After originally making her mark with her stunning debut single 'Don't Know Love Yet' in 2022, her first release since being a contestant on The Voice Of Romania, emerging singer-songwriter Daria Mirea now makes her eagerly-awaited return with her new offering 'Before It Gets Dark'.
Capturing more of that sweet and tender folk-pop aesthetic she first arrived with, 'Before It Gets Dark' makes for a wonderfully warm and inviting listen. Brimming with heartfelt textures, a soaring atmosphere, and her mesmerising vocals at the helm, she returns to the fold with a beautifully captivating new gem here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’ve always mainly been a vocalist. I took up singing when I was 8 and joined a musicians’ circle in my hometown, which led to getting involved in singing contests and shows throughout my childhood. It wasn’t until 2020 that I took up guitar and discovered my passion for songwriting.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up I listened to a lot of soul. I remember Etta James being my favourite, I used to cover “At Last”, “All I Could Do Was Cry” and “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” on the shows and contests I was involved in, which strengthened my passion for powerhouse female singers like Christina Aguilera or Beyonce. Their versatility and powerful vocals have deeply shaped my musical taste growing up.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember my dad owning a Janis Joplin album that fascinated me as a kid - it captured some of her greatest hits which I learned to appreciate from a young age. However, an album that truly speaks to me is Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”. Her music has an unparalleled cinematic quality, and this is an album I will always return to.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell adds new layers of meaning with each listen and it will always be a wonder to me.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
One thing that I stand for both as an artist and in my personal life, is encouraging people to be more in touch with their emotions. Facing feelings allows one to process those emotions, and, ultimately, heal. Songwriting is my way of processing thoughts, reactions, and impressions and it is a very fluid process. I never plan when I write, it’s whenever someone or something captures my attention and I discover that I have an opinion about it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I discovered Yebba three years ago and I haven’t stopped listening ever since. “Evergreen”, “October Sky” or her rendition of John Mayer’s “Age of Worry” are songs I include whenever I perform live - it’s not everyday you find tunes that can take you through so many different emotions. Her incredible vocal ability and unique way of pouring her soul into a song is something that deeply inspires me as an artist.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Not to take you by surprise, but, Yebba.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
That it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a journey that doesn’t always have immediate results, and you need to learn to enjoy each step of the way. It’s taught me so much about the importance of resilience, perseverance, and honesty, and for that I am grateful. It’s also a means of connecting with people to a deeper level - if at least a person is touched by the music I make or perform, to me that’s worth a million.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Sometimes I’d rather it was just a sprint, and I think that’s only human. Self-doubt and perfectionism are a part of the journey and I’m learning to embrace that along the way.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Put yourself out there. Go to that event, reach out to that individual, and drop that e-mail to that local venue. And never be ashamed to show who you truly are. It is in instances where we play our talent down that we lose the most.
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Daria Mirea's new single 'Before It Gets Dark' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.