Coming straight from her own alternative world, things are starting to light up for Miso Extra. With her new EP ‘MSG’ – “umami for the ears”, apparently – she’s only shining brighter. Read our latest Hype playlist cover feature now.
Words: Sam Taylor.
Photos: Claryn Chong.
London-based newcomer Miso Extra is an all-encompassing experience; an anime-inspired character who lives in an alternative world dubbed the “Misoverse”, she embraces storytelling and world building like few others.
Following the release of her 2022 ‘Great Taste’ EP, things have really been kicking off – tips from just about everyone, buzzy festival sets at Reading & Leeds and The Great Escape, and a support slot with Thundercat at O2 Brixton Academy, London.
Newly signed to Transgressive Records, she’s just dropped a final single ahead of her new EP; live favourite ‘50/50’ arrives just a few days ahead of ‘MSG’, a five-track effort she describes as “umami for the ears”.
Hello Miso Extra! How’s it going? What are you up to today, anything fun?
I’ve got to fit in some piano practice before my lesson. I’ve been learning ‘Itsumo Nando Demo’ from Spirited Away.
What first sparked your interest in music, did you grow up in a musical household?
I come from a long line of people who sing to themselves but most likely my love for music stems from me obsessively watching cartoons and anime then learning the theme songs.
Who was your first ever favourite band or pop star?
Probably Destiny’s Child and Kelly Clarkson.
Can you remember the first song you wrote?
Yes, but don’t ask me to sing it for you, aha.
How did you progress from those early forays, to developing the Misoverse? What is it that draws you to experimenting with fiction?
I’m a passionate daydreamer so it only makes sense I found a way to manifest this creatively and tie it into music. I seek a lot of inspiration for world building from video games and films that I’ve grown up with. I find it makes for a wholistic experience when consuming any art form.
What do you most enjoy writing about at the moment? Are there any themes or vibes you’re particularly drawn to?
Thematically in terms of the lyrics I’ve mostly been writing songs about patience and self preservation, but, for me the beats have to always be addictive and fun to listen to.
“I would LOVE to write an anime theme song”
Miso Exra
You’ve a new EP out soon, ‘MSG’ – where did it come from, and how was the process of putting it together?
It was being written as ‘Great Taste’ EP was coming out so was a direct response to the reception of that project coming out.
How does your new single ’50/50’ fit into the EP?
I’ve been playing ‘50/50’ as part of my live set and it always gets such an incredible crowd response so it seems only fair I now release it!
What else are you currently working on?
My current focus is getting back to performing live and continuing to write new music. Diving deeper into the Misoverse!
What would you most like to achieve during your music career?
I would LOVE to write an anime theme song, or better yet voice a character!
What do you do for fun?
Aside from making music I’d have to say snacking and playing Switch.
Is there anything else we should know?
My favourite Tekken character is Alisa and favourite move of hers is: Spam Bomb (u/f+1+2). ■
Miso Extra’s new song ’50/50′ is out now. Her ‘MSG’ EP is out 18th August. Follow Dork’s Hype Spotify playlist here.
