The Mystery of Mirador
Fan Interview(s) ★ Kenzie Gay ★ @kenzwrites ★ 1k Words
As wild as it sounds, it isn’t a rare thing for already-established musicians to form side projects, solo careers, or to even double dip into other bands. Not at all. We’ve seen it with Randy Rhoads (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne), Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings), Rob Zombie (White Zombie, L.A. Rats, etc.), Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), and hundreds upon hundreds of others. It is, however, a little out of the ordinary to approach it in a way that’s so viciously mysterious and cryptic like the band Mirador.
Before April of 2024, nobody had heard of Mirador unless it was in context to the Spanish word. Certainly not a dark, blues-rock supergroup of sorts. That all changed when fans of Jake Kiszka, the guitarist and central mastermind behind modern rock group Greta Van Fleet, began to connect the two.
Many found it to be a hoax at first, claiming that it was just a coincidence and that Kiszka already had his hands plenty full with the touring and contractual demands Greta Van Fleet was facing but the rumors turned out to be more than just rumors when both Mirador and Greta Van Fleet took to social media to announce that not only was Kiszka forming a secondary band with fellow musician and friend Chris Turpin (Ida Mae) but they’d also be opening up a select set of shows on Greta Van Fleet’s Starcatcher tour with Kiszka and Turpin on guitar/vox, Nick Pini on bass, and Mikey Sorbello on the kit.
Instantly, people flocked to Mirador like moths to a flame. Their live sound was alluring, mystic, and obscure both from a sound and visual standpoint and that gave them a whole fanbase before they even did much touring or activity online themselves. This allowed them to form a small tour of their own that came the following Spring but there is still the matter of real, released music.
Mirador shot by Amanda Laferriere
As of publishing, Mirador’s first single has finally been announced but the year and a half of ambiguity behind us still offers up several questions about Mirador and their place in rock - so why not ask the people most involved? The fanbase.
Where/When did you first hear about Mirador? What were your first impressions?
”I’ve been a fan of Greta Van Fleet since October and I found Mirador through them! I thought they sounded like a darker Greta if that makes sense. I was also excited to hear Jake’s voice since it isn’t heard much in Greta songs” - Jenna, age 16, from Illinois
“Lincoln, NE (Starcatcher tour)! I fell in love instantly! I’m so beyond proud of them for hard launching the way they did.” - Dani, age 28 from Texas
Have you ever seen Mirador perform live? If yes, explain how that experience was.
“YES! i’ve seen them 7 times now, 4 times opening for Greta Van Fleet and 3 on their sold out solo tour! the experience has been AMAZING! The entire group really gels and it makes for a magical experience on stage.” - Emily, age 21 from Michigan
What about Mirador do you like most?
“I really enjoy the way all four members of Mirador mesh together musically. They create a symphony of sound that seems much bigger than the modestly small amount of instruments they utilize for any one song. Everything blends so well.” - Brooke, age 23 from Tennessee
“The darker, more sensual aura of Mirador. It’s a sound that contrasts the beauty of GVF, but as a more alternative girly, it suits my vibe so much. Not only that, but seeing Jake spread his wings and explore this new chapter of his life” - Abby, age 20 from Florida
What are your thoughts and feelings surrounding the band's crypticness and how long it has taken them to release or even tease music?
“I think it makes it worthwhile. We live a world where everything is constantly disposable to us and it makes receiving things feel less thrilling in a sense. There’s nothing to look forward to if everything is always given straight to us, if that makes sense. I think Mirador knows their timing and is doing this project they care so much about in THEIR time.” - Corrie, age 24 from Illinois
“I think that their crypticness makes us more curious about the mystery surrounding the timing of releasing music. They could be thinking ‘well, distance makes the heart grow fonder’ but in the way they most likely feel ‘we're wrapped around their fingers’. It's not egotistical, it's honest.” - Noah, age 28 from Pennsylvania
What are your hopes and expectations for the future of Mirador?
“I’m hoping for more interviews and info on them as a band and individually. Maybe some vinyls, more albums, and features from other bands like Greta!” - Jenna
“My hopes for Mirador is that they will have more than a few album releases. Like a lot. I hope that they will continue to be more interactive like they are now. More interviews and eventually performing at the Albert Royal Hall. Making a groundbreaking presence in the world is definitely in the cards for them.” - Noah
“I obviously hope to see more music from them once they release this first album. I also hope they are able grow gradually and organically rather than too rapidly, to work out some kinks and what not. Ultimately, I expect they’ll likely succeed in their endeavors, especially since I foresee modern folk rock to continue to pick up steam in the next few years.” - Brooke
“I hope they just continue to make music as they can, and continue to play smaller venues. I think it’s super admirable that the band (given the increasing popularity of Jake and Chris specifically) is so devoted to connecting with their fans. It’s something we don’t get to see Jake do very often but it clearly is so fulfilling for him and the rest of the band.” - Emily
“The anticipation of their album, but more so seeing what new sounds we could see in songs we’ve never heard before like Blood and Custard!” - Abby
“More music, touring, defiantly loads of success!” - Dani
“The album, more shows, merch, press photos, interviews with all four members, and maybe even some collaborations!” - Corrie
As of publishing, Mirador’s very first single “Feels Like Gold” is set to debut this Friday, July 25th. The band also has a select number of upcoming dates in cities such as Grand Rapids, Raleigh, Los Angeles, Nashville, and more that fans can catch.
