“Heartfelt, refreshing, deeply personal and relatable.” That’s how Miami-based singer Miesa describes her soulful R&B tunes. Born to a Haitian mother and a Filipino father, the 24-year-old was discovered when Chauncy Jackson of Siri Music Group heard her vocals on a demo meant for Kelly Rowland and was signed immediately.

Tidal has called her a "rising star," and now in the midst of her Kimpton Suite Tour with Kimpton Hotel properties, Miesa is busy working on her upcoming debut, set for a summer release. Miesa talks to Myspace about her heritage, growing up in a musical household and writing a birthday rap.

Hometown: New Jersey

Homebase: Miami, FL

Is Miesa your real name?

Miesa is actually a blend of my nickname and my real name: MiMi and Melissa.

How did you know you were going to be a singer? Did you have a eureka moment?

I grew up in a musical household, so music was a natural thing for me to pursue. Music has been in my life from birth. It’s a big part of who I am. Discovering different kinds of music when I was a little girl definitely instilled a sense of passion in me. I knew this was my calling.

Talk about the first time you realized you wanted to sing and perform for others.

I was trying out for talent agencies and beauty pageants. The first songs I sang for an audience were “It's A Small World” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” The feeling I felt when I sang in front of an audience felt like home. Being able to connect with the people I was singing to through the music fueled my desire to perform and interact on a larger scale.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?

The first song I co-wrote was with one of my aunts for another aunt’s birthday and it was a Happy Birthday Rap. I bet you didn't think I used to rap [laughs].

Who are your musical heroes?

I don't really look at them so much as heroes, but more as inspirations or musical mentors that I continue to learn from. They include Sade, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Brandy. I could honestly go on forever. There are too many names to list!

What is your debut album going to be called?

Honestly, I want to wait until the album is completely finished. Once I have a listen, I know that the name will naturally come to me.

What inspired it?

The entire album draws upon inspiration from real life experiences that happened in my personal life, which I'm sure will play a role when choosing the title.

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you?

One of my fans asked for a visa to come to this country so they could come work for my family and my project. It was sweet, but just having my fans enjoy my music is more than enough for me. I’m truly blessed to have such a dedicated fan base.

What's your songwriting process like?

It starts with me telling a story to my writing team JacksonCroft and my producers The Chemistri and then we make magic happen. It's amazing to have the opportunity to work with such talented people who get me and the music.

Filipinos are culturally known to be singers and dancers, and Haitians are known for their sense of rhythm. What do you bring from your ethnic background into your music?

All of the above [laughs]. My heritage is something that's always with me. Whether it’s my ability to sense a strong rhythm or simply my passion for entertaining, it all roots from my culture.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

#Me because i would always want to be me. ᐧ