Canadian alternative multi-genre songwriter and artist Mimi Oz delivers radiant energy and fearless individuality in her new electro pop ‘Firefly’ EP.

The adventurous Oz conveys a strong message and demonstrates one clear thing — if you are a great songwriter, you can shape music in virtually any form. Oz shows how she can effortlessly move between 50s and 60s pop, jazz, gospel, soul, rock’n’roll, punk, and now most recently electro pop. Artists who approach music this way not only carve out their own creative lane but also expand their opportunities — from sync placements to co-writing for other artists and beyond.

The 3-song EP ‘Firefly’ is a beautifully crafted synth-pop production, co-produced between Mimi and her producer Left Pop (Harrison Adams) in Brooklyn, NY. It recalls standout 2000s alternative synth artists like Ladyhawke, Robyn, and La Roux. The beats are dynamic and tastefully layered with shimmering electro textures and soaring, infectious hooks. The first song, Sexy Driver, sparks curiosity as she declares herself the driver and immediately commands the listener’s attention. It carries the same fearless confidence as artists like St. Vincent, who captivate from the very first line. The End is tuneful and hook-laden, feeling like the perfect soundtrack for an action-packed, end-of-the-world film — and a reflection of what society endured in 2020. Mariposa radiates a fun, ultra-poppy vibe with irresistible, head-bobbing grooves.

‘Firefly’ was born during the pandemic. Oz and Left Pop took their time shaping the right sounds, carefully building electronic layers around Mimi’s guitar foundations. Traditionally, Oz has recorded with a band of musicians, but this project came to life almost entirely through electronic arrangements.

“Firefly is a pandemic baby project inspired by the renewal that was felt by myself and society as life began to thaw and reemerge after COVID in 2020. During that period I boldly dyed my hair a ghastly neon yellow that attracted a ton of attention. Not something I would normally do, however there were no more rules! The color, akin to that of a firefly, became a symbol of following my own rhythm of self-discovery and expression, carving out my own path in a society riddled with the disease of judgment and control. This project touches on themes like love in a post-apocalyptic world as well as the negative effect that corporations have on independent-minded people and society. There is definitely an underlying theme of protest and demand for individuality that is expressed within these tracks, that capture what I was going through in my work life/creative life.” — Mimi Oz

Oz has frequently toured the Eastern US and Canadian circuits for over a decade, performing anywhere and everywhere with a stage. She typically plays solo or with light accompaniment. For her most recent release, she has shared stages with producer Left Pop, who performs using a DJ setup with live finger drumming and synth work.

<a href="https://mimii.bandcamp.com/album/firefly">Firefly by MIMI OZ</a>

Love how you tackle different genres and most recently electronic pop for ‘Firefly,’ who are your biggest influences? Anyone particular that you and Harrison listened to for inspiration?

Thanks! I’m not sure that I have any influences to be honest. Producer “Left Pop” and I did fish around and try to find songs for inspiration to get started, but nothing was sticking so we approached each track by trial and error. Playing around with sounds and building the beat from the ground up by figuring it out in person, not a lot if anything to reference from.

Where did you grow up in Canada?

I’m from Toronto Ontario. I grew up in the core of the city, west end area.

Did you always want to be a songwriter?

Singing is something that came naturally at a young age, specifically melody writing, I get hooks flying at me all the time. I think it’s safe to say, that music always deeply affected me, and I felt naturally drawn to express myself in that way. Before songwriting, I was writing poetry, so I think I was flirting with the idea. I guess some people stumble upon their creative careers, that’s a bit odd. I think it’s a born this way kind of thing for me, but it comes in multiples forms. Like fashion, creative writing, painting etc. I have a lot of memories of my brothers telling me to shut up, and a notebook from grade 3/4 with me singing on stage with a short blonde Bob.

Any dream artists you would love to tour with?

I’d love to tour if given the opportunity. I’m not sure with who, would have to be with someone good.

What’s next for you?

I’m not really sure what’s next, I’ve been studying music theory to challenge myself. I think my next hit I want to focus on is ‘Jackie,’ a lesbian love ballad inspired by a close friend, it has a lingering essence of Lana Del Rey but maybe I’m the only one that can hear that. Can’t decide whether to call it “Country Living” or “Jackie”. It sounds cheesy in a way but I just want to make great songs for Americans. I had a moment recently upstate New York, in lake Placid area. I had just crossed the Montreal border, and in the morning I was having breakfast at a classic diner in the small town of Plattsburgh NY called “Campus Corner.” Something about the classic bar stool wrap around, an open kitchen where the owners were hard at working, sweating, with a pile of bacon stacked up aside the grill plate. Fresh Maple syrup was on tap, and a small radio emitted classics that everyone seemed to be bopping and lip syncing too. I guess being an outsider, I get to see things a little differently and it feels very special. I want to make songs for Americans, I guess music is for everyone but songs that capture the American spirit.

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