Mia Van de Loo: Upstream

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by Alex Short

Photo via Mia Van de Loo

With her upcoming single, "upstream," set for release on August 5, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mia Van de Loo reflects on a struggle many people can relate to– trying to figure out who they are in others. Rooted in indie folk-pop, the track strips away distractions to reveal its emotional honesty. Inspired by diary entries she wrote as a teenager, "upstream" explores the pressure of comparing yourself to people who seem to have already figured out who they are, turning a deeply personal experience into something many listeners will recognize and relate to.

Rather than seeking easy answers, Van de Loo leans into uncertainty. Lyrics like "There's a better me inside of you" and "So let me in and tell me what I've gotta do" capture the feeling of believing someone else holds the version of yourself you've been desperately searching for. The honesty allows for the listener to feel the vulnerability that she conveys within each lyric. These lyrics capture the feeling of trusting in another person to show you your true self and allow for that self to emerge from the other individual.

Single Artwork via Mia Van de Loo

The production complements that vulnerability throughout the track. Light acoustic guitar, delicate piano, and soft background harmonies create an airy, comforting quality, while the cello adds warmth and depth. The instruments remain soft throughout, making room for Van de Loo's vocals and songwriting to stay at the forefront without feeling empty. The result is a song that feels intimate while still building an emotional atmosphere around its lyrics.

At 23, Van de Loo has built much of her artistry around themes of identity, belonging, and emotional openness. Following her debut EP, open book, she continues exploring those ideas with "upstream," revisiting thoughts she first wrote as a teenager from the perspective of someone still navigating self-discovery. This connection between her past and present gives the song an added sense of sincerity, making it feel both personal and relatable.

If "Upstream" is any indication of what's to come, Van de Loo seems more interested in creating music that feels honest, than chasing perfection. Rather than presenting growth as something with a clear finish line, she embraces it as an ongoing process, and journey, making "upstream" a thoughtful introduction to this next chapter of her artistry.