"M.I.A" is a song by English singer Cher Lloyd. Released on 11 October 2019, through Polydor Records under Universal Music Group, the song was co-written by Lloyd, Gia Koka, Jeremia Jones, Morien van der Tang, and Stevie Appleton. Its accompanying video directed by Raja Virdi was premiered on the day of the song's release.
Background and composition Lloyd began teasing "M.I.A" on 3 October 2019, by posting several images of the acronym on her social media spelling out the title. She described it as "a mood" that was intended to capture a particular feeling, and further explained that she wanted its accompanying visuals to feel "playful, expressive and fun" and to reflect her personality. In an interview with Euphoria magazine, Lloyd stated: "The whole concept behind that song was being at a party that you really really don't want to be at, but you want to be with that person and you'd rather be anywhere else if it means that you get to be with that person." An R&B track, "M.I.A" blends elements of pop. Lyrically, the song recounts a disappointing party experience, with Lloyd inviting a romantic interest to leave and escape elsewhere together.
Promotion Lloyd embarked on a week-long radio tour in the UK from 10–17 November 2019, where she did acoustic sessions and interviews in promotion of the song. She performed the song live once at the German TV show ZDF-Fernsehgarten on 13 October 2019.
Shot at the Barbican Estate, the music video for "M.I.A" premiered on YouTube on the day of its release. It depicts Lloyd and her dancers performing in a tropical outdoor setting and a neon-lit laundromat, while wearing pieces from her recently launched clothing line. The video was produced by Phase Films and directed by Raja Virdi.
Reception Writing for Vibe, Hannah Ewens felt that "M.I.A." showcased a "more mature" side of Lloyd, suggesting that the song reinforced her place within contemporary British pop. Commercially, "M.I.A" spent for weeks on Ultratip Wallonia under top 50 chart.
Track listing Digital download / streaming "M.I.A" - 2:37
Digital download / streaming (Cahill Edit) "M.I.A" (Cahill Edit) - 3:00
Personnel Credits were adapted from Tidal. Cher Lloydsongwriter Gia Kokasongwriter Jeremia Jonessongwriter Morien van der Tangsongwriter, producer, additional producer Stevie Appletonsongwriter Faried Arween Jhauwproducer, additional producer Hitimpulseproducer, additional producer Joznezproducer, mixing Nico TheOwlproducer Dave Kutchmastering engineer Lex Barkeymixing Paul Whalleyrecording engineer
Charts + Weekly chart performance Chart (2019) Peakposition
Release history + Release date and formats Region Date Format Version Label Various 11 October 2019 Original 20 December 2019 Cahill edit
References