Colin 
Mia Wilks steps into a major moment with the release of her new single ‘L.Y.A’ on 6 December. At only 17, Mia has already shaped a striking creative identity, grounded in honest storytelling, rich cultural roots, and a lifelong connection to music. Born in Woolwich and raised in South East London, she grew up surrounded by a vibrant mix of influences. Long car journeys to visit family became the backdrop to 90s R&B, soul, and pop, with artists like Faith Evans, Mary J Blige, Maxwell, Aaliyah, Sade, and Michael Jackson shaping her early imagination. Those sounds remain a core part of her musical DNA today.
‘L.Y.A’ arrives as a song with intent. Mia describes it as something she has held close for a long time, waiting for the right moment to bring it into the world. She wanted to write a track that moved beyond the idea of a simple release and spoke directly to those who need reassurance. “This is the song you play when you suddenly doubt yourself. It’s the song you play for courage to walk away from something or someone,” she says. That clarity sits at the heart of the track. The writing leans into moments of doubt, strength, and emotional honesty, while the mood carries a glow that feels personal and immediate.
Mia’s background as a songwriter adds weight to that vision. She started writing and recording music as a child using an iPad in her bedroom, inspired by artists like Steve Lacy who proved that strong ideas matter more than expensive equipment. Her path was not always smooth. At eight years old, she was told in front of her class that she could not sing. The moment was painful but defining. Instead of walking away, she held onto the desire to prove otherwise. That experience shaped the direction of her writing. Themes of resilience, bravery, and finding belonging run through her work, reflecting her belief that “stories matter”.
A strong new chapter for a rising young voice
‘L.Y.A’ continues her mission to give a voice to people who feel they are not enough. It reflects her wish to offer comfort at the exact moment someone needs it. Mia explains that the track is made for those nights when doubt speaks loudest and the decision in front of you feels overwhelming. She wrote it to be a companion in that moment, a source of courage that stays steady even when things feel uncertain.
Her ability to connect through emotion has already reached a wide audience. Mia has grown a strong early following, with thousands of radio plays and more than 300,000 SoundCloud streams. Her songs reflect the experiences of someone who listens deeply, observes clearly, and writes in a way that remains open. Each track reflects her belief that songs can be scenes in a film without a fixed ending, shaped by the listener as much as by the writer.
‘L.Y.A’ builds on that ethos. It brings together her influences, her personal story, and her growing confidence as an artist. Most importantly, it carries the hope she wanted to give to others. With this release, Mia invites listeners to step into a quieter, braver space and trust themselves more fully. It marks a powerful moment for a young musician whose path is only beginning to unfold.
You can follow Mia Wilks over on Instagram and pre-save L.Y.A here.