Mitski

Early Life

Mitski Miyawaki, known professionally as Mitski, was born on September 27, 1990, in Mie Prefecture, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a White American father. Her mother, wanting her daughter to be a Japanese citizen, traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Japan while pregnant, nearly giving birth mid-flight. Growing up, Mitski moved frequently due to her father's career in the U.S. Department of State, living in 13 different countries and developing a sense of being an outsider. Her early musical influences included her father's folk music collection and her mother's Japanese pop albums, alongside American pop artists like Mariah Carey and Britney Spears. She began songwriting at 17, creating what would become her debut album's track, "Bag of Bones."

Career

Mitski's music career began in earnest while she was studying composition at Purchase College's Conservatory of Music. She self-released her debut album, "Lush," in 2012, followed by her second album, "Retired from Sad, New Career in Business," in 2013. After graduating, she moved to Brooklyn, where she taught herself guitar and collaborated with a 60-person student orchestra for her senior project. Her third album, "Bury Me at Makeout Creek," released in 2014, marked a shift towards punk rock. Mitski's subsequent albums, including "Puberty 2," "Be the Cowboy," and "Laurel Hell," showcased her evolution into a prominent figure in indie rock and art pop, with her music often described as emotionally raw and visceral.

Personal Life

Mitski has chosen to keep her personal life private, avoiding discussions about her relationships and family in interviews. After living in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019, seeking a more affordable living situation. Despite her success, she has been candid about the challenges of living in expensive cities like New York, often shuffling between temporary accommodations. Mitski's music serves as a space for listeners to express their feelings and experiences, reflecting her own journey as an artist and individual.