Mia Isobel Wray-McCann (born 28 October 1995), known professionally as Mia Wray, is an Australian pop singer, songwriter and musician from Noosa, Queensland.
Mia Wray | |
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Born | Mia Isobel Wray-McCann 28 October 1995 Sunrise Beach, Noosa, Queensland, Australia |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2011–present |
Awards | Full list |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments | |
Labels |
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Website | miawray |
Born and raised in Noosa before later relocating to Melbourne, Wray rose to prominence after winning the 2011 iteration of Telstra's Road to Discovery Program. She independently released two extended plays, Mia Wray (2014) and Send Me Your Love (2016), before releasing her debut single "Work for Me" in 2020.
Wray began her career performing soul, blues and folk music, with her musical style later shifting to encompass genres such as pop and bedroom pop whilst retaining soul influences. She has toured with the Rubens and the Teskey Brothers, and is scheduled to support Vance Joy on his Long Way Home Tour in 2022.
Wray signed to Ivy League Records in January 2021 and received nominations for Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year at the 2021 AIR Awards, Best Solo Artist at the 2021 Music Victoria Awards, and placed second in the Performance category at the International Songwriting Competition.
Early life
editWray was born Mia Isobel Wray-McCann[1] in Sunrise Beach, Noosa, Queensland,[2][3] on 28 October 1995,[4][5] the daughter of Carolyn.[6] At the age of 11, Wray's parents inherited her late grandfather's piano, and moved it into Mia's bedroom upon discovering it was the only room of the house big enough for it.[7] Wray learnt to play it from that age onwards, and began to write songs in her adolescent years.[2] She would later learn to play the guitar through video lessons on YouTube.[7]
Wray completed her senior secondary education at St Andrew's Anglican College in Peregian Springs, Queensland.[8]
Musical style and influences
editWray began her career in 2011 as a folk-pop and acoustic artist,[2][7] citing the Beatles, Paul Kelly, Bob Dylan, Pete Murray, Laura Marling, and Gabrielle Aplin among her sonic influences.[8][9] Wray described herself at the time as a soul, blues and folk musician.[8] Wray has listed Gabrielle Aplin, Coldplay, Paul Kelly, and Bob Dylan as being several of her favourite musicians.[7] Wray has since shifted to more pop-oriented music,[5][10] drawing influence from Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey and Maggie Rogers.[11] Her music has been additionally described as bedroom pop,[12] blues,[13] folk-pop,[14] indie pop,[15] and soul.[16]
Wray can play the piano, guitar, the harmonica and the foot drum.[7]
Wray's music has received favourable comparisons to that of Lorde, Meg Mac, Vera Blue, Florence and the Machine, and Adele.[5][17]
Career
edit2011–2019: Breakthrough and Mia Wray
editOn 3 December 2011, Wray was announced as the joint finalist of the 2011 Telstra Road to Discovery talent development program, alongside Andrew Redford from Maroochydore, Queensland.[3] On 24 January 2012, the pair competed in the final of the quest, held during the 40th Tamworth Country Music Festival.[18][19] On 13 February, Wray was announced as the recipient of the Telstra Road to Discovery People's Choice Award.[20] Wray signed with Mushroom Records following her People's Choice Award win.[2] On 2 July 2014, Wray released her debut extended play Mia Wray.[2] Mia Wray was recorded in Gippsland, Victoria over five days and was produced by Greg Walker.[2] A track from the EP, "Where I Stand", was featured on the soundtrack for the film Midnight Sun (2018).[21] On 5 October 2015, Wray performed at the Caloundra Music Festival.[22] On 22 April 2016, Wray released her second extended play Send Me Your Love. Send Me Your Love was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, with production from Brad Jones.[23] The same day, Wray performed as the opening act for former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton at Red Hot Music, in Devonport, Tasmania.[24] On 17 February 2017, Wray featured on French producer Aslove's cover of Corinne Bailey Rae's song "Put Your Records On".[25]
2020–2021: "Work for Me" and "Never Gonna be the Same"
editOn 9 May 2020, Wray appeared as part of online music initiative The State of Music,[26] where she performed Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" alongside Kate Miller-Heidke, Mahalia Barnes, and Missy Higgins.[27] On 13 September, Wray's debut single "Work for Me" was premiered on Triple J's 2020 program with Richard Kingsmill.[28] "Work for Me" was officially released on 16 September, alongside an accompanying music video.[29] Triple J described the song as having "stomping percussion, electrifying brass and empowering AF songwriting".[5] On 28 September, Wray was announced as the Triple J Unearthed Feature Artist on Triple J for that week.[11] On 24 October, Wray was announced as one of the acts scheduled to perform on the premiere of the second season of Australian live music program The Sound.[30] On 31 October, Wray performed on the 32nd edition of Isol-Aid, an Instagram live music festival created during the COVID-19 pandemic.[31] On 1 November, Wray performed an a cappella version of "Work for Me" from Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne for The Sound's season two premiere.