Mia Joy Returns with "See Us (Demo)" | 'Spirit Tamer (Deluxe Edition)' out This Friday via Fire Talk

Mia Joy is back. This Friday, the Chicago-based artist will release Spirit Tamer (Deluxe Edition), a reimagination of her “mesmirizing” (DIY) debut on the eve of its 5-year anniversary, and today unveils its lead single, “See Us (Demo).” Spirit Tamer arrived in 2021 to praise from NPR Music, Bandcamp, Stereogum, Paste and more, and the reverberations of its pristine dream-pop have only become more prescient in the years since. Alongside today’s early sketch of album standout “See Us,” Spirit Tamer (Deluxe Edition) assembles a handful of long-awaited instrumentals for its predecessor’s highlights. The mining of these archives softly closes the door on Joy’s three-year hiatus, throughout which she has been painstakingly crafting a follow-up to the “layered atmospheric bliss” (AV Club) of her debut outing.

"Entirely indebted to the album that opened to world to me." Joy says. "Cannot wait to invite the world back in with what I’ve crafted in the meanwhile. Thank you Spirit Tamer for your bountiful flowers."

Listen to Mia Joy's "See Us (Demo)"

Following the release of Spirit Tamer, Mia Joy released 2023’s Celestial Mirror EP and earned praise from FLOOD, FADER, and Post-Trash among others. Over the years Joy has toured both projects relentlessly, joining the likes of Sharon Van Etten, Babehoven, 22o Halo, Dan English, Wombo and countless other artists who hold Joy’s “compelling and spiritual dream pop” (Bandcamp) close to their hearts. Joy’s knack for “delicate dream pop” (Paste) has made her a favorite among today’s league of independent artists including Maria Somervile and Midwife, with both consistently featuring Mia on their respective NTS programs. Joy’s community has uplifted and supported her throughout her time away from releasing music, with many aiding in her trove of music yet to come.

Be on the lookout for more from Mia Joy in 2026.

Purchase 'Spirit Tamer (Deluxe Edition)'