I have become aware of Australian independent artist Alana Joanne during the covid 19 pandemic when she was slotted to participate in one of the online concerts we helped to organize. Nothing came out of it in the end, but I was mesmerized by Alana’s strong voice, absolute dedication to the punk pop aesthetic and her ability to turn every song into an indie anthem. No matter what she did, composed her own track or performed a cover – every single release was fantastic. Fast forward to 2025, Alana is now back under the moniker of Miera and she has just released her newest song called “Parentified”. Nu punk meets the classic noughties, in a sun soaked, powerful and sincere release that in normal circumstances would have her signed on the spot.
Single cover by Hyperviolet
Official bio: Raw, rebellious, and deeply real – Miera isn’t here to play it safe. She’s here to say what others are too afraid to.Born and raised in South Australia, Miera is the sound of emotional truth wrapped in gritty pop-punk hooks and 90s nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from artists like Avril Lavigne, Blink 182, and Taylor Acorn, she blends anthemic guitars with gut-punch lyrics that speak to the misfits, the feelers, and the ones still learning how to stay soft in a hard world. After years in Melbourne’s underground scene, Miera has returned home with a sharpened pen and a louder voice. Her debut album “Orphaned Parts” is a love letter to the fractured self, each track a battle cry for healing, identity, and self-worth.
I wrote “normal circumstances” as sadly, right now, we are far, far from them. If the market was working like it has been for decades, independent artists such as Miera would have been scouted by record labels a long time ago. She has the entire package so beloved by the A&R people: talent, skills to pen energetic, radio friendly songs and interesting, well defined stage image. She comes across as rebellious, ambitious and smart, a perfect fit for a new indie punk princess. Heartbreakingly, the music industry everywhere seems to be in a deep crisis. It doesn’t matter where you are, in Poland, UK, Australia or the US, record labels are no longer interested in nurturing new talents, instead they are signing acts based on their connections and the thickness of their wallets. The British market is swamped by children of millionaires (mostly women) who barely can carry a tune. America is even worse, with Gracie Abrams, daughter of filmmaker, JJ Abrams being the newest and probably the most outrageous example of nepotism. Add the near monopoly of Spotify and lack of funding for touring and recording, and you have a recipe for the perfect catastrophe: music becomes a playground for the wealthy and real grass-roots artists are forced to give up their careers while working two or three jobs just to support themselves.
Miera photographed by Mouk Media
Every time we receive a kick ass song from a working class female artist, I’m inconsolable. I’m wrecking my head on how to help them get more exposure, opportunities, gigs or representation. Miera already has a solid social media following, impressive resume, so what is stopping bookers and labels from investing in her? The only thing that really comes to my head is that they just don’t want to. Investing in new artists poses a risk and today everyone wants to make more money and count no losses. Gracie Abrams, who grew up in Hollywood and has been in the public eye since she was a baby, is seen as an asset. The problem is that we no longer hear sincere, diverse voices anymore, we are drowning in a poorly made thoughtless and morally bankrupt slop.
Miera may be an unsigned artist, but she offers a potent cure for the nausea caused by industry plants and nepo babies. Her music comes from her heart, it’s self written, grown from her own experiences, defeats, trials, happiness or sorrows. Songs from the top of the charts are usually written by ghostwriters and often they ring hollow. Miera’s strength lies in her own truth, the sincerity of her voice that is delivered with emotional sensitivity, frankness and candor.
“Parentified” stands at 3 minutes and 15 seconds and I swear it will live in your head rent free until Christmas. The song is a pure pop punk rock with some 1990’s Brit pop impurities and indie flavours. It was produced/mixed and mastered by German music producer, and current resident of Melbourne, Michel Kroll.
“Parentified” was described as a “raw anthem for the inner child” and I 1000% agree. It touches on subjects of childhood emotional neglect and having to grow up too fast in a world that never stops and doesn’t look back. Miera puts her everything into the song: her vocals are absolutely pitch perfect, high and strong in the choruses, semi spoken/semi sung in the verses. I have to say I don’t see much of Avril Lavine in what she does, she’s more like Maggie Dunne (Fuzz Box) taking over Panic Shack or Twat Union. There is something quintessentially British about Miera, maybe her matter-of-fact lyrics, maybe the fashion that seems to be inspired by Vivien Westwood? Maybe the way she carries herself. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s a bit of British coolness woven into an Australian soul.
Miera the punk rocker by Mouk Media
Miera is not here to play it safe indeed, she is here to take risks when nobody else is willing to take anymore. She makes music primarily for her own enjoyment/fulfillment, but everyone is invited to tag along. The more the merrier, we all carry our invisible scars from our childhoods and Miera is here to make us feel better. I can’t wait for her debut album to come out. I may live half a world away, but Miera feels like your oldest, most trusted buddy.
I keep my hopes up that one day something will change for the better and our unsigned artists will again have the same opportunities artists had in the 80 and 90’s. Miera is made for big stages, festivals, and sold out tours. All she needs is a bit of investment and she will become a household name.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed, this will be her future. To succeed, she needs your help. If you know anybody within Australian industry, let us know, we would be more than happy to write on her behalf.
Miera online:
www.mieramusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/mieramusic/
https://www.facebook.com/mieramusic/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mieramusic
https://www.youtube.com/@MieraMusicOfficial
https://www.threads.com/@mieramusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2phny8SMIkhuGekGJI9sCT
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 