Mialuna is the solo project of Norwegian artist Miriam Kjølen, previously known from the duo Mhoo, of which she was one half. (No jokes about the cows coming home…)
We’ve written about several songs which concerned road trips and this one evolved out of a 10-week such expedition through California and again was partially “shaped” by a period of personal upheaval.
(If I recall correctly the last one we featured concerned a love affair that blossomed during the trip and was then crushed by the US side when the Nordic partner returned home. Nothing so dramatic here.)
‘Does my heart even know’ is Mialuna’s debut single but you’d never know it.
She has one of those voices that draw you in and won’t let you go, like the children’s story readers on TV I remember as a child. I doubt they exist any longer; the kids are all hooked on their phones. And while it is sung, it is if she is reprising that role herself, conveying a salutary warning through prose.
“No-one ever told me before/changing paths in life will make you feel/so vulnerable”. It doesn’t quite scan when sung; you’re expecting a one word conclusion, but the haphazardness of the line suggests the dangers of such a course of action perfectly.
The premise is pretty much the same as that of theme song from Frozen – let it go – and leave it to the fates to decide whether or not the heart heals.
Accompanied only by a violin and soft choral backing the song is then unexpectedly embellished and played out by a compelling gospel chorus that complements perfectly the Nordic melancholy that pervades it.
It’s a lovely piece of work, and especially so for a debut.
Miriam has a sparse presence on social media with a modicum of followers so far. I don’t think that will be the case for much longer.
‘Does my heart even know’ is released on her own label, Casey Recordings.
There are two versions. This is the radio edit. The full length version has a lengthy instrumental opening.
Find her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mialunasings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mialunasings/
