Meet Mia Rago, a Chicago native who has injected a refreshing twist into the post-breakup music landscape with her latest single, “The Shower,” which was released on August 9. This track offers a unique perspective on navigating the aftermath of a relationship’s end, drawing from Rago’s own experiences with breakups.
In crafting “The Shower,” Rago tapped into the initial stages of a breakup, where one often dissects past events and reflects on what went wrong. Despite the track’s thematic roots in heartache, Rago was determined to steer it away from a purely sorrowful tone. “I wanted to make it playful and still have it be a fun song,” she explained, describing the track as a therapeutic exercise. “There’s room for those sad breakup songs, but this didn’t feel like one after I wrote it.”
Collaborating with the acclaimed producer and two-time IBMA award winner Megan McCormick, Rago approached “The Shower” to create a pop song. The duo enlisted additional musicians to shape the song’s instrumentation, opting for a minimalist approach that accentuates the poignant lyrics. With its subtly funky guitars, a straightforward beat, and a strong bass presence, “The Shower” stands as a melodic triumph that invites listeners to reminisce about their own relationships while exploring more of Rago’s music.
Rago’s journey in the music world is as compelling as her sound. She began singing at a very young age and began songwriting around the age of 12. Once she got to college, she trained classically as an opera singer and earned a degree in vocal performance. Her operatic talents were showcased in performances as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto and Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica in Sicily, Italy. These experiences, combined with her parents’ musical influences—her father’s love for Frank Sinatra and her mother’s admiration for Elvis Presley—shaped her diverse musical palette.
However, Rago’s path to becoming a prominent artist was not without its obstacles. At the age of nine, she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, which caused a painful curvature of her spine and required multiple intensive surgeries. Rather than succumbing to the physical limitations, Rago channeled her energy into music, practicing guitar and songwriting during her recovery. This resilience helped her emerge as a talented and determined artist.
Despite the challenges, Rago’s dedication to her craft remains unwavering. She continues to perform and create music while managing the presence of steel rods in her back—an invisible testament to her perseverance.
Looking ahead, Rago is preparing for the release of her debut album, Wishing We Could Dream, slated for 2025. This album will be a personal exploration of her life’s narrative, encompassing both her triumphs and struggles. Following the release of her EP A Sea of Darkness, Rago has shared the first single from the upcoming album, “All of My Scars,” which candidly addresses her battle with scoliosis and the enduring physical reminders of her surgeries. “The Shower” will also feature on this album, offering a glimpse into her experiences with breakups during her twenties.
“The whole album is kind of the story of my life to date…you know, navigating your twenties, getting into adulthood,” Rago remarked. “Breakups are a big part of that. It’s kind of paving the way for more songs that are hopefully relatable to everyone.”
In addition to her album work, Rago will release a new single, “Sweet Tooth,” on September 20, celebrating her love for desserts. On October 25, she will also unveil “It’s Dark Inside,” reflecting on her relationship with death, influenced by her family’s ownership of a funeral home and cemetery.
Mia Rago remains steadfast in her musical journey. She aims to blend her classical opera roots with contemporary alternative music, continuously expanding her artistic horizons.
Listen to “The Shower” and watch the music video here.
Mia Rago Socials
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