[32] On 20 November, Wray featured as a backing vocalist on the song "Blue Bird" from Something for Kate's seventh studio album The Modern Medieval (2020).[33] On 20 January 2021, Ivy League Records announced that they had signed Wray to their roster.[34] The same day, she released the single "Never Gonna Be the Same".[35] "Never Gonna Be the Same" was added to rotation by Triple J on 25 January 2021.[36] On 27 February, Wray supported Something for Kate at the Summer Sounds Festival at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.[14] On 9 March, Wray announced her debut headline tour, a four-date residency at the Northcote Social Club, in Northcote, Victoria.[37] On 9 April, Wray was announced as a support act for the Teskey Brothers' concert at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne, held in support of the band's live album named after the venue. The one-off concert took place on 21 April 2021.[38] On 22 April, Wray announced her first east coast tour, in support of the single "Never Gonna Be the Same".[15] Throughout April and May, Wray supported the Rubens alongside Alice Ivy on their national Live in Life Tour.[39] On 4 May, "Work for Me" placed second in the Performance category at the 2021 iteration of the International Songwriting Competition.[40] On 2 June, Wray was announced as a nominee for Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year at the 2021 AIR Awards;[41] alternative rock band Spacey Jane were later announced as the recipient of the award on 5 August.[42] On 3 June, Wray released the single "Needs".[43] On 13 September, "Work for Me" was shortlisted for Best Song at the 2021 Music Victoria Awards.[44] On 4 November, Wray was announced as a support act for the Oceanian leg of Melbourne musician Vance Joy's 2022 Long Way Home Tour, alongside the Rubens, Thelma Plum, Middle Kids and Budjerah.[45]
2022: Stay Awake
editOn 19 January 2022, Wray was announced as one of the performers at the 2022 Australian Open.[46] On 30 March, Wray premiered the single "Rerun" on Triple J's Good Nights program with Bridget Hustwaite.[47] "Rerun" was released later the same day.[48] Alongside the release, Wray announced a four-date residency at the Gem, in Collingwood, Victoria, which were scheduled to take place on 14, 21, and 28 April,[49] before they were ultimately cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances".[50] On 10 August, Wray's single "Evidence" was premiered on Good Nights with Bridget Hustwaite,[51] before being released the same evening.[52]
In November 2022, Wray announced the forthcoming release of EP Stay Awake, scheduled for release on 10 February 2023.[53]
2023: Monster Brain and Europe Tour as Support Act
editOn 19 April 2023, Wray released her single Monster Brain. In May 2023, Wray accompanied Maisie Peters on tour as a support act. During this tour, she performed in Antwerp, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Cologne.
In October 2023, Wray released a new single titled "Tell Her".[54]
Personal life
editDiscography
editExtended plays
editTitel | EP details |
---|---|
Mia Wray |
|
Send Me Your Love |
|
Stay Awake |
|
Singles
editAs lead artist
editTitel | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"Work for Me"[29] | 2020 | Non-album singles |
"Never Gonna Be the Same"[35] | 2021 | |
"Needs"[43] | ||
"Rerun"[48] | 2022 | Stay Awake[53] |
"Evidence"[52] | ||
"Stay Awake"[53][55] | ||
"Monster Brain"[56] | 2023 | TBA |
"Delete" (featuring Dean Brady)[57] |
Mushroom: Fifty Years of Making Noise (Reimagined) | |
"Tell Her"[58] | TBA | |
"What If"[59] | 2024 | |
"The Way She Moves"[60] |
As featured artist
editTitel | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"Put Your Records On" (Aslove featuring Mia Wray)[25] |
2017 | Non-album single |
Guest appearances
editTitel | Year | Artist(s) | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"Where I Stand"[21] | 2018 | Various artists | Midnight Sun (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
"Blue Bird"[33] | 2020 | Something for Kate | The Modern Medieval |
Filmography
editTelevision
editYear | Titel | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | The Sound | Herself | Pre-recorded live performance of "Work for Me" | [32] |
The Sound | Herself | Live performance of "Slipping Away" alongside Marcia Hines, Didirri, Andy Bull, and Russell Morris | [61] |
Music videos
editYear | Titel | Director(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | "Work for Me" | Cybele Malinowski | [17] |
2021 | "Never Gonna Be the Same" | Grace Cardona | [62] |
"Needs" | Gilda Jones and Giulia Giannini McGauran | [63] | |
2022 | "Rerun" | Triana Hernandez | [64] |
Concert tours
editHeadlining
edit- Northcote Social Club Residency Tour (2021)[37]
- Never Gonna Be the Same Tour (2021)[15]
- The Gem Residency Tour (2022; cancelled)[49][50]
Supporting
edit- Live in Life Tour – the Rubens (2021) (with Alice Ivy)[39]
- The Forum Concert – the Teskey Brothers (2021)[38]
- Long Way Home Tour – Vance Joy (2022) (with the Rubens, Thelma Plum, Middle Kids and Budjerah)[45]
- Maisie Takes Europe – Maisie Peters (2023)[65]
Awards and nominations
editAIR Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Herself | Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year | Nominated | [41] |
International Songwriting Competition
