Hello Beautiful People,
Mia Von Glitz is no stranger to the media, and also happens to be the front-woman of Mad Moon Riot. Mad Moon Riot’s first video single, “Running On Empty” (already quickly becoming a YouTube sensation with over 11,000 views) was shot and directed by Rocco Guarino, and their debut album, set to be released in early Summer, 2014, is being produced by legendary Bob Marlette (Traci Chapman, Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Lynyrd Skynyrd). I expect that Mad Moon Riot will be a household name quite soon, and cannot wait to purchase their album in early summer. I’m thrilled Mia was able to take the time out of her hectic schedule to chat with me about music, arts education, and of course, Mad Moon Riot.
Ladies and Gents, meet Mia Swier, aka, Mia Von Glitz…
MM: When was the moment you knew you wanted to be a singer?
MVG: I was always into music growing up, as my family is in the music industry. I didn’t go to school for it, but it was always an afterschool hobby of sorts. I was always hesitant to do it for a living, because I was afraid to take the fun out of it – I didn’t want to be worrying about where my next paycheck was coming from! But now I’m fortunate enough where I can have both. I didn’t pick up a bass until I was twenty-two, though.
MM: Your band, Mad Moon Riot, has had a tremendous amount of success, without being tied to a major label. What do you attribute this to?
MVG: We’re a relatively new band, and we’ve had an incredible reaction from the material we’ve put out on the web. People have been really interested, and supportive, and there didn’t seem to have a reason to be signed to a label. It’s different nowadays, there’s always an opportunity for us to create music, and you don’t necessarily need a label to do that. I think there’s a lot to be said about creating a whole bunch new material in the beginning of career without the help of a label. Not to say that you won’t need one eventually, but when you’re just starting out, it’s fun to make something that’s completely yours and not having to worry about what people think is sellable.
MM: Just for fun, what sound do you love and what sound do you hate?
MVG: I hate the sound of kissing in movies. It sounds all wet and sloppy. I love the sound when a movie starts, and you can hear a projector in the background. And I love the sound when you unplug a cable from an amp – it’s the sound of a show being over, and hopefully a job well done.
MM: Just for fun, what books are permanently on your bookshelf?
MVG: Growing up I was big in Vonnegut and Kerouac. Once I was out of college, I got into reading musical biographies. My favorite book is Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain. I’m currently reading Tarantula, by Bob Dylan. If you had asked me this question when I was thirteen, I would’ve said A Wrinkle in Time.
MM: Just for fun, if you were stranded on a desert island, what movies and/or television shows would you want to have available to you?
MVG: American Horror Story – I’m terrified but I’m addicted to it. I love Woody Allen. The Anniversary Party, a small indie flick. That’s great.
MM: If you could offer one piece of advice to a high school student who wishes to pursue a career singing professionally, what would it be?
MVG: Do it because you love it. Don’t do this because you think you’re going to be big and famous, don’t do this because you think it’s going to make you a ton of money – you could have three years at the top and then come down just as easily. People are very ADD on their musical journeys lately – it takes a second to change a track on an iPod. You have to always be evolving, and growing as an artist.
MM: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut in schools. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts in schools?
MVG: I can’t imagine a world without art. So this question is asking me to imagine a world without water. Or popcorn. There’s an entire half of your brain that you’re neglecting if you create a curriculum without art. It makes everything beautiful. It’s education for your senses.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
MVG: I’ve had so many wonderful teachers. Everyday my parents are my teachers. My dad is a very creative person. He’s constantly taking classes and learning new things – he believes learning should never stop. He’s an inspiration. My mother is an incredible businesswoman. It’s part of my dichotomous personality, I go to work in an office everyday, but I have rock and roll on the nights and weekends.
Thank you, Mia!
Live, Love, Learn,
Thank you for the interview!