Mia Dyson Parking Lots (Revisited) Interview

Beloved Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Mia Dyson has announced a special upcoming release to coincide with the 15-year anniversary of her highly acclaimed album Parking Lots. Released Friday 4 December, the Parking Lots (Revisited) EP will feature five completely reimagined tracks from the album, stripped to their core and dressed again, with new arrangements, special guest appearances and additional nuances, all approached through Dyson's highly considered idiosyncratic lens. To celebrate the occasion, Mia has reissued the original album with a limited run of white vinyl and has announced a 2021 East Coast headline tour that will see her perform all 11 tracks off Parking Lots from start to finish.

Recorded in Ojai, California at Echo Magic, Parking Lots (Revisited) features expressive double bass by Matt Aronoff, additional keys by Lee Pardini (Dawes) and appearances from her band and the producers of this set, Erin "Syd" Sidney and Daniel Wright. Mixed by Scott Hirsch (Hiss Golden Messenger) and mastered at the legendary Capitol Studios by Ian Sefchick, the five intimate reinterpretations of Parking Lots (Revisited) range from Mia's first and last singles released from the original album 'Roll Me Out' and 'I Meant Something To You Once', to the gorgeous stripped down piano performance of 'Choose', to a rhythmic, bouncing take on 'Rivers Wide' with a stop by the Old Bar for a swampy blues exploration of 'Parking Lots'.

"Some friends and I used to perform in a women's prison in Western Melbourne. I got to know a few women quite well and over time they shared their stories with me. I wrote 'Roll Me Out' thinking of the story of one woman in particular who had been incarcerated and then fell in love with another prisoner," said Mia Dyson about the first released track from her award-winning album Parking Lots.

In her two-decade long career, Mia Dyson has been nominated for five ARIA Awards with Parking Lots taking out 'Best Blues and Roots Album' in 2005. She was the inaugural recipient of Double J's Artist Of The Year at the 2014 J Awards following the release of her Australian classic LP Idyllwild, and has had four albums up for AIR Awards with The Moment earning her a nomination for 'Song Of The Year' at the 2013 APRA Awards. Mia Dyson's extensive career has seen her support the likes of Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Joe Cocker, and most recently touring extensively with her band Dyson Stringer Cloher. Now, the seasoned Australian artist is thrilled to announce a run of National live dates in 2021 taking to Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria, Brisbane and Byron Bay for Bluesfest in her first live shows in 12 months. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to snag one quick.

Interview with Mia Dyson

Question: How would you describe your music?

Mia Dyson: Rock 'n' roll


Question: Can you tell us about Parking Lots (Revisited)?

Mia Dyson: 15 years ago I released an album called Parking Lots and this year on its anniversary, I decided to re-issue the album on vinyl and also pick a few songs to reimagine for an EP that would accompany the reissue. We took a much more stripped-back approach and it was super gratifying to be able to sing the songs again in my 2020 voice, which feels much more natural and authentic than in 2005 when I was still finding my voice.


Question: After making music for 2 decades, do you feel your music has changed much?

Mia Dyson: I think it has evolved and deepened as I have grown and changed. I think my lyrical approach is very different now, since I now write a lot with my husband Karlito Linder.

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Mia Dyson: There are many… Each song has its own message. A lot of what I write about is grappling with being human and how to make the most meaningful life out of the time I have on this planet.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Mia Dyson: I love them both for different reasons. Performing live is a huge rush and a way to deeply connect with people – both the people on stage with me and the audience. Recording is a challenging beast but can also be super rewarding. It's a process of discovery and stepping into the unknown and that can be scary but then sometimes we come up with gold.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Mia Dyson: It's been so long since I've performed that I've forgotten! (thanks COVID). I love playing songs where I can take a solo and really try to experiment in the moment.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Mia Dyson: It feels like my motivation comes from a need to express myself and to explore my experiences through a creative outlet.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Mia Dyson: There's a great playlist on Spotify called Cosmic Country that I love listening to at the moment. Artists like Charley Crockett, Orville Peck, Leslie Stevens and Colter Wall are some of my faves.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Mia Dyson: I think someone like Charlie Crockett could be super interesting to collaborate with. He comes from such a deep American roots tradition and I think our voices could blend very well.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Mia Dyson: There's been several! So many times things didn't go the way that I hoped or wanted them to and especially in my early career I took it super hard and felt like a failure. I got into debt at one stage, lost managers and band members, didn't know how I would come up with the money to make another record… But somehow I've always got back on the horse and continued to make music.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Mia Dyson: The fulfilment it gives me and the meaning it brings to my life are super precious to me. I feel like my true self when I am writing and performing and recording or even just working towards those things.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Mia Dyson: If I'm not touring (which is life right now) first thing I meditate, journal and plan my day. I write music next, first by myself, then with my husband Karl. In the afternoon I do whatever work I need to do in my career. I don't like spending more than a few hours at the computer. I try to fit in some exercise each day. Swimming is my favourite. I love to be in touch with my friends and family as much as possible so there's a lot of Zoom calls!

Question: What's next, for you?

Mia Dyson: I've written most of a new record and I will start getting into the studio early next year.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Mia Dyson: Instagram  
Facebook  
Website  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort