Interview with Singer-Songwriter Mia Rose Lynne

Photography by Kelsey Cherry 



                Often likened to artists such as Alison Krauss, Joni Mitchell, and Patty Griffin, Lynne writes and sings from a place of sincerity and simplicity. Roots music has always been in Lynne's heart. A northern California native, she grew up singing harmonies in the family western swing band and fell asleep in the Winnebago on summer nights to the sounds of campsite jamming at bluegrass festivals. Lynne went on to pursue a career in musical theater, touring nationally and internationally. Along the way, she found herself in Nashville, where her love for roots music resurfaced and the songs began to write themselves. Since her recent move, Lynne has had the opportunity to perform professionally in both Nashville's songwriter and theater scene. Her musical output has been described as “Original Americana-style songs that come at romantic relationships with honesty, wit and none of the tropes and cliches that lesser songwriters so often fall back on.  Lynne brings life experience without sounding world weary, sincerity without self importance.” 



AHC: What has this journey, this life in music, so far, been like for you, the highs and the lows, and what life lessons do you feel you've picked up along the way?

Mia: The highs include growing up in a family and singing with my parents and sister in their band (even though I was embarrassed sometimes) and getting to make a living doing what I love (playing shows, making albums, and doing musical theatre).  I still have a lot to learn but one life lesson I keep coming back to is staying true to sharing what’s in my heart and not just trying to emulate anyone else. 


AHC: What first drew you to music and what was your early musical environment like growing up? Were there pivotal songs for you then that just floored you the moment you heard them?

Mia: As I mentioned above, I was born into a musical family and for that I am eternally grateful. I sang harmonies in the family band and spent summers at bluegrass festivals. I was influenced by the folk, bluegrass, and western swing my parents played and listened to as well as musical theatre and Alan Menken’s beautiful Disney songs (90s kid!). 


AHC: Do you remember the first song that you ever wrote?

Mia: Yes, I wrote it my senior year of college and it was really cheesy! It was called “Enigma” and I hope nobody ever hears it.  I didn’t continue trying to write until several years later. 


AHC: Your music has often been compared to Alison Krauss, Joni Mitchell, and Patty Griffin, are those your favorite songwriters overall? Who are some of your other musical inspirations? Which musicians have you learned the most from?

Mia: Those are definitely some big inspirations.  My background in musical theatre and jazz also really influence my music. Others specific artists that have inspired me include James Taylor, Brandi Carlile, Norah Jones, and recently Sarah Jarosz. 


AHC: What do you think makes for a good song, as you're writing and composing, is there a sudden moment when you know you've found the right mix, that perfect angle of light, so to speak?

Mia: Melody is the most important element to me. If it's beautiful and unique and the words flow with it, that’s what I’m most concerned with. Lyrics are immensely important too, but the melody is what speaks to me most.


AHC: How has your music evolved since you first began playing?

Mia: In regards to playing the guitar, I found a specific two-finger style of fingerpicking that I really love and I started experimenting in alternate tunings which was a game-changer.  I’ve started paying much more attention to specificity in lyrics. 


AHC: Do you consider music to be a type of healing art, the perfect vehicle through which to translate a feeling, a state of rupture, hope lost and regained? Does the writing and creating of the song save you in the kinds of ways that it saves us, the listener?

Mia: Oh, absolutely.  I have so many songs that I wrote to help me process emotions and heal. Many of them were written solely for that purpose and may never actually be heard by anyone else. My hope is that the ones heard by others might help them process emotions, too, or at least not feel alone.


AHC: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town? On-tour, on-the-road?

Mia: My first CD release party was a couple years ago in my hometown of Novato, California.  We did a house concert at a family friend’s home and there was an amazing turnout. Mom played bass and cello, Dad played percussion, and my sister Natalie sang harmonies.  It was a very rewarding and loved-filled family affair that I’ll never forget.  Playing shows in my hometown is always like going back to the well of love and support.   


AHC: What would be your dream gig, if you were asked to go on tour and open up for one of your musical heroes or heroines? 

Mia: Patty Griffin or Brandi Carlile.


AHC: You also have a career in musical theater, what has that experience been like?

Mia: It’s wonderful! I am currently in a production of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the Musical” at the Grand Ole Opry and it’s such a magical experience. I love the community aspect of musical theatre and while singer-songwriter life is wonderful too, it can be a little lonely sometimes. I’m so fortunate to be a part of both worlds!


AHC: Do you have any words of advice for other musicians and singer-songwriters out there who are just starting out and trying to find their voice and their way in this world?

Mia: Listen to your gut when people offer to help (a lot of people will willingly take your money to “take your career to the next step" — just do your research on them first!)  As I mentioned above, I have also learned that my best work comes from the heart rather than from trying to be edgy or trendy.  That hasn’t gotten me on the radio but it’s creatively sustainable. I say, “do YOU!” Be inspired by others while not playing the comparison game. Also, be kind to everyone. 


AHC: Do you have any new projects in the works you'd like to tell people about?

Mia: I am constantly writing new songs but no new album in the works... yet!  If you’re in Nashville this winter, come see Grinch at the Opry! I’ll be doing another hometown family gig on Dec. 30th in Novato.  I’m always updating my Facebook music page and website (www.miaroselynne.com) so follow me there for whatever may be next!



Also visit  miaroselynne.bandcamp.com/ 

Photographer Kelsey Cherry www.kelseycherry.com/

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