Mia Wray has experienced a lot over the years. The journey to her debut album has spanned a decade, during which she has transitioned from one relationship to another.
At the beginning of the year, Mia Wray publicly came out, and these significant experiences inform her debut LP. ‘Hi, It’s Nice to Meet Me’ is a genuinely honest collection of songs that delves into deep emotions before concluding on a joyful note.
Representing the culmination of an evolving phase in her life, Mia Wray infuses each track with a remarkable sense of character. Recently, during a trip to London for a series of sold-out performances at Servants Jazz Quarters, CLASH encountered a down-to-earth artist who flourishes through simple connections.
Afterward, we chatted with her about creative expression, queer experiences, and the importance of honesty.
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You've had quite the journey to your debut album; how does it feel to finally have it released?
It feels tremendously satisfying. Releasing this album into the world feels like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders, and I feel free to move forward creatively – it’s quite liberating.
What made you realize you were ready to create an album? Was there a specific moment, session, or song that inspired this decision, or was it more about emotional resonance?
It was a combination of things. I wasn’t aware that I was making an album during those writing sessions. I was simply trying to navigate the emotional challenges I was facing. I probably recognized it when I returned home from the writing trip. I had a collection of songs saved on my phone, and I would listen to them as if it were an album.
You came out publicly at the start of 2025, and the response was very positive – that must have been incredibly rewarding to receive such support?
It was very comforting to genuinely express myself and my feelings towards women, and to be so validated and supported.
Your coming out and new relationship influence this album, which features deeply honest lyrics. Did you intend to be this autobiographical? The process must have been quite cathartic?
I have always been autobiographical in my songwriting – it’s not a new approach for me, but it’s always been daunting. It feels liberating to sing about my true feelings and my real-life experiences – it’s the most authentic I’ve ever been.
‘Nice To Meet Me’ is a stunning opener; how did that song come about?
Gflip contacted me for a writing session, and by that time, the album was already completed, so it was a lovely bonus to have a fellow Aussie musician contribute to it.
The album contains moments of self-doubt and darkness intertwined with experiences of queer joy. How did you achieve that balance?
I didn’t strive for balance at all – those were just genuine emotions I needed to express, and they naturally balanced each other out… it’s interesting how that happens.
‘Only Love’ stands out as a highlight; did it take a while to get it right, or was the process more instinctive?
The writing session was very instinctive. The entire song came together in one afternoon. I wrote the bridge afterward when I decided it was a strong candidate for the album, but that came together quickly as well!
‘Not The Same As Yesterday’ feels like a significant turning point in your life – what was it like to share something so personal with the world?
It’s scary, but I’ve grown accustomed to that vulnerable feeling now. It's the only way I can authentically present myself. That doesn’t make it any less frightening, though.
‘Everybody Knows’ offers a sense of resolution to this journey – it feels like a prolonged exhale! Where do you find yourself now? Has the process of creating this album impacted you?
This album has consumed my life for the past six years – its impact has been immense. I remember reflecting on that just two weeks before the album’s release. I had a revelation that regardless of what happens, the album was already a success. The way it has supported and shaped me into my true self is invaluable and represents true success.
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‘Hi, It’s Nice To Meet Me’ is now available.
Words: Robin Murray
Photo Credit: Nick McKK
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Mia Wray has truly experienced a lot. The journey to her first album has spanned ten years, during which she has ended one relationship and welcomed another. At