Check Out Mia Rago’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Rago.

Hi Mia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started singing at a very young age, listening to my dad sing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin around the house. When I was 13 years old I started playing guitar and exploring songwriting. I continued singing through high school and my love for songwriting grew stronger. I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career, but just wasn’t sure how. I found a music program at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and after one visit, fell in love with the city. I kept cultivating my craft, writing songs, and singing. As I took voice lessons in college, a love for opera started to bloom and I found myself graduating with a classical voice degree. College was full of music for me; I released my debut EP A Sea of Darkness in 2020 featuring five original songs of the indie pop genre, and shortly after began writing more songs for my next project. As I continued to sing opera, I developed a longing to bridge the gap between my own indie pop music and classical music. I became so interested in vocal technique and my singing ability grew in all genres. I participated in an opera young artist program in Sicily, Italy in 2022. For six weeks I was completely submerged in the world of opera, I sang the role of Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto, met so many amazing people, and learned so much about my voice. Once I came back to the US I decided it was time to record a full length album. I had been writing so many songs about life and love in my 20s and decided it was time to share them with the world. I recorded at the Bomb Shelter in East Nashville with some truly incredible musicians and my producer Megan McCormick. It was a magical few days in the studio. Since then, I have been releasing singles off the record, starting in June of 2024 with the release of my song “All of My Scars” to my most recent release on April 11th, 2025 of my song “Blue”. The full record titled Wishing We Could Dream will be released on August 22nd, 2025. The 11-track album features songs of love, lust, heartache, and death with a repetitive theme of dreams encapsulating the light and darkness of my life to date.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a challenge pursuing a career of music. The most challenging part has been juggling both classical and indie pop music. I love both genres so much but constantly feel like I have to choose between the two. I was told once that if I love both genres I will make time for both, which has proven itself to be true so far. There are some days when one needs more attention than the other but I can’t imagine my life without pursuing both. I have begun to incorporate some classical into my indie gigs and audiences seem to respond well to the sudden operatic singing. I am slowly moving toward my goal to bridge the gap between the two genres.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am in indie pop singer songwriter and operatic soprano. I have been able to utilize the classical singing technique I have learned, and implement it in my indie music. I would love to try some genre crossover in the future in order to highlight the two genres together. My classical training is definitely something that sets me a part and I hope to continue growing as a vocalist. I have learned that the classical technique transcends all genres. The training has strengthened my voice in all singing. When it comes to my own music, I think my songwriting and sound sets me a part from other artists. Although I have my influences – Mitski, Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile – I think the sound I have created is unique. I hope listeners can appreciate my melodies and lyrics.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
One of my biggest risks was leaving home and setting out to pursue music. When I first moved to Nashville, I didn’t know anyone. After seven years of living here, I am so happy to have taken that risk. I have met so many incredibly talented people, both in commercial and classical music that have helped my career. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t take that risk. I think pursuing an artistic career is risky in itself and the reward is not guaranteed. But to be able to wake up every day and pursue what I love is worth all the risk and challenges I have encountered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miarago.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MIARAGOMUSIC/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miaragomusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qPjJewS6IkwKhD3oJAZKQ