Mysie Continues to Craft Hits with Her Debut Mixtape ‘Controlla’

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Raised in a musically inclusive environment, Mysie, born Lizbet Sempa, is a dynamic, genre-defying powerhouse artist— having lived in both London and South Africa where she was exposed her to a wide array of musical styles at a young age. In fact, at just 16, Mysie found inspiration in timeless talents like Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, and Sadem, leading to the creation of her very own soulful pop sound.

Sonically, Mysie’s wonderfully eclectic background is apparent in her work for its seamless fusion of pop constructs with doses of Afropop, baile funk, hyperpop, and house, just as some of her more prominent stylistic inclinations. And through tracks like “CTRL,” “In My Mind,” and “Seven Nights,” Mysie has perfectly sharpened her multi-faceted skills, earning millions of streams across her impactful discography and over 13 million views on TikTok to date.

Now, after earning the attention of listeners with several must-have hits, Mysie is back with her debut mixtape CONTROLLA, signifying the birth of a euphoric selection of vibey anthems.

Congratulations on your new single “KITTY ON TOP”!” Can you tell us more about the origin of this track?

Mysie: I produced "KITTY ON TOP" in the later stages of making this mixtape. I was listening to a lot of baile funk and house at the time and wanted to create something with that vibe. I remember sending this to SOXX, and I knew he would vibe with it, so we went back and forth on production, trying to bring it into a "Mysie" space. SOXX understood it from the moment we started working on it. I brought my co-writers in to write the track online, and it was so fun! I wanted it to be playful, fun, and empowering. We are all fierce kittens in my eyes—being confident and acting on impulse is something inspiring that cats do, and we should all learn from them.

You mentioned that “KITTY ON TOP” is all about confidence and empowerment. How do you hope listeners will feel when they hear it?

Mysie: I want listeners to feel on top of the world when they hear this song. It’s about standing your ground and embracing every part of yourself. There is only one you, and no one can replicate that.

Your debut mixtape CONTROLLA is set to release soon, which is very exciting! How would you describe the narrative of this particular body of work?

Mysie: This project is about taking back control of my life in every aspect and from every angle possible. The best way to describe it is that this is my affirmation to stand my ground and not be afraid to take complete control.

You also co-produced “KITTY ON TOP” with SOXX. What was probably your favorite aspect of that collaboration?

Mysie: I’ve loved working with SOXX since the first stems I sent him. We were just bouncing ideas back and forth while I was on holiday—ego-free, playful, no pressure, no stress, just good vibes and good music. We really get each other, and most importantly... we're really good mates! 

You’ve described CONTROLLA as your most genre-defying work to date. Can you elaborate on the different musical influences that helped shape this mixtape?

Mysie: The reason I got into music in the first place was through the dance community. I was exposed to so much music during the time I was deep in my dance bag. House music has always played a huge role in my life. Experimental Hip Hop, Electronic, Baile Funk, Indie Electronica, and Alt-Pop have all had a life-changing impact on me. It was important for me to revisit my roots and remember why I got into music in the first place, and also to think about how I want to feel when I listen to my own music. I want to create vivid memories, the same sensation I get when I listen to all the genres I mentioned.

CONTROLLA also marks a departure from the themes of love and yearning in your previous work. What inspired this shift in focus?

Mysie: Honestly, I’m in a better place with all that now. Love and yearning aren’t a focus in my life anymore. One thing I wanted to explore was why I was struggling in my day-to-day relationships. I had an epiphany that I was basing many of my decisions on fear and people-pleasing. It was draining my energy, and I felt a huge loss of self. I didn’t really know who I was or what I liked. Of course, it was always subconsciously there, but many people and influences in your life can blur your true path. This project is about unfolding myself. I feel like I’ve hidden parts of myself from my listeners and fans, and now I just want to be honest.

Looking back at your journey from releasing music on SoundCloud to now, what has been the most significant lesson you’ve learned?

Mysie: To keep exploring and to be very wary of people who don’t want you to explore. Every move you make should have intention and come 100% from a place of integrity.

Lastly, your music has garnered an impressive 13 million views on TikTok so far, which is pretty major! How has social media impacted your career and connection with fans?

Mysie: Social media is the main reason I’m talking to you right now [laughs]! Social media has impacted my career in ways I never imagined, and I’m so grateful for it. The industry isn’t what it used to be. Some would say it was gatekeeping a lot from developing artists like me! Instead of my career being in the hands of a small group of people, it’s now in the hands of fans who discover me from all over the world. There are no limits when it comes to social media. So yep, thank you TikTok! And Insta Reels [laughs].