We have something very unique for you, in the form of Australian artist Mia Muze. Her new release, Four Pebbles, is a largely spoken word track, based upon Thicht Nahn’s Childen’s Four Pebble Meditation. It might not be for everyone, but those into their more spiritual music should check this piece out, as it really is a perfect backing track when meditating! If you’d like to find out more about Four Pebbles, read on below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Four Pebbles. What can you tell us about the song? It’s quite a unique track!
The song was written when I was spending time on extended retreat at a Buddhist temple. Whilst reading a book on monastics, I came across the monk mindfulness chant for almost every task – rather than it being a chant, it’s more like a poetic rhyme said with pace.
What if a whole meditation could be brought into a popular song? In four minutes, you’re guided through the vast soundscapes with a profoundly detailed, poetic lyricism that simultaneously acts as guidance through Zen Buddhism and the Dharma doctrine of thoughts, actions, and words.
Four Pebbles is the first Australian Dharma related music to be published. It is a cultural mash of music that expresses a worldwide want of mindfulness in our daily lives.
How has the reception to Four Pebbles been so far, and where can it be purchased?
Four Pebbles has been well received, first having airplay on local radio, and then receiving reviews from Serbia, UK, USA, Mexico, France and Italy. It’s been played Internationally via the European Indie Music Network over 70 stations worldwide.
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The piece was adapted from Thicht Nahn’s Childen’s Four Pebble Meditation. Is guided meditation a big part of your life?
As a youth, I studied Kendo, which began my training with meditation. It was a big part of my life, but it became a forgotten art to me. At the temple, I learned as an adult as a beginner. And so, Four Pebbles is a beginner’s instructional piece.
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Yes. My publishing label will be releasing a song related to Four Pebbles. It’s called Amitabah and it’s by a new artist called The Dharma Apprentice. It will create a channel to add any collaborative works that relate to the topic of Buddhism and life.
I have a wonderful song coming soon called 10 Minutes ReAmped.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
Yes. I released four singles this year which was fun. An album called Parallel Life was released in 2023. I actually have a lot in the works. I’m working on a fresh EP and have an album to make after that.
Your music has a meditation/world music sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
In my immediate surroundings during at my time at the temple, I was influenced directly by the Chinese culture, and so I decided to make that the instrumental influence. The rest is an amalgamation of my influences and person. I have a diverse cultural background, though ultimately write as an Australian songwriter.
You’re based in Australia. What is the local music scene like in your part of the world?
Gigs all around. The usual. I recently performed at the Gold Coast Italo-Australian Club as a performer for a hip-hop festival. Day gigs, night gigs. Even in rural spaces. I think there has been a rising of interests in open mics in local communities to showcase emerging and other original talent. Market days and club nights!
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Yes. More pre-production for my upcoming EP. Writing, producing and performing in the studio. A visit from Mum, who is Sydney-based, is something I am looking forward to. I’ll be recording her too, by the way. And of course Halloween. I don’t like fake gore much, but I do love the Americanisation of Halloween. Pumpkin spice. And recently, I have been working with my publication Maquis Musick presents… on YouTube. I’ve been releasing unique ghost stories from Japan in English for the first time. I suppose I will nerd out on creating a Halloween edition now. Thanks for bringing it up!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Maybe in the future. What a wonderful notion. At this point in time, I am focussing on expanding the connections here at home in Australia as I have spent so much time away. I’m thinking of a trip to Japan also. I will consider the UK! Especially since I was actually played and supported by UK radio before any other back in the day.
A warm and heartfelt recent review by Next Gen Musicians reminded me of the amazing culture behind music lovers.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you to those reading this. Supporting me in my musical journey is an honour, really. I have some people in my network who have been there since the beginning. I had no idea how far this road could take me, but I have accepted that I must do this til the day I die. Beats ‘n’ treats since 2006.