Quick & Dirty: Mira Lazuli Responds to Our Collection of Random Questions

Mira Lazuli returns with “Good News,” a folk-driven single that captures the emotional push-and-pull of a long-distance situationship and the quiet clarity that comes with letting go. Rooted in intimate storytelling and layered with banjo, accordion, and rich vocal harmonies, the track blends Appalachian and Old-Time influences with global textures, creating a sound that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.

Inspired by a fleeting romance that began at a Tennessee festival, “Good News” explores the uncertainty of distance, silence, and the narratives we create while waiting for someone who may never call. Through poetic imagery and contemporary detail, Lazuli frames the song as both a reflection on modern love and a broader meditation on longing, emotional limbo, and the resilience required to move forward.

With a sound that sits somewhere between the whimsical Americana of Sierra Ferrell, the narrative depth of Gillian Welch, and the roots revival spirit of Rhiannon Giddens, Mira brings a unique mix to contemporary folk music. Whether performing solo or alongside collaborators, Mira’s music invites listeners to laugh, cry, dance, and reflect. Their work exists at the intersection of storytelling and catharsis, which begs not just to be heard, but deeply felt.

Mira joins us today for a Quick & Dirty interview, responding to some of our most random of questions.

What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?

Mira Lazuli: “My greatest accomplishment is undoubtedly the beautiful, sprawling community of friends I’ve built in New Orleans that now truly feels like family. When I moved here a little over three years ago, I didn’t know a single soul, and now my life feels incredibly full and vibrant. I’ve managed to weave myself into so many distinct ‘threads’ of the city – from the jazz street musicians and late-night open mics to contact improvisation and meditation circles. I’m proud of having a network that spans from yoga and heavy gym workouts to co-counselling, clown workshops, and local board game nights.

“Being part of the mardi gras celebrations and the incredible costume culture here has been a huge part of that. There is nothing like the feeling of ‘shining’ in a hand-crafted outfit you’ve spent weeks on, surrounded by your people. It took a lot of showing up, but building that kind of home from scratch and finally feeling like a place has received me for exactly who I am is a huge win.”

What is the worst kind of gift?

“I struggle with generic gift cards to places where I would never actually shop or eat. I know people are trying to be nice, but because I have very particular, curated tastes, especially being vegan and gluten-free, it can feel a bit like they haven’t really thought about what I’d actually enjoy. I’d honestly just prefer 20 bucks! That said, I hate for anything to go to waste, so I usually try to ‘pay it forward’ by using the card to take someone else out on a date so they can enjoy it!”

What’s something you know isn’t real, but wish existed?

“I really wish there was a way to communicate and connect with wild animals on a physical level. I have this dream of being able to talk to, pet, and cuddle with bears, foxes, eagles, owls, and deer. I just want to dissolve that boundary between humans and the wild and have a massive hug with a grizzly or a lynx without the danger. That would be the ultimate magic for me.”

Mira Lazuli live

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

“I would definitely be a snow lynx. They have this majestic, mystic, and incredibly regal presence that I just admire so much. Sometimes, I truly wish I were one of them! In a lot of ways, I already operate like one; I have incredibly sharp vision and a photographic memory. If someone is looking for something they’ve lost, I’m usually the one who can find it for them because I remember exactly where it was. There’s something about that quiet, focused strength and the way they move through the world with total awareness that feels very ‘me.’”

What is one thing that you’re good at that people don’t expect?

“People often see the performer side of me, but they don’t always expect that I am deeply skilled in Reiki, dream therapy, and meditation. I’ve spent years gathering healing knowledge and learning how to help people navigate their inner worlds. I’m really good at acting as a guide or a ‘healing wizard’ for others, whether it’s through energetic bodywork or helping them translate the symbols of their subconscious into something they can use to change their waking lives. It’s a very quiet, intuitive skill that balances out the high-energy ‘shining’ I do on stage.”

What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?

“I recently had a major win with my gear! My accordion repair guy custom-built an instrument for me that is the definition of ‘the best of both worlds.’ He took two broken accordions of the exact same model and meticulously put all the best pieces together to create one perfect, functional machine. It’s the ultimate setup because it fits the maximum amount of basses (120) into the smallest possible case. Because I was there in person and we had such a great rapport, he let me skip the massive waitlist and sold it to me directly. It’s easily the nicest instrument I’ve ever owned, and having something that powerful and portable makes my life so much more efficient.”

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

“I feel like the best version of myself when I’m ‘shining’ for others. This usually happens when I’m sharing the deep well of healing knowledge I’ve gathered over the years, things like meditation techniques, dream therapy, and various healing arts. There’s a specific physical sensation, like a ‘tingle’ in my eyes, that happens when I see someone else’s life change or their perspective shift because of a tool I’ve shared. It’s that intersection of being a musician and a ‘healing wizard’ where I feel most aligned, present, and valuable to the world around me.”

Favourite drink and food?

“My go-to energy source is definitely fresh celery juice; it gives me that clean, vibrant spark I need to tackle a long day. Since I’m vegan and gluten-free, I also travel with a literal mountain of fruit; oranges, blueberries, and whole watermelons are my absolute staples. If I’m feeling like something a bit more social or ‘fancy,’ I’ll go for a Matcha latte, a kombucha, or a spicy Chai.”

Must-have non-musical item when you’re on tour?

“My car has to be a mobile sanctuary, so my absolute must-have is the bed setup I have in the back of my vehicle. It allows me to maintain my independence and health while travelling; if I see a beautiful forest or a quiet campground, I can just pull over and take a spontaneous nap in nature. It’s the only way to stay grounded and well-rested while living on the road.”

What three things would you have to have in your bag on a road trip?

“First, my morning routine includes health capsules and super green powders to keep my system running clean. Second, my high-quality mineral waters. And third, enough fresh fruit to feed a small army, specifically, my oranges and blueberries. If I have my health essentials and my snacks, I can handle any distance.”

Favourite childhood musical memory?

“In first grade, I heard Beethoven’s Für Elise, and it hit me so hard that I made learning it my ultimate life goal. I was obsessed! I got into a public music school called Le Plateau, but the catch was that we had to take two years of violin before we were even allowed to choose piano as our primary instrument. I put in the time on the strings, but the second I finally started learning piano, I was on a mission.

“Within that very first semester of finally having my hands on the keys, I conquered Für Elise. I remember being so incredibly happy, but that feeling was immediately followed by a realization: ‘Well, that was too quick… I’m going to need much bigger goals now!’”