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From sharing covers online to stunning a big world from a tiny stage, LA’s latest R&B prodigy Mamii is building a name for herself while supporting Q and Baby Rose on the 'Through The Soul' North American tour.

A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, her humility doesn’t match the largeness of her musical ability. Guitar in hand, audience captivated, Mamii commands a room with the magnetism of her vibrancy, but don’t let any unfamiliarity with the artist fool you into assuming she’s unaccomplished. Having performed alongside names like Steve Lacy and Doechii, amongst many more, Mamii also served as a backing vocalist for major names, from Whitney Houston to Syd. Arguably, what’s most impressive is her support on Westside Boogie’s More Black Superheroes landing her a spot on NPR Tiny Desk, an experience many artists only dream of, already checked off at only 22.

Though her talent is larger than life, she’s steeped in humility, still in awe of the number of eyes wanting to watch. Peeking out from her shell, we caught up with the youthful songstress while wrapping up the tour to explore the most surreal moments thus far.

Ones To Watch: You’re used to producing, backing vocals, and being behind the scenes. What’s it been like being on stage and in the front? 

Mamii: It’s been very weird because I’m so used to being in the background. Being in the front is nerve-racking, but it’s also fun getting to do what I’ve been wanting to do this whole time. It’s all weird and new. 

You’re so accomplished already, having gone on this massive tour and being featured in NPR’S Tiny Desk. What’s a Tiny Desk secret no one would ever know?

It’s for real a tiny desk! Like it’s actually an office building, you walk in there and there’s cubicles and everything. All the employees just come and fill it up, it’s really cool.

What does self-care look like for you?

Honestly, chilling. Eating snacks. Doing my skincare. Taking time for myself and making music, producing.

Your skin is snatched. What’s the secret?

Thank you! It's Fenty Skin! 

What was the first song or artist that sparked your passion?

Probably Prince. He was able to play everything and do everything himself and that resonated with me because I did everything myself as well and that showed me that I can.

Speaking of you creating, how do you build a song?

It depends. Sometimes I’ll hear a whole entire song in my dream and I have to get up and get it out, or I’ll hear a few lines of lyrics and I’ll make a song around that. Same with beats, like I’ll hear a beat in my head and get it out and then write to it afterward. It truly depends. 

If you had to be in a band and you could only play one instrument, which would it be?

Oooooh, wow. Guitar! Or drums. Nah, guitar. You’re right there in the front.

What’s been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

Actually having fans! That shocks me. Being on tour and having people come up to me like “Oh, I’ve been following you since "the bathroom covers” is so dope.

What’s next for you and who are your Ones To Watch?

I want to be scoring films! I would have loved to score Avatar. And my ones to watch are Teezo Touchdown, Q, and Baby Rose.