Check Out Mystique Niles’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mystique Niles

Hi Mystique, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my sophomore year of high school, my history teacher knew I loved music, so he suggested I write a song for his school project. I was always a C student in that class and never really enjoyed it until I met him. It was nice having a teacher who wanted to help me excel in a class by using my gifts and talents.
The song “A Million Little Stars” was written about historical events starting in the 1950s, ranging from Kennedy in term, Martin Luther King’s fight for freedom, the launch of Apollo 11, and more. I began to love history when I wrote this song. I discovered that I love writing about issues and problems in the world, hoping that when people listen they develop a sense of wanting to learn more to make a change as well. The song talks about how we never know the answer to our questions as the world persists, but we can start to make a difference “just you and I”. (lyrics from the song)
Once I performed “A Million Little Stars” in class and received encouragement from my peers, I haven’t stopped writing songs since then. I found my love for performing when I started to partake in musicals. I starred in “Sound of Music” as Maria, “Anastasia” as Anastasia, “Willy Wonka Jr.” as Veruca Salt, and more. I raised money to join a GoBroadway program, so I could travel to New York to broaden my singing, dancing, and acting skills.
Since then, a co-writer reached out to help write more music. After graduating high school, my first single, “Who Are You?” was released in August of 2023, along with my music video filmed in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan for my single in November. My writing style is a mixture of pop and rock and has been described as fun, playful, and energizing. This summer, I performed my originals live with my band “Mystique” during my concert series called “Summer Showcase with Mystique”.
Further, I’ve met up with an additional local producer for possible collabs and more opportunities! I’ve been in the studio working on an EP to share with my supporters this year and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“What do you want to do with that?” is what people ask me all of the time. I moved to Nashville, TN to pursue my dreams at 17. I’ve always loved to sing, but never really imagined it becoming a lifestyle until my senior year of high school. I had doubts about moving because of the thought of losing friends and being away from family. Since everyone else my age is choosing safer careers and staying in Michigan, should I as well? I’ll be going to a school with people I’ve never met before, who have the same dreams as me, which developed a lot of self-comparison, loneliness, and depression. Everyone is talented and it’s hard to believe you are worthy of something greater. Belmont University is a great school and has amazing people that surround you, but the industry is so hard. It became a lonely environment for me in college. Thankfully, I met my best friend who made me feel wanted. In addition, my family has always supported my dreams, so it was easy for me to accept these sorts of challenges.
In conclusion, what I want to do is not live a life of not knowing what I could have been. It’s okay to have a comfortable lifestyle, but I don’t mind taking a slight risk to explore my dreams. That’s why I take these huge steps to be something bigger.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an 18-year-old artist who goes to college, works a part-time job while writing music and furthering my artistic abilities, who prioritizes my health, and still makes time with her friends and family.
I am known for my determination, hard work, passion, and will to succeed. I am a creative individual: I paint, I draw, I write, I sing, I build, I play, I act, and I dance.
I am a singer/songwriter who specializes in pop/rock music. In conceptual art, I love to create portraits, but explore different genres for my commissions.
I am most proud of being able to take stories and put them to music. I am proud of being able to stand my ground and not let negative words control me.
What sets me apart from others is my compassion and love for others. As an individual, I always try to look for the best in people and situations. People have told me they like to be around me because I find the good in the bad. I am not afraid to ask for what I want. I am my advocate.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I wouldn’t be anywhere without my faith. I struggle with anxiety and OCD and find peace in Christ.
I recommend finding someone to talk to. If you keep everything bottled up inside, it will only make everything worse. I reach out to my mom about everything!
More advice that I would give is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to go up to people. Don’t be scared to reach out. You’ll never know what will happen!

Pricing:

• Ranges from $100-$300 for my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://33f8491b-70a3-437a-840d-a8dff714226a.godaddysites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalmystique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mystique.niles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@originalmystique
• Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AxHU7FkRb2UxUYf7IYmkG
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiq.ee

Image Credits
Paul and Irene Smith