Behind the Scene with MIRARI
As part of our interview series featuring exciting artists either from, or with an affinity to Cardiff, we explore Behind the Scene with songwriter, producer, and performer, MIRARI. Accompanying each article is a specially commissioned photo set by Ren Faulkner.
READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH MIRARI
What was the first artist, album or song that made you fall in love with music?
Micheal Jackson in general. But I would probably say Dirty Diana was the first song I fell in love with and from there I never looked back.
Are there any unexpected sources of inspiration that influence your work?
Yes, I love The Weeknd and Kanye West but for me it’s less about the music and more about everything around it – the world building. The desire to immerse you into their vision and the universe that the music lives in.
If you could choose any 3 artists in the world to perform at a future Cardiff Music City Festival, who would you pick?
Source, Adjua & Small Miracles.
Is there a part of Cardiff that feels particularly tied to your music or personal journey as an artist?
Yes, old Porters (before they moved). That building needs to be preserved as a monument to Welsh music, so many acts had their artistic development, discovery and journey go through that building and that stage.
What is your most fond memory of a gig in Cardiff, either one you have attended or performed, and what made it so special?
I just performed at Jacob’s Basement for Sŵn 2024 and it was made special just because of the connection I felt with the audience. We were in step from start to finish.
Which Welsh artists do you think are doing exciting things right now, and deserve people’s attention?
Small Miracles for sure!
If you could collaborate with any artist or producer, who would you choose?
Minas – he’s a pillar in the community and needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap!
Your previous album was called ‘The Last Cowboy’, what inspired the concept?
The concept was that I felt like I was the last (few) of a dying breed. A breed that gave everything to whatever they set their heart to. A breed willing to break convention in order to create the world they want to see.
You previously performed solo with a DJ, and then started collaborating and performing live with members of Cardiff-based band ‘Small Miracles’. How did that collaboration come to be, and how has it influenced your approach to music since?
We met at the Summit for Beacons. We were both on the bill and were impressed by each other’s set. Since then, we became friends and the collaboration just happened naturally. They have definitely influenced my approach to music by thinking bigger, thinking grander!
WHO IS MIRARI?
Mirari is a Cardiff-based songwriter, producer, and performer, whose music is a unique blend of R&B, pop, and alté sounds, characterised by dark, moody aesthetics and deeply introspective lyrics. Mirari’s live performances are equally impressive, having performed on stages at Cardiff Music City Festival, New Skool Rules ( Rotterdam) and Sorviev (Norway).
LISTEN TO MIRARI…
