Behind-the-song with Mirusia “Snowflake”

This Christmas classical crossover fans can enjoy two brand-new tracks from Australian crossover sensation Mirusia. Her joyous soprano voice is the perfect way to welcome in the Holiday. The singles available to stream everywhere are “Christmas is here again” and “Snowflake” which recently won ‘Best Holiday Song’ at the prestigious Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Mirusia shares a little bit more with us about “Snowflake.”

In Her Own Words

Mirusia (ML): A couple of months ago I went into the studio in Taree, Australia, to record a new Christmas song. I just happened to be on tour in Taree, it was the opening night of my Songbird Tour. That day we recorded the new song “Christmas is Here Again”. Whilst in the studio, the producer I was working with, Pete Stevenson, mentioned that I had a connection to another composer he works closely with. Katie Hardyman and I had both had music featured in a Hallmark film called “Swept up by Christmas”. Plus, we both work with the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. (There are always many coincidences to be found when something is meant to be!). Pete played me a song Katie had written and was looking for a vocal on called “Snowflake”.

When Pete played Snowflake for me, I was immediately drawn to it. It is a waltz and the song is beautifully crafted. I love the lyrics and the way she describes a single snowflake, a diamond lady, falling and dancing from the sky to play in her white crystal garden. We decided to have me fly back to Taree a few weeks later to record Snowflake and we had the best time in the studio.

Katie had a demo of the song and it had a country lilt to it. We decided to change the key of the song to suit my voice and change the arrangement completely to be more piano and string based. We gave the song more of a classical crossover feel and the goosebumps are real. Whilst we were in the studio together recording the vocal, I jokingly suggested a children’s choir should come in at the key change. Katie absolutely ran with this idea. This is also a reflection on our work together with the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF). Pete Stevenson organized a local children’s choir to be part of the song and the kids were so excited to be part of a professional recording. It really makes the song complete.

I think when you really connect to a piece of music, it is simply just a joy to sing. One of the special things about being in studio with the actual composer, is you have the liberty to make changes and ask the composer directly. Visa versa, Katie was able to instruct me of changes she wanted to make in the moment. It was an exciting way to work.

Stream Mirusia on Spotify now!

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.