When Mia McIntosh dropped her new single, “Cheating,” she wasn’t just sharing a catchy tune — she was putting her inner conflicts on display and inviting listeners to do the same. In an exclusive interview, McIntosh discussed the inspiration and evolution behind “Cheating,” her unique musical approach and her journey as an artist.

“‘Cheating’ is about those moments when we tell ourselves we won’t go back to certain habits or people but end up slipping anyway,” McIntosh said. “It’s personal but also relatable because I think a lot of people have felt that conflict within themselves.” 

Rather than dwelling on the pain, McIntosh transformed these experiences into a powerful anthem, mixing her introspective lyrics with an attention-grabbing musical style. 

“I wanted listeners to feel seen and understood when they hear it,” McIntosh said.

For McIntosh, “Cheating” represents a shift in musical style and thematic depth. 

“This song is more adventurous than my past work,” McIntosh said. “I used more modulation in the music, which lets listeners hear the shifts and contrasts that mirror the internal push-and-pull of sticking to your promises.” 

By breaking from a conventional verse-chorus-bridge format, she crafted a song that prioritizes message over structure, making “Cheating” a fresh addition to her repertoire.

McIntosh’s writing process for the song also didn’t follow a strict path. Sometimes, she starts with a melody, and other times, she builds the song around a single line or idea. 

“I develop melodies or lines that come to mind, then set them aside to revisit later,” McIntosh said. “Finishing a song feels like this huge relief, like ‘Yes, I’ve done it!’”

McIntosh, a student at Berklee College of Music, is currently studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. Navigating the promotional landscape from abroad presents challenges, but she is fully committed to spreading the word about her new single. 

“I’m using social media a lot and hope to perform ‘Cheating’ live at open mics at school. There’s nothing like sharing music directly with people,” McIntosh said.

As for what’s next, McIntosh has her sights set high, mentioning a desire to release a full-length album — a challenge she’s ready to take on. When asked about her dream collaboration, she answered without hesitation. 

“Joan Baez. She’s not only an incredible musician but also a powerful activist, which I admire so much,” McIntosh said. “If I ever met her, I’d probably pass out.” 

When asked to describe “Cheating” in three words, McIntosh replied: “relatable, personal and mine.” These simple words capture the honesty and vulnerability that define her work. With “Cheating,” she has once again proven her ability to transform personal moments into universal experiences — and she’s only just getting started.

As she continues to grow and experiment, McIntosh offers advice for aspiring musicians at Vanderbilt and beyond. 

“Don’t get discouraged,” McIntosh said. “There are going to be people who like you and people who don’t. Just because someone doesn’t like what you’re doing doesn’t mean you should give up.” 

 For McIntosh, pursuing music is about finding confidence in one’s experiences and inspiring others to do the same. Vanderbilt students can look forward to more new singles as McIntosh channels her journey into relatable, empowering music. 

Balancing a demanding college schedule with a music career comes with challenges, and McIntosh recognizes the sacrifices that come with pursuing both. 

“In order to balance my studies with my music, I have to make sacrifices. I have to decide what I want to prioritize at times. I have to make sure I have enough time to complete my work on time and also work on my music goals,” McIntosh said. “Having to deal with both school and your music career can feel overwhelming at times, but in order to manage it you also have to leave time for yourself.” 

McIntosh’s experience highlights a challenge familiar to many on campus: the need to balance academic commitments with the pursuit of other dreams. Her story offers encouragement, showing that even in a demanding environment, it’s possible to find harmony between personal and professional ambitions.

With her single “Cheating” now streaming on all platforms, Vanderbilt students have much to look forward to as McIntosh channels her journey into relatable, empowering music, bringing a bit of her own life experience into every song.