Mikayla Geier

The first time I saw Mikayla Geier was on TikTok. A vulnerable yet artistic video about her past as a ballerina and how the obsession slowly turned into perdition. But her power doesn’t only reside in storytelling. It also resides in her songs : catchy, relatable, and dashing. Discover more about her flamboyant universe with me.

When I first discovered your work, it was through a TikTok video featuring a short film about your childhood as a ballerina and the way your love for ballet gradually turned into an obsession. I was immediately fascinated by the way you turned such a personal experience into something so visually and emotionally powerful. What did revisiting that chapter of your life and turning it into something creative allow you to understand about yourself?

It reinforced this realization about life that chapter taught me: sometimes what feels like failure is amazing redirection. I stopped ballet at 17 because I knew my eating disorder was ruining my life. It was the right choice but it absolutely devastated me. It truly felt like my whole world collapsed. I look back on that and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come as a person.

Ballet was clearly such an important part of your childhood and continues to be a significant part of who you are today. How does your background as a ballerina still inspire you, particularly when it comes to performing on stage?

When I was a ballerina performing a story ballet, I didn’t get to use words. I was translating a story or a feeling solely through movement. I learned early on that my body could be used as a form of expression, and I incorporate that in my live show a lot.

Speaking of performing, you recently had the opportunity to open for MARINA. How did that experience feel, and what did you take away from sharing the stage with her?

I’ve always admired MARINA’s artistry so much and she’s such a lovely person, so it was a dream to open on her tour! I still can’t believe I got to do that. This tour really solidified that I LOVE TO DO THIS. I love being an artist. I love writing songs. I love performing. I hope I get to do this for a long time.

You have also been very open about your mental health and the particularly dark period you went through in your life. How has music played a role in your healing process?

I got into music because I was desperate for an outlet. At the time, I had no aspirations of being an artist or releasing music. I just felt like I had to write songs so I did. It gave me a sense of relief that I needed. 

Your Chinese heritage is beautifully present throughout your work, both in your music and your visuals. Your album "HOT POT!," for example, immediately comes to mind, especially with its beautifully illustrated cover. At a time when racism and discrimination against Asian communities still exist, how important is it for you to embrace and celebrate your heritage through your art?

I love celebrating my heritage through my art. It’s such a special part of being an artist, and it’s very cool when people tell me they feel represented through the things I make. 

One of the things that fascinates me most about your work is the attention you give to the creative direction behind every project. Whether it's a music video, a short film, or an EP, everything feels incredibly intentional and visually crafted. Who or what inspires you creatively?

I’m inspired creatively by the people in my life. My friends are so creative, funny and inspiring to be around. They broaden my taste and are always introducing me to cool things! 

As a songwriter, what does your writing process usually look like? Do you tend to start with a specific emotion, a story, a melody, or even an image?

My writing process varies a lot. I wrote ‘diva’ in 20 minutes because the producer literally set a timer and made me just write a song to try to get me out of my head. Other songs I chip away at slowly, rewriting parts until it feels right. But I think my writing process really starts with how I live my life. I’m really observant, and I write things down a lot that later become songs.

Without playing favorites too much, is there one song in your discography that feels particularly close to your heart?

I love ‘dirty shirley’ because it feels whimsical and fun without being too sweet. :) 

Your latest release, ‘HOTLINE’, is a wonderful pop track filled with nostalgic '80s-inspired synths. How did this song come to life, and what was the inspiration behind its sound and story?

It was my first day ever working with CJ, I think we were chatting about my hyperfixation on Justice’s cross album, Italian disco, and some 90s house music. I wanted to incorporate something classical, so we ended up also referencing a track composed by Ludwig Minkus from one of my favourite ballets Don Quixote. As far as the story, I wanted to take “won’t you ring my hot-line” beyond just feeling hot sexy. I wanted to explore this, “you’re a damsel in distress and I will swoop in and save you from this man if you call me 911” angle to it as well. 

Can we expect to hear more music from you soon?

Yes! I’m working on my debut album, and I have the title! :)