Canadian experimental vocalist Mimi Oz continues to redefine genre boundaries with her new EP ‘Firefly’, a three-song electro-pop exploration co-produced with beat maker Left Pop. Oz seamlessly fuses folk songwriting with the bold textures of synths, layered harmonies, and evocative sound effects, crafting songs that are as sonically adventurous as they are emotionally resonant.
Rooted in storytelling, her lyrics navigate the intersections of love, politics, and personal liberation. Tracks on ‘Firefly’ reflect a post-pandemic renewal, capturing the thrill of self-discovery and rebellion in a world emerging from lockdown. From neon-haired transformation to critiques of societal and corporate control, Oz channels both defiance and vulnerability into a sound that is uniquely her own.
We sat down with Mimi to learn all about the EP, what makes her tick and much more here at Music Crowns!
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Hey Mimi! How are you doing?
Hey! I’m well
How did your early influences from 50s and 60s pop and jazz shape your approach to storytelling in music?
I bought a massive collection of records when I was a teenager. Listening to such a variety probably influenced my writing, but it was never intentional. I was into a lot of Bowie, but I listened to everything, he was a bit of a chameleon in that sense as well too, pulling from many different influences. I never set out with the intention of writing in a particular genre, but people have commented. For example, if I listen to a lot of Louis Armstrong I would write something with some of his essence, I really like Louis. Anytime I went to cover a song I would also end up writing something similar.
‘Firefly’ marks a step into electro-pop territory. What drew you to this sound, and how did collaborating with Left Pop influence the creative direction of the EP?
I found working with a band to be difficult. Not only because of covid but I had been long since tired of working with a crew of people. I wanted to do something different with less reliance on others. Harrison “left pop” and I worked these tracks from the ground up, by brainstorming and just trying things out. It was tedious because we didn’t exactly know what we were going for, but that’s what made it more of a collaboration. Harrison comes from a background of making a lot of electronic music often with use of analog instruments and effects, so the EP definitely carries some of his energy through his production techniques and choice of sounds.
Can you walk us through one track on ‘Firefly’ that you feel encapsulates your vision for the EP?
The track “Sexy Driver” holds the most energy related to the vision of the project. Butterfly and the End are songs about unrequited love and kind of living in a daydream, and Sexy Driver is about breaking through from feeling like a slave to your day job. I think anything in your life can become the enemy if it’s stealing your soul and vigor for living. Which leads me back to the title of the EP “firefly”, I had dyed my hair this alarming, bright neon yellow. I started blindly following my passions post covid and fireflies became the symbolism behind that excitement or joy that was felt.
Your song ‘Jackie’ focuses on feminism and lesbian love. How do you see music as a platform for exploring social issues or personal identity?
I think a lot of the times when music is used to explore personal identity and social issues, the artist is unaware. For example, when Dylan wrote times are a changin, I believe he was reading a book or at the time and wasn’t writing about political movements of the 70s. In my writing, one of the things I am able to do sometimes is get really drawn into a particular female character, her story or her experience in life with regard to love. My songs “dreaming again” and “Caroline”, are both examples of that, and now Jackie. I think it’s important because there are other women who will hear it and see themselves or others and feel understood or spoken, so that can be powerful. You never know who will end up listening to your music, or who it’s intended for, that’s the beauty of art and life.
Can you share a moment from working with Left Pop that surprised you creatively or pushed your music in an unexpected direction?
There were a lot of moments, but it’s hard to remember. I know Harrison was really patient and treated the songs with care.
Beyond ‘Firefly’ and ‘Jackie’, are there new directions or collaborations you’re excited to explore musically?
I’m currently studying music part-time. I’m particularly drawn to gospel. I think in general it would be great to rely less on a band though I love the energy. I’m not sure exactly what’s next, I guess one thing at a time. Its hard to do albums, especially as an indie artist. Maybe If I approach it from more of a DIY perspective and just get back into the joy of playing around it would be possible to do something full length.
And finally, if you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and why?
I’m not really sure about collaborations at the moment. I tend to appreciate artists on their own, and I don’t get caught up in what could be.
Stream the EP on Bandcamp here – https://mimii.bandcamp.com/album/firefly
