MISTICIA | INTERVIEW + TRACK REVIEW

With a voice that aches and uplifts in equal measure, Misti Campbell is quickly becoming one of Western Australia’s most captivating emerging artists. Blending soul, funk, and pop with unflinching emotional honesty, her songs speak to the delicate power of self-worth, resilience, and reflection. Her latest single Not Easy To Love is a soulful reminder that strength can be found in vulnerability—and that staying true to yourself is the most radical thing of all. As a recent double nominee at the WAM Song of the Year Awards and a seasoned performer across genres, Misti joins us to talk about heartbreak, growth, and the groove behind the message.

TRACK REVIEW

Not Easy to Love arrives like the opening credits of a Bond film—sultry, cinematic, and steeped in elegance. Misticia’s husky vocal delivery carries both power and vulnerability, with a tone so precise it feels effortless.

The track unfolds with lush, understated production that gives space for her voice to breathe, while guitar lead lines weave through the mix like whispers of memory—emotive, restrained, and beautifully placed. It’s a song that understands tension and release, never rushing, always pulling you in further.

With each listen, new layers reveal themselves. It’s polished yet emotionally raw—exactly the kind of track that lingers long after it ends.

LISTEN HERE

What inspired your new single Not Easy To Love, and what do you hope people feel when they hear it for the first time?

When I wrote Not Easy To Love, I was going through a period where I felt deeply hurt by a few people I had considered very close. The song explores the pain of feeling betrayed by someone you love, and the emotional spiral that can lead you to question your own worth—wondering, “I guess I’m not easy to love.”

But at its core, the song isn’t about self-pity. I wanted it to reflect the strength in vulnerability—the importance of acknowledging those feelings, processing them, and ultimately recognizing your own value. It’s a reminder that while some people may not know how to love you properly, that doesn’t mean you’re unlovable.

My hope is that when people hear the song, they feel seen—but also empowered. It’s about owning your story, standing firm in your self-worth, and trusting that the right kind of love will find you. Which is why I love the ending of the song—it ties the narrative together. The lyrics change from “I guess I’m just not easy to love” to “but I won’t change to be loved.”

Your music blends soul, funk, and pop with a real emotional edge. How do you approach balancing groove and vulnerability in your songwriting?

I’ve always loved the emotional depth of a ballad—it’s where I feel most comfortable expressing my thoughts. But at the same time, I love music that makes you want to move. So my approach is about finding that sweet spot between introspection and energy—creating something that uplifts while still connecting on a deeper, emotional level.

I want my songs to take people to those personal, unforgettable moments in life—whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or growth—but also make them dance. I want my music to be something someone can scream along to in the car, or just feel good listening to in the moment.

One of my biggest influences is Olivia Dean. I really admire how she manages to be empowering and emotionally resonant, all while riding a groovy bassline. That kind of balance is something I always strive for in my own sound.

Congratulations on your WA Music Awards nomination! What does this recognition mean to you, especially at this point in your journey?

Being nominated for two WAM Song of the Year awards truly means a lot to me, especially at this stage in my journey. As an emerging independent artist, every step forward feels incredibly meaningful—and this kind of recognition is both affirming and motivating.

I feel like this is the first major point of progress I can really leverage, regardless of the outcome. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity.

The values behind this award, especially the category A Song for Sophie, really resonate with me—particularly the focus on songwriting and lyrical depth. That song was exactly that for me: a piece where I wasn’t just trying to say something, but really portray an emotion through honest lyrics, deeper imagery, and metaphorical manipulation.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of creating, performing, and trying to grow, so moments like this serve as a powerful reminder that the music is reaching people and making an impact. It encourages me to keep pushing, stay authentic, and continue telling my story through song.

I’m also so grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive music community here in WA. This nomination feels like a celebration not just of my work, but of the people around me who’ve helped bring it to life.

You’ve had a diverse performance background, from rock bands to musical theatre. How do those experiences shape the artist you are today?

My background in both rock bands and musical theatre has been instrumental in shaping who I am as an artist. It ties back to what I said earlier about blending emotional ballads with groove-driven sounds—I’ve always been drawn to a wide range of genres, and those experiences gave me the tools to explore that versatility.

Playing in a rock band from a young age taught me how to collaborate musically, build cohesion with a group, and develop a strong sense of live performance dynamics. It taught me how to bring energy and authenticity to a stage.

