Featuring Haviah Mighty

Cavern of Secrets

Haviah Mighty drops by the Cavern after a big win: She’s the winner of the 2019 Polaris Prize for the album, 13th floor. Lauren and Haviah get into how to work with a producer, writing for discomfort, and using your voice as an instrument. “My approach is to open up minds so that the ignorance won’t be so wilful.”

Our favourite moments: “I’m talking about these themes that can constitute discomfort, depending on what the listener looks like. My intention when giving the information is for there to be a dialogue based on the information.” [4:30]

“When you say ‘I don’t see color,’ you’re dismissing all of the people that do… My approach is to open up minds so that the ignorance won’t be so wilful” [7:05]

“I’m not DIY in the ‘I want to do everything myself way’; I’m DIY in the ‘I want my input to be considered way.” [10:19]

“I was listening to the new Da Baby record…He has a cool energy.” [14:28]

“You can pull inspiration from anywhere” [15:25]

“I’m very into music. I have a great ear. I feel like I know enough about how things sound to know what notes I can’t hit…” [17:26]

“I took one hip-hop class and I wasn’t even the best one! I just know that I don’t consider myself to be a dance so it’s funny when people are like, “You’re such a good dancer.” [18:55]

“[My sisters] are just really talented people. Involving them just makes the most sense.” [20:00]

“I don’t have to be as critical of being a good music because my standards are really high.” [25:08]

“My competitiveness, my musicality? That’s kind of instilled.” [26:12]

Haviah Mighty's 2019 tour is coming to Halifax (October 26), Mississauga (October 27), Edmonton (November 7), Calgary (November 8), and Brampton (November 30). Tour dates can be found on her site.

CREDITS: Cavern of Secrets is hosted by Lauren Mitchell. Produced by Ellen Payne Smith & Katie Jensen, with assistance from Vicky Mochama and Sarah Daniel.