featuring @mirahousey
Mira Housey is a dynamic producer, songwriter, and classically trained piano prodigy. Born and raised in Michigan, Mira had a strong passion for music early on. She went on to study music production at the University of Michigan where she learned new skills and gained broader knowledge of her craft. Following her studies, Housey took an internship in Los Angeles which quickly garnered her access to her first job within the music industry – working for Rick Rubin at his Shangri-La Studio in Malibu (her first day on the job she worked on a Red Hot Chili Peppers record). While getting to work alongside industry greats, she began releasing her own music on social media and quickly went viral due to her song challenges and production videos, showcasing her ability to merge musicality with compelling storytelling.
Following her viral success, Mira has been making her mark in the music industry writing and producing for artists including Lauv, Izzy Escobar, Jake Clark, Laura Marano, Dasha, Matt Hansen, Alex Sampson, and Faouzia. She also collaborates with acclaimed writers including Lauren Christy, Autumn Rowe, Shane Stevens, and Tommy Brown. Her debut single “Hold The Applause” amassed over 15,000 pre-saves and charted on iTunes and YouTube. Known for her sharp lyricism and cinematic pop sound rooted in her award-winning piano background, Mira’s work combines elegance, innovation, and emotional resonance.
Mira currently lives in NYC and outside of music; her interests include playing tennis, soccer, Pilates, weightlifting, yoga, running, tennis, fashion and cooking. She is passionate about giving back — donating to organizations such as Little Angels Service Dogs, Thirst Project, St. Judes Childrens Hospital, bringing awareness to Type 1 diabetes and women’s rights, and she has sponsored a donation drive at one of her music video shoots for the women and children’s shelter.
1. Mira welcome to OLC! Your sophomore EP Mirror was written, recorded, and produced entirely by you, and it tells the story of falling in love with life again. What inspired this deeply personal project, and how did releasing one song per month in real time shape the emotional journey for both you and your listeners?
I wanted to start releasing my journal entries in real time basically. You’re basically reading my notes app when you listen to Mirror, and releasing in real time has been such a fun and inclusive way to keep people in the loop on what’s been going on while simultaneously being as honest as possible. There’s no room to edit or backtrack on the emotion because I’m literally writing it as it’s happening, and that’s why it’s connecting with listeners now.
2. You went from studying music production at the University of Michigan to interning in LA and landing a gig at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La Studio—working on a Red Hot Chili Peppers record on your first day. What was the biggest lesson you took away from that experience, and how has it influenced your own approach to production?
The biggest lesson I took was that you can find creativity anywhere. Shangri-La has a very minimalist aesthetic to it, which Rick intentionally chose to allow an artist a blank canvas to create. When you’re starting with a blank canvas, you learn to tap into the deepest parts of your creative self.
3. Your social media song challenges and production videos helped you go viral early on. How do you balance creating authentic, behind-the-scenes content with maintaining the mystery and artistry of your music?
I actually don’t try to maintain much mystery to my music- I let the lyrics and sonic choices speak for themselves, but it’s already very honest. So, when it comes to creating BTS, it’s always come very naturally to me, which has been nice.
4. You’ve written and produced for a wide range of artists including Lauv, Izzy Escobar, Dasha, Faouzia, and others, while also collaborating with heavy-hitting songwriters like Lauren Christy and Tommy Brown. How does your songwriting process differ when you’re creating for yourself versus for other artists?
For myself, it’s always unplanned. I’ll get an idea at 2 a.m. and enter a creative tunnel, then by 4 a.m. the full demo is basically done. When it’s for others, I immerse myself into their world by tapping into my own personal experiences, so it’s kind of like sharing our worlds. But my same method of writing applies to both; I’ve always written solely based on instinct.
5. “Evergreen Avenue,” which you wrote and produced for Izzy Escobar, landed on the The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack. What was that collaboration like, and how does it feel to hear your music placed in major film and TV projects like All American and Home & Away?
Izzy and I always write so effortlessly together. I loved the first Devil Wears Prada so much, so I already had that world engrained. When the movie gave us the gist of the scene they wanted the song for, I sat at the piano, and we started improvising together, and it came together so naturally. Then later I added strings, production and the works. But our bones were so strong to begin with that it didn’t really need much. Film & TV placements of my songs have become one of my favorite usages because I get to see my songs build an entire world. I’ve always loved cinema and getting to be part of it now in the ways I’ve always dreamed is a very full-circle moment.
6. Performing an original song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is a huge milestone. What was that night like for you, and how did it compare to some of the high-energy tour moments you’ve had recently, like opening for Izzy Escobar or playing Bottle Rock Festival?
Jimmy is so kind and chill, which made the performance feel very fun and easy. I didn’t fully realize the impact that performance would have until my phone started blowing up with messages from basically everyone I’ve ever met. It was an improv song, so I was definitely more dialed into the actual mechanics of the song, especially since I hadn’t even played it once for another person yet. I actually did something similar on tour too; I’d throw in a last-minute new song on the day of a show or switch the setlist around. I try to keep it fun and engaging for people instead of an overly produced thing.
7. Your sound is often described as cinematic pop with sharp lyricism and a strong classical piano foundation. How does your piano background continue to shape the way you build tracks and tell stories through music?
Chord relationships to me are half the story. I’m using my piano for the songwriting just as much as I’m using the lyrics!
8. You’re currently on the road with upcoming shows at iconic venues like The Bowery Ballroom in New York and Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta. What’s been the most memorable fan interaction or live moment so far on this run?
Every fan has been so wonderful and welcoming. There have been so many memorable moments, but one that sticks out for me now is a letter I received from a fan about what the music meant to her. It was so beautifully written; it brought me to tears. I always go back to messages like that. It’s the whole reason why I do this.
9. Outside of music, you’re very active with tennis, soccer, Pilates, yoga, running, fashion, and cooking. How do these passions help you stay grounded and creative while navigating the music industry?
They’re so important, especially with the unpredictability of music. Having my grounding routines helps me stay on track. Plus, they’re fun!
10. You’ve been vocal about causes close to your heart, including Type 1 diabetes awareness, women’s rights, and supporting organizations like St. Jude and women’s shelters. How important is it for you to use your platform for giving back, and are there any new initiatives you’re excited about?
It’s the most important part, in my opinion. And yes, I have a few different projects in the pipeline right now that I’m excited about.
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- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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