Upon strong recommendation from Large Noises sound man Jono Steer, we had gone to see Mia perform in a tiny bar in Ballarat in early 2003.  For us, witnessing Mia play ‘Tell Me’, a track from her fourth record ‘The Moment‘ for Large Noises was surreal.  And to be able to capture the moment to watch over again is a dream come true.

‘Tell Me’ is one of my favourite tracks on the record; a plea to a lover, Dyson’s voice swoons as she asks, “Tell me the things you never speak of.”  The sun was setting over the Melbourne cityscape, and goosebumps took hold of my entire body as Mia started singing.  Her music feels personal; for me it takes me back to times when I was questioning, dreaming, driving in my car being carried away as Dyson’s voice reverberated through my speakers.  Mia has for a long time been the soundtrack to many of my experiences, as I’m sure for several others.

Soon after seeing her perform for the first time, she quickly shot to fame with her 2003 album “Cold Water.” Amongst several ARIA nominations, her subsequent follow-up album “Parking Lots” won best blues and roots album of 2005 at the ARIA Awards.  It’s no surprise that Mia has also received loads of radio play and toured with world renowned artists like Chris Isaak.

Growing up in Torquay, a beach town just outside of Melbourne, Australia Dyson’s father was a well known guitar maker and blues guitarist.  Being raised around the musical taste of her parents, Mia grew up on artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Bonnie Raitt which later influenced her to pick up a guitar and sing the blues.  You can hear these influences in her songs, with her own distinctive style – Mia Dyson is the definition of an old soul; singing the blues with truth and sincerity.

“The Moment” was born after Dyson packed up and moved to the USA; a journey that was filled with heartache, realisations and worldliness – this is what fuelled her fourth studio album.  She describes it as, “Grabbing hold of what scares you the most and letting go of trying to control your fate.”  The album is honest and emotive – showcasing Mia’s raw talent and proving that she is one of the best blues and roots musicians in well … the world.

Mia Dyson is now at the peak of her career, and luckily for us she has many more moments ahead.

Words by Eliza Hull