Billboard-charting artist Miist has always turned pain into power. Abandoned as a child and faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis before age 30, the Chinese-born singer-songwriter defied the odds—and the expectations. Now, she’s lending her voice to another deeply personal cause: honoring survivors of domestic violence.
In recognition of National Love Is Kind Day on Sunday, July 27, Miist has released a powerful new single and music video titled “The Bruises Won’t Ever Understand.” A statement from the artist shares, “I needed to share my personal experience on this difficult subject. I hope it helps those who listen to it.” The song, which speaks to the lingering pain and silent struggles many survivors face, is part of a larger upcoming project set for release later this year.
Miist’s life and career are anything but conventional. She discovered her musical gift at age 34 and, in 2023, became the first native Chinese artist to break into Billboard’s Top 25 Adult Contemporary chart. Her 2024 debut album, The Songs from the Living Room, was executive produced by legendary hitmaker Narada Michael Walden, and she’s already collaborated with icons including Santana, Tony Succar, Kitt Wakeley, Curtis Williams (Kool & The Gang), and Mauro Malavasi (Andrea Bocelli’s longtime producer). This year, she also became a GRAMMY Academy voting member.
But for Miist, success has never been about spotlight—it’s about service.
Her global nonprofit, World Smile Initiative, is built on the belief that music, storytelling, and community can help combat loneliness and disconnection. A statement from the organization shares that the mission is to “champion the healing power of creative expression and support people around the world in finding their voice.” One of its major recent releases, “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” was recorded in 15 languages across five continents, featuring artists with a combined 60 Grammy wins and nominations—a feat that earned a world record for most languages used in individual music videos released simultaneously.
Miist also brings her message to podcasting. Her show, Make Me Smile with Miist, produced by Pantheon Media, consistently ranks in the Top 15 Mental Health podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. On each episode, she delves into timely mental health topics—from social disconnection in the digital age to emerging emotional dynamics in modern relationships.
With “The Bruises Won’t Ever Understand,” Miist continues her work at the intersection of art and advocacy. For survivors, the song is a reminder that they are seen. For listeners everywhere, it’s an invitation to reflect, to feel, and to stand in solidarity.
Photo Credit: Kevin Li
