We recently connected with Qiana Miles and have shared our conversation below.
Qiana, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
After graduating undergrad with a Music Degree in 2011 from Kentucky State University, I made the decision to continue my education pursuing a Masters Degree in Entertainment Business at Full Sail. The program would eventually move me to Orlando, FL. It’s 2012, I made the move to an area where I knew no one and I had never been this far away from home before. Huge risk! Barely any money, my only source of income was through a stipend (Refund Check) for school. But, God made it happen for me! Faith carried me through. After completing the Grad program at Full Sail, I began to seek auditions and work within the Orlando area. I put myself out there to network, meet, and collaborate with so many performers and artists who were on a similar path as me. Taking those risks and stepping out on faith lead me to a 10 year, and growing, performing career in Orlando, Performing Full-Time at Disney in various shows including Festival of the Lion King, being a frequent called upon singer for major Disney studio sessions, and so many other opportunities. It also connected me with friends who would then help me produce my debut EP, “New Wave”. I grew creatively and personally by taking this risk, getting a chance to see a glimpse of my potential. I say glimpse because, although I’ve had numerous opportunities and success over the years, there’s still room to climb higher and dream even bigger. That is the new wave I am on.
Qiana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been singing all my life. I started singing at 3 years old in church in my hometown of Dayton, OH. Growing up, my mom saw my love for singing and performing so she nurtured it as best as she could. Placing me in voice lessons, community plays, and summer performance camps in the city. I graduated from a performing arts high school, went to college for music, and upon completion of Grad school, in 2012 I officially became a full time performer.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, everything shut down. My industry was forced into silence. Oddly enough, that’s when I began to find and love my voice, who I had become, and the vision of who I wanted to be as an artist moving forward. This is something I’m most proud of because, I took that time to focus on me and the purpose that was being laid before me. I used to write music all the time in high school but, never released anything out of insecurity. But, the pandemic released me from those insecurities and excuses and placed me in a position to do the work and move in confidence to navigate my ultimate dream of being a Singer and Songwriter.
All of this birthed the artist I am today and has inspired my music and debut EP, “New Wave”. I’m no stranger to sacrifice, taking music seriously since I was a child has developed a discipline in me to put my priorities first. However, stepping into being an independent artist opened my eyes to an even greater level of discipline and sacrifice. Even through a pandemic with minimal work access, I was still able to fund my projects all out of pocket. That was all God showing me I’m right where I need to be doing exactly what I need to do. So, here I am now, planning my first solo show as an artist. “The Makings of Qiana Miles” will be a live performance of my original music, along with some covers of artists that inspire my artistry. The show takes place September 16th, 2022 in Orlando, FL at Timucua Arts Foundation. I’m so excited to share in depth, my journey and introduce who I am as an artist to not only the Central Florida Community, but the world.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The music industry has always been intimidating for artists. Getting and maintaining the rights to your work, publishing, and being respected for the art of who you are, all while fighting to be properly compensated your worth and hard work. You can help support artists by actually purchasing their music or their work! Most beginning independent artists don’t have a big financial backing, so every cent counts when it’s being spent and when it’s given. Even Live Performances, there are a lot of factors that go into providing the best live experience possible. Respect the artists with fair pay, purchasing their tickets to shows, and merchandise.
If you love music and have a specific artist that you feel drawn to and would like to see them excel, invest in them. Every little bit matters. In addition to financial backing, present to them opportunities to shine and share their music on social media. The industry is so different now and ever changing. Artists have to be proactive in the direction of their careers and it’s so helpful when the listeners and fans are supporting in the most effective ways. It becomes a joint effort and celebration of the success.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is hearing the testimonies of the listeners and feeling the impact your music has made on them. I’m a believer in the message that music is universal and it’s healing, when done authentically, with taste, respect, and pure love. The stories of overcoming depression and suicide from listening to my song, WTF (Worth The Fight) will never get old. Hearing how my second single, “I Need You Here’, has helped start the conversation in a marriage and turned the idea of divorce to reconciliation through therapy, is mind-blowing and touches my heart. As an artist, it is a beautiful gift to put to words and melodies the feelings that someone couldn’t quite explain. But, once they hear your song or see your art, they feel a connection and that you’re speaking directly to them and their situation. It’s a beautiful experience, I pray to forever share.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.qianamiles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qi_sings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QiSings/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/qianamiles
- Other: https://makingsofqiana.eventbrite.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sing_qi Listen to New Wave now on all Digital streaming platforms: https://linktr.ee/QianaMiles
Image Credits
Images by: EAS Photography and Design: @photographyeas_ Photography by Nathalie Gaines: @epiphanyimage Jonathan James Photography (@jonathanjamesphotos)