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | "Work for Me" | Performance | 2nd | [40] |
Music Victoria Awards
editYear | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | "Work for Me" | Best Song | Shortlisted | [44] |
Herself | Best Solo Artist | Nominated | [66][67] | |
2023 | Mia Wray | Best Pop Work | Nominated | [68] |
Telstra Road to Discovery Program
editWray (alongside fellow Sunshine Coast resident Andrew Redford), was named as one of ten finalists for the 2012 Telstra Road to Discovery talent development program on 3 December 2011,[3] before being announced as the winner of the People's Choice Award on 13 February 2012.[20]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Telstra Road to Discovery Program | People's Choice Award | Won | [20] |
References
edit- ^ "ACE Repertory – Wray, Mia". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Mackander, M. (8 July 2014). "Folk-pop singer Mia Wray moving in on British star". Sunshine Coast Daily. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b c "Musical pair on road to success". The Northern Star. 4 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ @miawray (28 October 2020). "happy birffdey to me 🥳". Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Instagram.
- ^ a b c d "Meet Mia Wray, the Melbourne artist whose debut upload blew up the triple j textline". Triple J. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ @miawray (6 March 2021). "Doing a 'secret' pop up gig in Melbourne city today in memory of Michael Gudinski ❤️ but it isn't a secret anymore...12pm @ Queen Vic Markets + 12:45pm at Pelligrinni's. Just gonna play a few songs on a keyboard x (this message was to my mum, from Michael)". Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Instagram.
- ^ a b c d e Forrer, G. (10 December 2012). "Mia is Noosa's self-taught rising music star with a bullet". Noosa News. Archived from the original on 12 December 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
- ^ a b c Mengel, Noah (21 November 2011). "Little Wray of sunshine on song". The Courier-Mail. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Mia Wray EP by Mia Wray". Bandcamp. 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ "Mia Wray – Triple J Unearthed". Triple J Unearthed. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Mia Wray is the "bad b*tch" behind one of 2020's best debut uploads". Triple J. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "Mia Wray re-defines "bedroom" pop with new single & video "Needs" + national tour continues with all shows sold out". The BackBeat Podcast. 2 June 2021. Archived from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "Aussies dominate six categories in global songwriting competition". The Music Network. 4 May 2021. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ a b Romanowski, Dasha (2 March 2021). "Review: Bernard Fanning, Something for Kate @ Summer Sounds Festival (Melbourne)". Scenestr. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ a b c "Mia Wray 2021 Australia Tour". Scenestr. 22 April 2021. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
- ^ "Mia Wray takes a playful turn with "Needs"". Triple J. 1 June 2021. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ a b c Davies, Hayden (16 September 2020). "Introducing Mia Wray, who makes a grand debut with new single, "Work for Me"". Pilerats. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ Muir, Kristy (22 January 2012). "Duo have a date with destiny". Queensland Times. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ Huntsdale, Justin (25 January 2012). "Wray performs with flowers in her hair". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b c "Telstra Road to Discovery – Final Tamworth 2012". Mushroom Marketing. 13 February 2012. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Midnight Sun Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ft. Bella Thorne out today". BroadwayWorld. 23 March 2018. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ Williams, Tom (2 June 2015). "Caloundra Music Festival's first 2015 lineup announced". Music Feeds. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
- ^ a b "Send Me Your Love – EP by Mia Wray". Bandcamp. 22 April 2016. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ Fahy, Patrick (15 April 2016). "Powderfinger's Darren Middleton enjoying the solo life". The Advocate. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Put Your Records On (feat. Mia Wray) – Single by Aslove on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ Jenke, Tyler (7 May 2020). "Kate Miller-Heidke, Montaigne join Mother's Day edition of The State of Music". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ Jenke, Tyler (16 September 2020). "Song You Need to Know: Mia Wray, "Work for Me"". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "New Ruel, Tash Sultana, the Rubens, Shame and more..." Triple J. 13 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b Brereton, Greta (13 September 2020). "Mia Wray releases debut single, "Work for Me"". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ Carr, Debbie (24 October 2020). "Kylie Minogue, Ruel, Midnight Oil to perform on season two premiere of the Sound". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "Looking for something to do on Halloween? Check out the Isol-Aid Line-up". The Music. 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b Langford, Jackson (2 November 2020). "Mia Wray performs a cappella version of "Work for Me" for The Sound". