NBC’s reality singing competition The Voice has helped to launch many musicians into musical superstardom and now two former contestants are using their talents and fame to support a great cause.
Luke Wade and Mia Z, both former members of Team Pharrell, have put their own spin on Ashford & Simpson's “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” For every download of their duet a large portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen.
The two immediately found a fan following through their time on The Voice. Both had such strong yet unique vocal ranges and tones. Wade even got coach Adam Levine to stand on his chair during the blind audition rounds. They each deliver on this cover individual but it is together that their harmony shines. This classic song feel completely refreshed and modern. “When we recorded this song we weren’t trying to best anything or change the world but we wanted to put a new sound out there and have fun with it,” said Wade.
Their collaboration is just getting started, a music video for the duet will be premiering during the TCU vs. West Virginia University football game on Oct. 29th.
Both artists felt passionate about getting involved with this project and helping to raise awareness for breast cancer. “Both of my grandmothers had a battle with cancer, so I do have a personal connection, explained Wade.
“Some of my family members have had it. I think almost everyone has been impacted by cancer at some point,” said Mia.
The Voice is an incredible launching platform for artists and both Mia Z and Wade are taking full advantage of the opportunity. Both are working on new music, albums and are currently touring connecting with the fans that voted for them week after week.
Chelsea Lewis from TheCelebrityCafe.com had the chance to talk with Mia Z and Luke Wade about their time on The Voice and this recent collaboration. The entire interview is below.
You can download “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” on iTunes.
Luke Wade
C: How is everything going so far post your time on The Voice?
L: It’s been great. It’s been a lot of hard work and rewarding work. I’ve been enjoying it. Basically whenever you have an opportunity like this, you want to make the best out of it that you possibly can. I’ve been touring and writing, we have played more than 90 cities this year alone.
C: What was it like to go through the blind audition and The Voice process? Instantly had a recognizable voice and a unique sound and you also got Adam Levine to stand on his chair.
L: It was surreal; I was outside of my body looking down. It was the start of this incredible journey. It becomes our life and it becomes normal. Sometimes crazy stuff like this happens and it really shook my foundation.
C: Moving onto your collaboration with Mia Z. What was it like to work together? Did you feel a little pressure taking on such an iconic song?
L: When we recorded this song we weren’t trying to best anything or change the world but we wanted to put a new sound out there and have fun with it. I had been working a lot with children hospitals and that got me connected into this network…I got to meet with Ann Louden. We started talking about how we could collaborate. I connected with Mia Z and then the team up with Susan G. Komen national came about.
C: For fans wondering, all proceeds from this track will be donated to Susan G. Komen, how did you get involved with this organization?
L: Both of my grandmothers had a battle with cancer, so I do have a personal connection. There are so many causes that are worth my time it’s hard to decide, how and when to engage but it really has to do with the people, and this is one of the best organizations.
C: What are you working on next?
L: I’ve been writing like crazy, you know, trying to find the right producer, the right studio, the right time. The goal is to have a single out by January and I really want to have the album out by the spring.
Mia Z
C: How is everything going so far post your time on The Voice?
M: Wow…everything has been going really well, from this collaboration with Luke Wade to working with Pharrell and working on my new EP. I’m really living the dream. I even got to jump on tour with Luke Wade for a little bit.
C: What was it like to go through the blind audition and The Voice process? The Voice is all about finding unique talent and your blind audition of “The Thrill Is Gone” became an instant classic because you have a unique vocal range all your own.
M: The blind audition was a weird moment for me, I loved it and I had fun. I was thinking backstage before I went on like “I have to go sing in front of millions of people and hope I get a chair to turn.” I just sang the blues and had fun. I wanted to connect with the audience. Working with Pharrell was life changing for me. He understood who I am and who I want to be as an artist. He helps me by just letting me be me and by giving me the guidance to be who I am and I thank him for that.
C: Moving onto your collaboration with Luke Wade. What was it like to work together? Did you feel a little pressure taking on such an iconic song?
M: It was the first time we ever met and we just sort of did it. We got the right vibe in the room and really made a connection to the song and each other. We both have very different voices but it worked and it’s a very cool song. We put our own twist on it.
C: For fans wondering, all proceeds from this track will be donated to Susan G. Komen, how did you get involved with this organization?
M: Back in Pittsburgh for eight years I played fundraisers. I had done a lot of that already and Luke reached out because he has been with them in the past and that is how I got involved because he saw me on The Voice. I’ve been impacted by cancer, some family members; really almost everyone has been impacted by cancer at some point. It’s an awful thing that touches everyone somehow.
C: What are you working on next?
M: So I have six original songs ready and at my shows I get to play them but I’m trying to put out an EP as soon as possible. I’m also following up on YouTube, so you can get a taste of my full band…the horn section and my original music.
C: If you could work with any other Voice contestant who would it be?
M: Wow, definitely all of them because they are all amazing and fantastic. Maybe Lowell Oakley, he was on this past season. We could do some kind of “No Diggity” or “No Sunshine.”
C: Anything else you would like to add?
M: Just thank everyone for their support on The Voice. I’m so happy to have worked with Luke. I’m blessed and I’m living the dream.