Ms. Missery

**Ms. Missery**, the solo project of Richmond-based musician Kayla Shifflett, serves up a potent mix of gritty indie rock and moody dark pop wrapped in raw, confessional lyricism. Known for her unflinching exploration of mental health struggles, existential angst, and emotional vulnerability, Shifflett anchors her sound in grungy guitar riffs, haunting vocals, and DIY production that feels intimate yet explosive. Tracks like "Be Here For Long" and "The Suicide of Butterflies" showcase her knack for pairing introspective themes with cathartic, melody-driven hooks, creating a space where melancholy and resilience collide.

Since emerging in the late 2010s, Ms. Missery has carved out a niche as a voice for the quietly turbulent, blending the urgency of punk with the atmospheric weight of shoegaze. Her live performances channel this energy with visceral intensity, often feeling like shared therapy sessions punctuated by distorted guitars. While still under the radar for mainstream audiences, her growing discography—including standout singles and the self-titled *Ms. Missery* EP—cements her as a compelling force in the DIY scene, turning personal shadows into anthems for the sleepless and searching.