Musical theatre, on the other hand, pushed me to grow in areas like vocal technique, projection, and stage presence. It gave me a level of confidence and discipline that I now carry into every performance.

These influences allow me to be more intentional in my artistry—pulling from various styles while staying true to my sound. They’ve helped me find a balance between storytelling, emotion, and performance that feels grounded and expressive.

Empowerment and self-worth are major themes in your work. How do you translate those ideas into sound and lyrics without losing authenticity?

I think a huge part of being happy comes down to how you feel about yourself—not just your appearance, but your values and intentions in life.

Over the past few years, I’ve had some pivotal experiences that really shaped this perspective. One of the biggest was moving to London for a year. That fresh start gave me the space to rebuild my life from the ground up, and in doing so, I discovered a stronger sense of resilience and confidence.

When you’re in a new place where no one knows you, there’s a freedom in letting go of the little insecurities that once felt so big. I began to realise that being myself—fully and unapologetically—was not only enough, but empowering. That mindset now finds its way into my songwriting.

I focus on lyrics that speak to growth, self-acceptance, and finding strength in vulnerability. I try to write in a way that’s honest and grounded because I want listeners to feel like they’re not alone.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire people to connect with their own passions, feel confident in who they are, and tune out the noise of outside judgment. If my music helps someone embrace their worth, then I know I’ve done something meaningful.

What’s your creative process like—do you write from lived experience, or are you more driven by concepts and storytelling?

My creative process is mostly rooted in lived experience. I’m usually inspired to write when I’m processing something emotionally—whether it’s a situation that’s bothering me or a feeling I can’t shake.

From there, I usually explore tempo and mood to find a sonic atmosphere that fits the emotion. The process isn’t linear—it’s very fluid. I experiment with sounds, melodies, and textures until something clicks and shapes the direction of the song. It’s about letting the music guide the emotion and allowing the story to unfold naturally.

Who are some artists that have shaped your sound or inspired you to take music seriously as a career?

As I mentioned, Olivia Dean has been a huge influence. Her ability to mix empowering, honest lyrics with soulful, groove-based production really shaped my approach to songwriting and sound.

I also deeply admire Adele and Billie Eilish. They both craft ballads that are emotionally raw and lyrically rich, while still maintaining a strong sense of individuality. Their artistry reinforced my belief in the power of vulnerability and storytelling in music.

As an emerging artist in Western Australia, what’s your take on the local music scene right now? Are there any communities or venues that have helped shape your path?

I’ve absolutely loved being part of the Western Australian music scene. From day one, it’s felt incredibly inclusive and supportive, which has made a huge difference in my development as an artist.

Organisations like WAM have played a major role. They do a fantastic job promoting local talent and creating opportunities for emerging artists to be seen and heard.

One venue that’s been really important for me is the Indian Ocean Hotel. Their Thursday night open mic sessions have helped new artists and bands gain exposure in a vibrant and welcoming environment. The atmosphere is always electric, and it’s the kind of space that really encourages creativity and community.

Venues and initiatives like these are what make WA such a special place to grow as an artist.

How does Not Easy To Love fit into the bigger picture of what you’re working on—can we expect an EP, an album, or more singles on the horizon?

Not Easy To Love is a really important part of the story I’m telling right now. It captures a moment of emotional reflection and growth—key themes that are shaping my current sound and direction. It’s also the song that’s really helped define and solidify the musical identity I want to carry forward.

Right now, I’m focused on releasing a series of singles, each offering a different piece of that emotional and sonic journey. I’ve got a list of songs ready for release this year.

One I’m especially excited about is my next single, Call Me. It’s a heartfelt track about staying connected with loved ones, blending a soft, slow intro with the emotional weight of a rock ballad.

If you’re based in WA, I’d absolutely love to meet you—come to a show and hear it live before it’s released. There’s something special about sharing new music in person, and I can’t wait to keep building that connection with local audiences.

An EP is definitely on the horizon, but for now, I’m enjoying the creative freedom that comes with releasing singles.

What message do you most want listeners to walk away with after hearing your music—whether it’s this single or what’s still to come?

I want listeners to walk away feeling grounded in who they are—confident, self-assured, and free to move through life on their own terms.

At the end of the day, you’re the one living your life. You’re the only one who’ll feel the impact of your choices—so you might as well do it your way.

LISTEN HERE