Misty Miller is no stranger to TGA; since her very beginning at the sweet age of 15, we have been following her every move with a watchful eye. Now 21 and with a new single exploding its way through our radios, Misty has transformed into a real dynamite and an impressive force to be reckoned with. On catching up with the South London lady we got a real insight into not only her shining personality, but also what it was like to grow up under the heavy glow of the spotlight. As we talked tattoos, punk rock and record labels, Misty confidently poured her heart out, making sure we knew every little detail about her existence. She is excitable yet prudent, but one thing is for sure, Misty is heading places and she’s going to get there by being nothing but herself. It’s official, we are in love. 

“There is a constant pressure these days to be ‘ok’, which in my experience has been a challenge”; Misty muses on the subject matter of her new single. Indeed, Happy is as profound as it is infectious, which makes it all the more extraordinary. She continues, “We wear these rose tinted glasses when in fact life can be hard and painful… and that’s ok because we are only human!" 

Certainly, Misty’s acknowledgement of our mentality towards existence is one we all feel but are, perhaps, too afraid to say. The single demonstrates a real truthfulness that even on first listen really hits home. 

Astuteness aside, Happy is a lot of fun. “I guess I’m just hardcore,” Misty winks as we ask her what it was like to repeatedly shove lemons into her mouth for the new video. With over 56, 000 views, it is controversial, erratic and superbly entertaining; acting as a window into Misty’s thrilling delinquency and in keeping with the candid nature of the single’s subject matter.

In comparison to a young Patti Smith, tartan skirts, red lips and knee high socks are at large. It’s erotic without making you cringe and sexy without anyone taking off their clothes. Overall, it’s a refreshing video, with a rawness and energy that is getting us all anxious for the rest of Misty’s creations. 

The single is a far cry from the acute teenager we saw six years ago, but it certainly feels like we’re now witnessing the real Misty; one who is all grown up, ‘happy’ and ready to rock n' roll. Despite this natural growth and development of Misty’s music over the past few years, the personality and warmth of her new material can be traced right back to the very beginning of her career. She ponders, “I still want people out there to really feel like they know who I am as a person and the ethos I have on life”.

And certainly, the intimations placed throughout her music lead us deeper into to her world and allow us to fathom her extraordinary attitude and character. And she’s the same in person too, which is deeply warming. Upon simply asking about her stick and poke tattoos, we get a playful answer, full of personal information and sincerity, “The first one was on my left wrist by my first boyfriend and drummer, Dan”. She explains, “He left the band to carry on drumming in the Fat Whites which he had been a part of long before we met each other”. 

Part of Misty's charm is her dedication to the London music scene and her allegiance to south of the river. She explains, “Nothing beats the inspiration you get from the people you work with and see on a daily basis. There is a night on a Wednesday called Easycome in Peckham and it’s like a little family”. Misty goes on to confess, “Without that crowd of people I don't know where my roots would be so I am very thankful to have found it”. 

There is something so delightfully arty and progressive in imagining Misty and her acquaintances dressed a la mode, discussing music in a dimly lit bar, that it’s easy to understand the dexterity of her new single. But away from the subtle nuances of trendy bars, comes a message of seriousness, one that Misty is determined to stay committed to. She sighs, “ We won't let the community that's been built just get destroyed”. 

Indeed, the gentrification of Brixton is a constant fight for its locals and the air of troubled resentment runs rife amongst its streets. Just as we have come to expect her to be, Misty is reliably tenacious about saving her community, “Us artists may seem lackluster about a lot of stuff going on in the world today, but keeping the places where we're so firmly rooted to, is of big importance”. She finishes on a whirlwind of hope, “And haven't most of the best movements in music come from some kind of struggle”? She has a point. Not only this, but we've no doubt that Misty could save us all, should she be so inclined. 

The world needs more Misty's; un-phased by her popularity and fully focused on what she wants to achieve and whom she wants to influence, it is refreshing to see someone so young with their head firmly screwed on. 

Now, flashback to when Misty first started, the days when her youthful dulcet tones were compared to the likes of Laura Marling. Although the references to rock and roll were clearly there, (see, Ginger Rogers), she was very much put in a ‘folk oddity’ box, almost written-off, by some, as just another Polly Scattergood try-hard. But nowadays, we would like to see anyone dare to try and contain her within one genre. Misty is punchy about her fruition, too, “A lot changes in five years. Especially ages 16 to 21! So of course my music has evolved”. She continues with a beaming spark in her eye, “The people I’ve met, the things I have gone through, the relationships I’ve had, and the musicians that have inspired me have all played a role in the development of me not only as an artist, but as a person”. 

Undeniably, her latest single, Happy represents the sound of a focused woman, one who now knows exactly who she wants to be and how she wants to sound and we can’t wait for the next album to surface. 

Furthermore, Misty should be celebrated for achieving such a progressed sound at her young age, undaunted by the challenges she’s faced and the media attention she has received, “It’s hard enough growing up and going through adolescence but going through that under scrutiny from the industry has been even harder”, she comments.

Indeed, we know exactly where we are with Misty’s sound, because it evidently represents her charisma. It feels like she’s won a battle and is now revelling in the conquest. As a final comment, she adds, “Looking back, I wish I’d waited a little before I got signed. But saying that, a lot of the music I am most proud of was created in rebellion towards my label”. 

After talking to Misty we really grasped that to her, portraying a true image of herself, is of utmost importance. She now has her integrity, her growth and a new record on the horizon, and from what was perhaps a moment of turmoil (familiar in most teenagers), has come strength, confidence and comprehension, all of which resonate over her new single.

 

Judging from what we’ve already heard, Misty’s new album is going to be one to remember. It’s a big deal for this diamond-in-the-rough and has been made from an abundance of love and hard work. The single, Happy is accomplished and entertaining, allowing Misty’s punk-rock persona to shine through. Misty is a real star; she’s battled media scrutiny, label pressures and teenage life, coming through it all as an accomplished and well-rounded woman. We wish her all the success, not that she needs our help, it would seem.