By Kerry Doole
Mimi Oz - Hate (Independent): Initially based in Toronto, this indie-rock singer/songwriter relocated to New York City in 2018, a move that has had a major impact.
Her recently-released third album, Growing Pains, was partly inspired by New York City, where Oz lived from 2018-2019. “Being in an area with such a rich artistic history really rubbed off on me and brought out so much creativity,” says Oz in a press bio.
Hate is the new single and video taken from Growing Pains. The record covers a wide stylistic terrain, with Hate on the edgier side of that spectrum. Accompanied by virile guitar, Oz's vocals are both strong and passionate.
The new album is a self-produced, seven-song body of work recorded in both Toronto and NYC, and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer L. Stu Young. Longtime Canadian collaborator Richard Weisdorf is featured alongside NYC musicians, while Oz arranged all harmonies, string and horn sections, as well as playing acoustic guitar on select tracks.
Mimi Oz first made a mark in 2013 with Three of Swords, an original debut produced by Toronto’s Bob Wiseman (Blue Rodeo). In 2015, she released her second album, Men Who Never Loved Me, and 2017 saw the release of a band EP, Baby On The J, by her anti-folk group Rooster.
Oz also recently released a video for the final acoustic track on Growing Pains, Star 111, featuring choreography by Gabrielle Malone and Andrew Robinson (director of New York’s Metropolitan Opera).
Links
Publicity: Bobby Cleveland, Baby Robot Media
The Alchemist hosts a pop-up at 180g in MontrealStefano Rebuli / Billboard Canada
Fans outside 180g for The Alchemist's Montreal pop-up.Stefano Rebuli / Billboard Canada
An autographed vinyl at The Alchemist's Montreal pop-up.Stefano Rebuli / Billboard Canada