Introducing The Enchanting Mabes
Mabes is the kind of musician that the world has been waiting for. The Essex native is brimming with the charm of Adele and the songwriting prowess of Joni Mitchell, exuding 70’s nostalgia for the Instagram era. In 2018 she was working in an office doing a 9 to 5 – fast forward to 2020 and she’s on the verge of following up her critically acclaimed debut ‘Wait & See’ with new single ‘Stuck in The Rain’, which is the latest track to be lifted from her forthcoming EP.
We had a virtual chat with her to discuss social media, Laura Marling, and having a post-isolation piss-up on Billericay High Street.
What is your earliest memory of music and falling in love with it?
Putting ‘Stars In Your Eyes’ on television with the family and friends when I was a wee kipper.
What record or artist(s) were you obsessed with whilst you were growing up? Any guilty pleasures that you still reflect on and play as an adult?
I was a big Laura Marling fan and still am. The first single I ever bought from Woolworths was Nelly & Kelly’ Dilemma’ – still play that too. I love all my childhood music!
How did you fall into the music industry and become a recording artist?
I just have such a passion for songwriting (I think it’s the only thing I’m good at!), and I’ve been writing songs ever since I was 15. A year ago, I was working full time in HR, I can’t believe I’m now doing support tours, releasing a new EP, getting played on the radio, and organising a London headline show. It can’t get any better, really.
You’re based in Billericay, Essex. What’s the most ‘Essex’ thing about you?
The way I say ‘Pinot Grigio’ after a few Pinot Grigios.
The type of sound of your music exudes very folky and slightly ‘Americana’ Is there an era of music or artist that you all look to for inspiration?
Laura Marling was my religion growing up, and her lyrics taught me everything I know! Along with my obsession with John Mayer – it was inevitable!
What’s an average recording session like for you?
Never average when there’s a vibe! Every session is different, but when I’m recording, I’ll be very focused and in the zone.
Your next single ‘Stuck In The Rain’ is such a fantastic record. What type of creative headspace were you all in a while, making it the song?
I wrote this song with Dan McDougall (drummer for Noel Gallagher). It has lots of 90’s nostalgia to it, which I love. We kept it sounding earthy and real because it’s also one of those tracks where you want to let the song do the talking. It’s about being able to keep your head up when things just aren’t going your way.
What do you want your fans to take away after listening?
I hope that by sharing my true stories and experiences will make some young people feel that they are not alone/weird for feeling how they do. Being a teenager is challenging in so many ways, but as I’ve reached my 20s, I’m starting to care less about the issues I worried so much about… I couldn’t see that things would get better. If I can bring people hope, then I’ve achieved my goal.
How have your lives changed since releasing your debut track in 2019?
Well… I no longer work in an office! I’ve dedicated the foreseeable future to getting my music out there to as many people as possible and playing gigs in as many places as I can! I also got recognised on the train the other week, that was a first and pretty cool.
We’re in a very hectic time currently, with self-isolation being a number one priority. What’s your favourite activity to do during this time?
I know this may sound predictable, but I am sitting on my bed with my guitar and writing!
We’re loving your weekly live-streamed gigs. If you had to collaborate with any other artist on a track, who would be your number 1 choice, and what do you think that track would sound like?
Billy Joel – because he’s the piano man and I only ever write on guitar. It would sound like heaven made out of marshmallows.
Artists more-so than ever are taking to social media to tease new music and share their lives and everything they’re working on. How do you think Mabes as an artist would have fared in a world before social media – is it a help or a hindrance?
I swear Instagram is a full-time job! I love being able to see when my song or lyrics has inspired or touched someone – there’s no feeling like reading a message from a fan about how a song you wrote has helped them in some way. Or made them happy, sad, nostalgic, whatever they had to feel at that time. It’s such an amazing platform – I can potentially reach most people on the planet. I hope you enjoy the visual that goes with it, part 2 of the EP video, which was so fun to shoot.
You have such an incredible identity and sense of style – the movie-like aura of your pictures makes us feel like we’re stepping into a film set. Where do you draw inspiration from for your own personal style, as well as the overall aesthetic of how you want to be perceived by fans, visually?
I’m an old soul. I would give anything to have been born 50 years earlier – the live shows, the festivals, the vinyl players, the real music, and the simpler way of life! But it is what it is, so I’m bringing my hints of 70s nostalgia to 2020.
What will be the first thing you do as soon as this current quarantine period comes to an end?
Go on a pub crawl in Billericay high street and buy eggs – I’m dying for an egg sarnie!!
We’ve heard a couple of new tracks so far, but what can we expect from the forthcoming EP?
I’m releasing a track from the EP every three weeks, and each one comes with a visual from the music video, which all forms together in one video at the end. It tells a story from where I start ‘Keeping The Noise Down’, at a house party I really don’t want to be at. You can expect more classic Mabes harmonies, my guitar, and some beats!
Make sure to check out Mabes brand new track ‘Stuck In The Rain’ below…