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ a b Varvaris, Mary (16 December 2020). "Interview: Stephanie Ashworth of Something for Kate". Chorus FM. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ Kelly, Vivienne (20 January 2021). "Ivy League Records signs Mia Wray". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ a b Gallagher, Alex (20 January 2021). "Mia Wray shares cathartic new single "Never Gonna Be the Same"". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Triple J are clearly getting ready for another huge Hottest 100 with these new tracks". The Music. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Buzzing Aus artist Mia Wray confirms Melbourne residency". The Music. 9 March 2021. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ a b Gray, Geordie (9 April 2021). "The Teskey Brothers announce Melbourne show at the Forum". Tone Deaf. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ a b Sciberras, Allanah (25 January 2021). "The Rubens to perform Live in Life tour at Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre". Bendigo Advertiser. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Record breaking number of Australian Songwriters honoured in US-Based International Songwriting Competition". The AU Review. 4 May 2021. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ a b "Details confirmed for 2021 AIR Awards as nominees announced". The Music. 2 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ "2021 AIR Awards Winners". Scenestr. 5 August 2021. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ a b Butler, Abby (4 June 2021). "Mia Wray's playful "Needs" proves she's a hitmaker worth the hype". Triple J. Archived from the original on 4 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
- ^ a b "Music Victoria Awards shortlist includes Avalanches, King Giz, Hiatus, TFS and more". Beat Magazine. 13 September 2021. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ a b Newstead, Al (4 November 2021). "Vance Joy announces 2022 Australian Tour with amazing special guests". Triple J. Archived from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ "Australian Open 2022 to host Baker Boy, Client Liaison and more". Beat Magazine. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- ^ Hustwaite, Bridget (30 March 2022). "Good Nights: New Mia Wray, No Money Enterprise". Triple J. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- ^ a b Turner, Thomas (31 March 2022). "Mia Wray glows with confidence while finding her freedom on "Rerun"". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ a b "Mia Wray – "Rerun": 13th Floor New Song of the Day". 13th Floor. 31 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ a b "The Gem Bar – *** "Unfortunately the Mia Wray residency..." | Facebook". The Gem Bar. 13 April 2022. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022 – via Facebook.
- ^ Hustwaite, Bridget (10 August 2022). "Good Nights". Triple J. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Evidence – Single by Mia Wray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 10 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Mia Wray announces Stay Awake EP and Australian headline tour for 2023". Beat Magazine. 17 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
- ^ Taylor, Sam (25 October 2023). "MIA WRAY HAS SHARED A NEW SINGLE, 'TELL HER'". Dork. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
- ^ "Fousheé, Jack River, Adrian Dzvuke & More: This Week's Best New Music". The Music. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
- ^ "2023: the week's best new music! (April 23) - triple j". ABC. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Mia Wray Covers DMA'S for Mushroom 50". Rolling Stone Australia. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Mia Wray has shared a new single, 'Tell Her'". Read Dork. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "Mia Wray Soars On New Single 'What If'". Clash Music. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "Mia Wray Shares Euphoric Single "The Way She Moves"". Mushroom Music. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ Cashmere, Paul (4 December 2020). "Max Merritt tribute planned for final episode of the Sound". Noise11. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "Mia Wray releases video for "Never Gonna Be the Same" + Melbourne show announced". The Partae. 11 February 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ Doria, Matt (2 June 2021). "Listen to Mia Wray's innuendo-packed new single, "Needs"". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- ^ Ackroyd, Stephen (31 March 2022). "Melbourne newcomer Mia Wray has dropped her latest track, "Rerun"". Dork. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
- ^ "https://twitter.com/maisiehpeters/status/1643161896000815107". Twitter. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|title=
- ^ Cashmere, Paul (11 November 2021). "Music Victoria Awards reveals line-up and nominees for 2021". Noise11. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Music Victoria Awards 2021 Winners". Scenestr. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
- ^ "Nominees, Hall of Fame Inductees Announced for 2023 Music Victoria Awards". Music Feeds. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
External links
edit- Official website
- Mia Wray discography at Discogs