Artist Interview: MIFARMA

Interview with Danielle Alma Ravitzki  of MIFARMA.

What first got you into music?

It may be a cliché, but I’ve always felt that music chose me. I’ve been singing at family events since I was a little girl, and even performed live covers of my favorite band, Placebo, at a young age. Music has always been a source of healing for me, and I’ve known for as long as I can remember that it’s my greatest passion.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

I’d say my music blends many genres, anchored by heavy, dark lyrics. One positive aspect of not composing the music myself—but focusing on the lyrics—is that it allows me to be truly versatile. I can collaborate across styles, experiment freely, and offer my listeners something unexpected with each release. It gives me the freedom to innovate without being bound to a single sound. 

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

I think it really started when I was around 10 and joined my school choir. That’s when I realized I had a talent for singing—not just according to my family and friends, but also my teachers, who were more objective. It was a turning point: I already knew I loved music and felt like it had chosen me, but this was when I began to understand that it was also a real strength of mine. I was good at it. 

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

I find inspiration everywhere. Sometimes a single word or phrase—something someone says in passing, a line from a movie, or a sentence in a book—can spark an entire poem. I remember once hearing the term ‘Peeping Tom’, and I knew instantly I wanted to use it as the title of a painting. It’s such a strange and evocative phrase for such a bizarre phenomenon. I’m constantly inspired by language, but also by literature and philosophy. My first single was inspired by Eugène Ionesco, whom I reference directly in the lyrics. Another song on the album draws from Heidegger—he makes an appearance in the lyrics too. So yes, I’m inspired by everything, really. 

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive. At some point, I realized that my lyrics don’t need to mask raw emotion or vulnerability in order to resonate with people. In fact, being bold and vulnerable—direct, even confrontational—can make listeners feel more seen and inspired. Especially as a woman, in a world that constantly tells us to ‘talk nice’ and hide our feelings, I believe it’s politically, musically, and artistically important for women to speak their minds. And I think my audience connects with that honesty. They appreciate it and love it. 

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

One of the most rewarding moments in my career was reconnecting with Earl Harvin. About a decade ago, I worked with him during a session in Germany, brought in by a producer I was collaborating with at the time. After the session, I wanted to stay in touch with Earl, but the producer refused to connect us—claiming, falsely, that Earl didn’t want to work with me. Years later, after reaching out to Shara, I finally reconnected with Earl. He not only played drums in my entire album, but he also introduced me to Carmen, who went on to produce my album—and the rest is history. That moment taught me to trust my intuition and not take other people’s words as truth. It was deeply validating, both personally and artistically.  

What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?

During a recent performance, I saw someone in the audience crying while singing along to one of my lyrics. It completely threw me—in the best way. I had to fight back tears mid-set. It reminded me why I do this. 

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

My latest release is my new single, "Somnambulist", which was just released on April 25th. I’m so excited to share this with the world! 

Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?

There’s a lot I can’t quite talk about yet… but I will say this: I haven’t even released this album, and I’m already thinking about the next one and collecting songs. 

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope people take away the reassurance that they can truly be themselves and express themselves however they wish. I want them to feel that they’re not alone. Whatever someone is thinking or feeling, there’s likely at least one other person out there who shares that same experience. 

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

My music is all about defying genres and experimenting with new sounds. I want to release a classical album, a cabaret album, even a jazz album — and the fact that I focus solely on writing lyrics gives me the freedom to do that. While my lyrics create a cohesive message and a distinct vibe, the melodies are what really allow for the versatility and range in each project.   

How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?

There are so many artists today who prove that creativity and commercial success can go hand in hand. People often assume that the two are mutually exclusive, but they’re not. Look at Björk, Thom Yorke, Brian Molko, or PJ Harvey — they’re all successful, renowned, and they never compromise on the quality of their art. 

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

I am planning a show in the summer, and more singles in the next upcoming months. Also - my album will be out soon! Stay tuned! 

Link to Media:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4lea7krlDuJS2tkqKB81nD