Rising Australian musician Mia Wray has burst onto the scene in a big way with the release of “Work for Me” earlier today.
Having been writing and creating her own music for a number of years now, Wray’s debut single premiered via triple j on Sunday night, leading to widespread praise from listeners who adored her soulful sound, which quickly drew comparisons to that of Vera Blue and Meg Mac, just to name a few.
Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Wray has been slowly rising for some time now, with the 24-year-old previously appearing on The State of Music back in May, performing Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” as part of a lineup that included Kate Miller-Heidke, Mahalia Barnes, and Missy Higgins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uaHQR2D3io
However, it’s “Work for Me”, a defiant anthem aimed toward anyone who’s ever been made to feel less than worthy, that has truly put Wray on the map, with the tune being inspired by an incident of workplace bullying, Wray told triple j.
“I was getting more and more pissed off at work, and then one day I came home and wrote ‘Work For Me’ in the shower,” she explained. “This is the song that started a new journey for me, and I want everyone to be on that ride as well.”
Currently receiving widespread acclaim via triple j Unearthed as well, “Work for Me” also comes accompanied by a music video directed by respected filmmaker Cybele Malinowski, which features liberating footage of Wray running on a treadmill.
Described as “a striking new voice in Australian music”, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Wray and her nascent musical career, however, from the response she has received so far, it appears as though there are good things in the pipeline.
Mia Wray’s “Work for Me” is available on streaming services now.
