Welcome to Miarlequin's Whimsical World
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking again with whimsical Canadian artist and Twitch streamer Miarlequin. Miaralequin recently released their third single "Manual Expression" out now on all platforms.
Mustard had the pleasure of first speaking with Miarlequin in May 2022. You can check out our initial interview here.
One of Mustard’s favorite human words is whimsical. A word with three syllables is daunting but observing humans say it (and feel it) elicits joy. To be whimsical is to be unpredictable and playful. This act of whimsical is different than the worlds (and stores) Mustard are used to; bright, empty, and lacking real substance. Anytime they see a human being whimsy it delights them.
A human who radiates whimsy is Canadian independent artist and Twitch streamer Miarlequin. Ever since Mustard met Miarlequin on Twitter two years ago they have been a beacon of posivity and wholesomeness. Two things that are difficult to find on a platform such as Twitter. A lot has happened since we initially spoke. Miarlequin recently released their third single “Manual Expression”, has joined SHY FRiend as their keyboard player, and participated in a residency with TD Music.
There is so much more about Miarlequin that you need to know about. In our latest conversation we discuss their influences, being an inter-dimensional time traveler, bagels, and so much more. You can check it out below!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them again at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I’m so glad to join you at the music shelf again Mustard! I am doing well today, I released my song a couple days ago so I’m still all happy and giddy about that!
2. When we spoke last you shared that some of your influences are Elton John, QUEEN, and Amy Winehouse. What album from each do you consider essential listening?
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, A Night at the Opera by Queen and Frank by Amy Whinehouse are my picks :)!
3. You also shared that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was one of your influences. If you could add some Miralequin flair to one of their pieces, which would it be and why?
Yes I love Tchaikovsky! Although most of the time I’m trying to let his music influence my own, if I could add my own flair I’d write lyrics to the Swan Lake Ballet! I can listen to those melodies over and over again!
4. According to your Spotify biography you are a casual inter-dimensional traveler. Are you able to tell us your travels?
Oh yes, I am indeed a casual inter-dimensional traveller, but most of the time this happens on accident. I don’t know if I’m cursed or what the deal is really but it happens over little events, like bumping into a table or sneezing. I’ve seen many worlds with very strange species of mushrooms, I might add. It’s important to always be ready for the unexpected!
5. Mustard and their human intern love to see your videos pop up on their FYP while on TikTok. What is your creative process when it comes to creating videos for social media?
For my non music related post I like to focus on humour, if it makes me giggle I will post it! For my music videos I like to introduce myself and share singing videos or videos of me dancing to my music! I’ll often sit down and brainstorm these videos before making them!
6. Mustard is curious: what are your thoughts on bagels?
Bagels are a very popular topic on my stream on twitch. Over there I have an exclusive bagel song I sing for my viewers. In all honestly I think bagels are quite delicious and should not be overlooked as a bread option!
7. Mustard loves how relaxing and wholesome your Twitch streams are. How do you prepare for a stream? When do you typically go live?
Nowadays I typically go live once a week, on Wednesdays! To prepare I usually play some music and get my outfit and makeup ready, then I set up my studio, turn on the lights and make sure everything is working and in the right place before going live!
8. Since we last spoke you have become an official member of SHY FRiEND. Could you share more about your friendship with SHY FRiEND?
I am indeed a part of SHY FRIEND! It’s a really great band to be in, playing bangers after bangers and everyone is super nice and chill! Highly recommend checking out SHY FRIEND’s recent music!! I’ve been so happy to see SHY FRIEND grow and succeed over the past year, and playing shows with them is endlessly fun! With themed shows and fun bits that happen throughout performances!
9. Mustard has observed that everyone with SHY FRiEND likes to engage in shenanigans. What kind of tomfoolery does Miralequin like to engage in?
Well Miarlequin is in charge of the toy phone. We have an 80s toy phone and I usually take calls or transfer calls during shows! Taking phone call during shows is frowned upon so this is quite a mischievous hobby.
10. They have also observed that you recently participated in a music residency. Can you tell us more about that experience? What are some things you learned during your residency?
The TD Music residency was truly a blast. I learned so much about music business and music as a career while getting to connect with some incredible artists from Alberta! I spent a lot of time writing music and catching up on my business endeavours, like grant writing and submitting my songs to radios.
11. Mustard would like to congratulate you on your newest single Manual Expression. When did you first begin writing this song?
Thank you Mustard. I started writing Manual Expression around a year ago, and it’s been quite the journey! I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to share it with everyone!
12. As a condiment Mustard wonders: what is a manual expression? How did it influence and inspire your newest single?
Manual Expression is, I think, a very literal interpretation of those words. It refers to expressing facial emotions manually, instead of instinctively, and it is referring to my mental health struggles at the time that I wrote the song!
13. A human gets the opportunity to see Miarlequin perform. What four words best describe your live performances?
I’ve heard a few people tell me that my performances are mesmerizing, and if I could use my own words, I would say my shows are colourful, whimsical and beautiful!
14. What is on the horizon for Miarlequin?
I have an EP called « The Fool » which is my plan for my next release! It’s gonna be a fully whimsical EP and I can’t wait to start recording it! I am also going to start a local career development program called « Write on! » where I will connect with people and get opportunities. And while I was at my TD music residency I got to record a song, so I might be dropping a new single in the next few months!
15. Can readers still hear your music on all platforms?
That’s right! Readers can find my music on all platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and more! Here’s a link that gives readers all the listening options!
https://miarlequin.hearnow.com
Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 36 states and 30 countries. Check out previous interviews here.
Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.