December 22, 2024
Phoebe Bridgers has become a defining voice in indie music, seamlessly blending raw vulnerability with hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Whether she’s performing solo in her now-iconic skeleton...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
A recent report commissioned by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has raised alarms within the music industry, predicting that the rise of generative...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Hozier, the Irish singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, is making waves once again with his latest single, “Too Sweet”. Released on March 22, 2024, as part of his EP...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Spotify Wrapped 2024 has officially dropped, and it’s no surprise that Taylor Swift reigns supreme as the most-streamed artist of the year. Her chart-topping success is a testament to her enduring...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Harry Styles, a name synonymous with groundbreaking fashion and boundary-pushing artistry, has become a cultural icon whose influence transcends music. From a young talent on *The X Factor* to a...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Tyla Laura Seethal, known professionally as Tyla, has rapidly ascended from her Johannesburg roots to international acclaim, blending amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities to create a distinctive...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, artists who resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level often rise to the top. Among this elite group is Tate McRae, a 20-year-old Canadian...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Ariana Grande is one of the most powerful voices in pop music today, known for her impressive vocal range, emotional depth, and versatility. From her breakout role on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” to...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
After years of anticipation and speculation, SZA and Kendrick Lamar have finally come together to create what promises to be one of the most exciting collaborations in modern music. Their new album...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Lauren Mayberry, best known as the magnetic vocalist and co-creator of the acclaimed Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches, is stepping into a new chapter with her solo debut album, Vicious Creature...
Read moreDecember 20, 2024
Over the past decade, Lana Del Rey’s ethereal voice and haunting melodies have entranced audiences worldwide, but her profound influence on contemporary music is what truly sets her apart. Born...
Read moreDecember 20, 2024
FINNEAS O’Connell has had an extraordinary few years. At just 27, the singer-songwriter and producer has become a prominent figure in the music world, largely thanks to his collaboration with his...
Read moreIn today’s music scene, few artists capture the complexities of womanhood as honestly as Mitski Miyawaki. Known simply as Mitski, she’s become a powerful voice for the modern woman, exploring themes of belonging, desire, and cultural duality with unmatched vulnerability. As a “half Japanese, half American yet not fully either” artist, Mitski often finds herself navigating the space between two cultures—an experience that has shaped much of her music, including the beloved 2016 track, “Your Best American Girl.”
Unfiltered Emotion and Glass-Shattering Vocals
But why has Mitski’s music become so important? Part of her power lies in the rawness of her voice and lyrics. Her sound, defined by mournful chords and piercing, glass-shattering vocals, feels like a fearless dive into vulnerability. In a world where many women are pressured to conform, Mitski shows the strength in owning one’s insecurities and differences—even if others don’t approve.
Beyond the “Kylie Jenner Look”
The past decade has seen a revolution in how women view themselves, with movements like body positivity and platforms like Instagram fostering spaces where people can challenge traditional beauty standards. Yet the pressure to attain an idealized image—think the “Kylie Jenner look”—still looms, with many paying for procedures to emulate it. In this context, Mitski’s presence is a refreshing reminder of authenticity. Her 2015 performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert is a perfect example: she appeared makeup-free, “radiating pain,” as she later tweeted. It wasn’t about fitting an image—it was about sharing her art, unfiltered and honest.
While many female celebrities rely on heavily curated looks, Mitski challenges these expectations. Her focus is on the music, on the stories she wants to tell, not the appearance she “should” maintain.
“Cop Car” and the Power of Defiance
Mitski’s latest single, “Cop Car,” dropped in January 2020, and it’s as intense as her previous work. Part of the horror film *The Turning* soundtrack, the song has grunge-inspired guitar riffs and the haunting refrain, “I will never die.” It’s a line that’s ironic and a little chilling—feigning invincibility in a song about unraveling feels bold and strange, yet it somehow fits. The lyric, “I am cruel, I am gentle, I can make you laugh,” speaks to the layered complexity of women today, balancing strength and tenderness, rebellion and compassion.
A Teenage Heartbeat: “Townie” and Youthful Longing
“Townie,” from her 2014 album *Bury Me at Makeout Creek*, captures the rollercoaster of teenage life—parties, heartbreak, and a restless desire for change. “I want to kiss like my heart is hitting the ground,” Mitski sings, encapsulating that heady mix of hedonism and despair. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re on the edge of something bigger, teetering between the freedom of youth and the constraints of reality. It’s a song that echoes the themes of countless teen dramas, summing up that era’s romantic longing and endless search for self.
Searching for “You”: Mitski’s Exploration of Identity
Her 2018 album *Be the Cowboy* showcases Mitski’s softer, more minimalistic style while continuing to explore familiar themes of identity and longing. One of her most striking motifs throughout the album is the omnipresent “you”—a word that refers to lovers, friends, and even abstract emotions. In “Geyser,” she’s vulnerable and yearning: “I just can’t be without you.” In “Old Friend,” she’s nostalgic, lamenting a past love. Each song speaks to the universal need for connection and understanding, and to the deeply human search for something—or someone—to define oneself by.
Mitski’s Fearless Authenticity
Mitski’s music is honest, raw, and fearless, resonating with thousands of fans who see pieces of themselves in her lyrics. She’s unafraid to embrace her vulnerabilities, laying them bare on stage, and showing the power in not having all the answers. In a world that constantly pushes for perfection, Mitski reminds us of the beauty in imperfection, of living fully, and unapologetically.
For the modern woman, Mitski isn’t just a musician; she’s a symbol of resilience and self-discovery, offering a powerful message: it’s okay to be complex, to be flawed, and to embrace every part of yourself. Her work is a testament to the idea that true strength lies in authenticity, and her influence on women today is proof of just how liberating that message can be.