Mia Maestro

Mia’s debut album Si Agua is a joint venture between pioneering indie labels Arts & Crafts and Nacional Records. An actress, singer and songwriter— Maestro has created a wide array of complex and memorable characters on-screen throughout her versatile career, while also carving out her own unique place in the indie music world. Si Agua features collaborations with Damien Rice, as well as a talented ensemble of musicians who accompany Maestro’s voice, offering a unique blend of Latin, American and European culture that pays homage to Maestro’s musical inspirations. As Mia’s lyrics fluctuate between English and Spanish, her Argentinian upbringing consistently echoes throughout the album. Recently, Maestro spoke with Feist for Interview Magazine about Si Agua, which translates to “if water,” saying, “A lot of songs on the album have to do with my experiences in the water, or melodies that I've come up with when I'm on a boat or in the middle of nowhere or taking some quiet time on my own.” Si Agua was recorded in Iceland, a decision that Mia made after visiting the country for the first time when she was invited by acclaimed Icelandic singer-songwriter Emiliana Torrini to open for her shows. An eclectic assortment of incredibly talented solo musicians and composers were brought together for the recordings, bringing their studio experiences and personal aesthetic touches to each song. The medley includes experimental artist Ben Frost, pianist Thomas Bartlett, Shahzad Ismaily, bass saxophonist Colin Stetson and Björk/CocoRosie producer Valgeir Sigurðsson. Also adding an orchestral layer to the album is composer Nico Muhly (Jónsi, Antony and the Johnsons), who wrote and conducted the string and brass arrangements. Maestro has always felt a passion for music in addition to acting, saying “Writing songs feels a lot more personal— I’m more vulnerable when I’m doing music. I’ve always believed that there’s a deep connection between singing and showing a glimpse of your spirit.” She has long worked in both the music and film worlds, sometimes with the two overlapping, as when her song “Llovera” was featured on the soundtrack to the film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, in which she starred in as well. Currently, Maestro can be seen starring in the hit FX television series The Strain. Created and directed by Oscar® nominee Guillermo del Toro. Maestro made her screen debut in Carlos Saura’s Tango, which received Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominations for Best Foreign Film. In 2004, Maestro starred in The Motorcycle Diaries opposite Gael Garcia Bernal, which also received a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Foreign Film. Her other film credits include Miramax’s critically acclaimed biopic Frida, staring Salma Hayek and directed by Julie Taymor, and Oliver Stone’s Savages opposite Benicio del Toro, among many others.