Tone Talk with Miu: “…it’s the perfect time to pick up your instrument, step out into the world, and own it!”
My name is Miu and I’m a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Germany. I write and perform retro-inspired soul pop music with a modern twist and have released three records and a few EPs so far. Some of my songs landed big syncs on German television, but also a Hollywood Netflix movie. And at the moment, I’m working on my 10-year anniversary record, which will be released this fall, and if people want to support it, they can donate something for my crowdfunding campaign at https://www.startnext.com/10jahremiu.
I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old and began singing in my teenage years. Although I always wanted to learn how to play guitar, somehow, I didn’t until I was in my early 20s. And it’s been a love story ever since.
Photo by Maike Keller
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
That’s a big question! I like warm and clean 60s/70s inspired sounds with spring reverb and maybe tremolo. When I talk about guitar sounds, I always come back to this sound as my “home“ ever since. Over the years, fuzz sounds have been added to my preferred sound, but I always like it a bit vintage-y and soul inspired. So the tone I like is often found in Motown and soul-inspired music from the ’60s and ’70s.
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
I do own several guitars I really love for different purposes.
When I can only bring one guitar, I love my Gibson Custom Les Paul Goldtop because it fits best to most of my songs. In case I can take more guitars with me, I’d probably add my Fender Custom Strat or Telecaster, both in champagne sparkle finish. I love sparkle finishes by the way!
For recording purposes I have some more special and vintage-y guitars at home like an old Harmony (with an MJT Champagne sparkle finish) and a ’60s Silvertone.
My most favorite pedal sound is fuzz. I love the nasty sound of fuzzes and it gives some kind of edge and character to softer arrangements. I own several fuzzes like the Katzenkönig, [Asheville Guitar Pedals] Purr Machine, and the [Beetronics] Octahive.
And then I like clean and retro-inspired tremolo and reverb; I really like the Strymon Flint and the Caroline Guitar Company Météore.
Other pedals I have are the Pink Panther Delay by JHS, for example, and several other pedals.
When it comes to amps, I like clean Fender amps. Most of the music I like has a clean amp sound and so do I. I own a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe in red.
Photo by Samira Neitzke
What about strings?
When it comes to strings, there are three things very important to me. They need to be fun and easy to play. The feeling is very important. And as important as the feeling is a bright, clear sound and the longevity. When you tour a lot and you don’t enjoy the privilege of traveling with a guitar tech, you want the strings to be solid and reliable. So I’m really happy to be supported by Elixir strings, who have been great supporters of my music.
Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
To be honest, I don’t prefer anything in particular—I’m open-minded when it comes to recording, and whatever sounds right will be right for the song. But I do believe in the magic of demo recordings. The naive and playful way you capture a first idea often feels right for the final recording, and the magic and sound of demo takes are often hard or even impossible to reproduce.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
Although I like to work with amps and pedals at home and in the studio, I switched to a Kemper Profiler Stage for touring. Especially when you’re playing and singing at the same time AND wear high heels, the Kemper helps me keeping my sound consistent on stage and makes me worry less about accidentally touching the knobs of the pedals while singing.
And the Kemper is also great traveling by plane!
Photo by Elena Zaucke
What does your practice consist of?
My regular practice and warm-up consists of practicing some scales and tempo practices, soloing over jam tracks, and, of course, playing songs I like! But it depends on how much time I have.
Favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to play guitar?
Pretty much everything Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys invented.
What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?
No one can stop you anymore. I’m glad that some things have changed for the better for female musicians, so I guess it’s the perfect time to pick up your instrument, step out into the world, and own it!
Connect with Miu
INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY
