Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mystique Niles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mystique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Yes, I do feel that my work is sometimes misunderstood. My lyrics take on more of a poetry format, and I think this type of songwriting can easily be misunderstood because it’s not a typical storytelling arrangement. My songwriting comes from a place of deep thought, and it might come across as random to some listeners. I encourage listeners to take the time to understand the lyrics so that they might find a connection to my music. Artists are much more than catchy melodies.
Our world is constantly changing, and what comes with that is new music from a different generation that experiences different things. I received some feedback from a song I wrote and they said, “Her songs don’t make sense.” As someone new to the industry, I naturally got frustrated because the lyrics made perfect sense to me. As I reflected on this criticism, it turned out the comment was from someone with generational differences. I realized that feedback came from a place they understand music to be. It was clear to me as to why they wouldn’t understand what I was writing about.
Most of my inspiration comes from Taylor Swift’s songwriting. I’ve found that people misread her lyrics as well. As an artist, I have a lot to learn about the music industry, songwriting, and being open to feedback. Being critiqued is part of being an artist, and I’m coming to terms with accepting that.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My creative journey began when my people started to see my potential. These people include my 6th-grade choir teacher who inspired me or my co-writer who saw my creative talent playing the role of “Maria” in The Sound of Music. An experience like taking the risk to write my very first song alone and then singing it in front of my whole class was a bold move for me. Once I understood that I could simply help someone else by expressing my feelings, I realized this is how I want to show up in society. I might not change the whole world with my music, but if I can impact just a few people, then that’s enough. I am learning the tough parts of the music industry like self-comparison and negative feedback; yet, I still dare to keep trying to make a difference, and I believe it’s worth the journey.
I am an artist who gravitates towards pop/rock music with a writing style focused on telling stories about real-life experiences. I believe music flows through the whole soul, so when I find a song that makes my body move and changes the energy in a room within seconds, I know I’ve found something that I deeply connect to.
What sets me apart from others is my compassion and love for others. As an individual, I always try to look for the best in people and situations. People have told me they like to be around me because I find the good in the bad. I am not afraid to ask for what I want. I am my own advocate.
I’m most proud of my efficiency, confidence, and will to succeed. Without those things, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish what I do every day. These types of characteristics are what will help me persevere when times get tough. I am being challenged in the industry, but I am ready for the adversity!
I want my fans to see me as a normal human being. The entertainment industry makes it very easy to set unrealistic standards for young adults, and I want to be a figure that embraces humanity imperfectly. The music that I put out there is meant for my fans to connect their stories to my lyrics, so they can have something to fall back on. I want my fans to fully express themselves, whether that be with the help of a joyful or angry song. ;)
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my opinion, the best way to support artists is to tell them that you love their art! When I receive random messages about a new fan liking my music, it lights up my whole world. Another way to support artists in a thriving creative ecosystem is to share their art with other people and express why the art impacts them. Music can be healing, it can provide safety, and it can provide exuberance. I encourage society to reveal how music speaks to them. Artists can grow when fans pave the way for them too.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
What I believe are rewarding aspects of being an artist are the fans and watching my vision come to life! Seeing people smile and sing my lyrics is the best thing ever! It makes me feel like I have impacted their lives in some way, and it makes me feel like an actual artist. Another reward is when people I don’t normally interact with provide positive feedback about my music. That type of feedback fuels my drive and brings a purpose to my career. I am very thankful for my supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://33f8491b-70a3-437a-840d-a8dff714226a.godaddysites.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYMEs2o4VjQUfQovqqMbo-xltfnRXIgQ0MuUJUPFJPeUDzCJymgntMXFyA_aem_sz9_lP6oq5_mpjD-7kVZew
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiq.ee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@originalmystique
- Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AxHU7FkRb2UxUYf7IYmkG?si=KO3oe3_5T4qA4bIadmypew
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/album/who-are-you-single/1699357306
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@tiq.ee
Image Credits
Paul Smith
Irene Smith
Chris Robotham