year that passed but I guess the lesson I’ve learned is that I have to love and value myself. Create for me and protect that little girl inside me while honoring the woman I am and potentially lead the charge into the new era of entertainment and music. One without the misogyny abuse of power and exploitation of artists.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Every day is proof of my resilience. Even this interview. (thank you) I will never give up on my dreams and I hope to inspire others through my work. Honestly considering writing a book because the things I’ve endured and overcame are tremendous. I have to remind myself often. Things could have turned out very different for me but I am grateful that I have stayed to this path, while difficult at times, will be worth it in the end. <33

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/minaaevum/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tendertones
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minaaevum
• Twitter: https://x.com/tendertones
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@minaaevum
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tendertones
• Other: Thank you for allowing me to be vunerable! “Eclipse” on all streaming & “Cold Tender Nite” for annual alternative holiday vibes.

Image Credits

Damien Borja

Sarah Rodda

Dan Gillespie