Pittsburgh local music spotlight: Mia Z

Although singer Mia Z is only 26 years old, she said she feels like a veteran of the music business, thanks to an appearance on NBC’s “The Voice” as a teenager.

“I don’t even share with people often all that I have gone through in the music business because when I sit back and reflect on the many serious ups — working with Pharrell Williams, national touring (and) recording sessions — and then the many serious downs — different deals, offers, opportunities, and a catalog of music that is stuck in time — I feel I’ve earned my status. I was only 15 when I was on ‘The Voice’ and from that point on, I entered into the music industry through a whole different wave than I was used to.

“It seasoned me for sure, but it didn’t bend or break me. Music is a gift and business is business, it’s what we choose to do with it. I’m grateful to be in music and to continue on the path that God has for me.”

In the ensuing years, she’s worked with producers and songwriter from New York to Los Angeles like Ryan Toby, D’Mile and Cobaine Ivory.

“That journey helped inspire, grow, and nourish my craft, although my soul and spirit have been the same from my very first song,” she said. “Did I experience and go through some stuff? Of course, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I have seen the evolution of social media become more present than ever in the music world; it’s a blessing and a problem.

“These past 10 years as an independent artist have enhanced my creative process and allowed for a deeper connection to the real reason for my artistry which is to help, inspire and bless others. The music industry, much like life, changes constantly. Ten years seems like a long time but it really feels like it was just yesterday. I’m excited to see what God has in store for the next 10 years and more.”

Mia Z has 30 songs completed, with a release on the horizon. She’s been dropping a new single every month, including the latest, “Don’t Really Know.”

“This song is super special to me not only because my mom played all the keyboards and instruments on it, but I sat down in my home studio, pressed record and sang. The lyrics, melody, and emotion came right on the spot,” she said. “I went back and added my background harmonies which took the song to another space of depth. There are moments in our lives where what we are going through is hard to express or share with others and it can feel lonely but in that time is when we find hope. Being vulnerable, praying, and healing.

“The music video was filmed in my mom’s bedroom, a space where a lot of my life’s heartaches, prayers and growth took place. Sometimes just sitting on your mom’s bed and talking is all the therapy we need.”

Mia Z filled in TribLive on what else we should know about her:

Musical act: Mia Z

Band members: I have been blessed to perform with many different musicians throughout my career. Being an independent solo artist makes it an honor to share the stage with different people who are not only musicians for my gigs but also pursuing their own individual careers, music educations and creative fields. One common musician throughout my whole career, though, has been my mom, Lorey Zanotti, always holding it down on the keys.

Founding story: My whole family has been in music starting back with my grandparents, which flowed into my mom’s and uncle’s musical lives. I followed in all their footsteps and shared their passion for it. Being raised around music, I always found myself at their band rehearsals, gigs and jam sessions, and that led me to pursue my own interests in music. I performed my first original song at 8 years old for the Christmas concert at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. Then I recorded and released my first album “The Beginning” at age 11 — history was made from that point on. It was at age 13 that I fronted my first very own band, performing only original music written by my mom and myself. I was honored to have my mom Lorey Zanotti (keyboards), my uncle Jay Zanotti (guitar), Mark Anderson (drums), and the late Jeff Knabb (bass), who helped to take my songs to another level. I loved sharing the stage with them and so many talented people. I am forever grateful God blessed me with a family that has music in their DNA! It’s one thing to “do” music, but for me it’s another feeling to be “born” into it.

Origin of the name Mia Z: My full name is Mia Zanotti, but my stage name has always been Mia Z. Fun fact: I don’t have a middle name, so Mia Z just felt right!

For fans of: People who love real music! I would say Imagine Dragons, Ariana Grande, Peter Gabriel, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna and Shinedown.

Influences: I am influenced by all genres, artists, singers, musicians, sounds and effects. Growing up in a musical family, having an older sister, and being a competitive cheerleader I had the best of all worlds of musical influence. I would hear my grandparents’ big band music, my mom and uncle’s blues rock band, my sister’s favorite artists and tunes, and all the classic songs in our remix music for cheerleading. Crazy to think how much music our ears have consumed in our life! It’s all an influence to me.

Releases: “The Beginning” album, 2012; “Mia Z Live” album, 2016; “Evidence” album, 2020; “This or That” EP, 2020; “Better Because” album, 2023. She has been dropping a new single every month since my album release in 2023, with “Don’t Really Know” the latest.

Next show: 1 p.m. June 8, Rockin’ Regatta at the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in Creighton.

How to find her: Mia Z can be found on Instagram, X and Spotify.

Three other Pittsburgh area bands/musicians to check out: Noah Myers, Zack Dean, Emmanuel Houndo

Favorite pizza shop: I’ll eat pizza from just about anywhere including gas stations haha BUT my go-to pizza is the ready-made fresh ones at my local Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market. The crust is delicious, just enough sauce, lots of cheese — pop it in the oven and enjoy!

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