Despite only releasing her debut single in 2019, singer and songwriter Mabes has had one hell of a year! With over 20 million streams to her name and a highly-praised mini album 'Wait & See' under her belt, she has now returned to deliver her latest offering 'Slow Drowning'.
Formed as part of a new EP from the frontwoman arriving at the end of this month, 'Slow Drowning' is a bold and heartfelt acoustic-led swoon that captures the depth and emotion she spills into everything she produces. With her immaculate voice soaring over a wistful production, this newest release is proving to be one of her most captivating cuts to date.
So with her new EP nearly with us, we sat down with the frontwoman to find out more about her earliest beginnings and what has inspired her over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It was the piano, I started learning when I was in primary school. But I’ve forgotten most of what I learned since I’ve been playing guitar – I feel that the guitar suits me better.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
When I saw Laura Marling perform ‘Love’ at a Secret Cinema gig. I have never felt so inspired to create music and atmosphere like she did. The way her lyrics are so timeless is something I try to emulate in my work.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
A crazy mixture of indie rock (Kings of Leon), indie bands (Arctic Monkeys & The Smiths, country (John Mayer & Kacey Musgraves), folk (Laura marling & Bon Iver), R&B (all the 90s/00s greats), and rap (Jay z and Kanye). Oh, and I used to love sticking on classical FM when I didn’t want to listen to words - and still do.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Yes! I self-released ‘Little Love’ when I was 16 and I made it to number 14 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts! That was the moment when I realised that other people (other than my mum) might want to hear my songs!
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Happy, lively, motivational music. Sometimes the cheesiest pop is the best start to my day!
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
A lot. Not all of them know either!
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I think it has to be supporting Billy Lockett on his UK tour in January/February this year.... one girl in the audience knew every single word to America (my own song?!) and that is a moment I will NEVER forget.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Cooking! Call me Gordon. I'm the bestest.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I think I would have always been trying to make a career out of music. A year ago I was working 9-5pm traveling in and out of London every day working in HR, and in the evenings/weekends I would gig in pubs and peoples weddings.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
First of all I would say - this is a tough time and with so little going on it’s hard to be inspired, so don’t beat yourself up if you’re not on top of your creative game. I find that I’m at my most creative when I’m surrounded by people with similar creative energy... something we are unable to do right now. I have good days and bad days, so if you’re not on form throughout this period of uncertainty then give yourself a break!
-Mabes' new single 'Slow Drowning' is available to stream and download now, with her new EP expected to land near the end of May. Check out the new video for 'Slow Drowning' in the player below.