Introducing Folk-Pop’s Budding Artist To Watch MABES…

Singer-songwriter Mabes never stops writing and creating at any cost. With her charming second EP of the year Too Young To Love (featuring new single ‘Catch 22’ out today via The Other Songs), she’s distinguished herself as Folk-Pop’s budding artist to watch.

“This year really has been so heavy, for the world and also for me personally,” she says. The odds only further inspired the 25-year-old to put pen to paper, writing songs in real-time about long distance relationships during this unprecedented pandemic (‘Caught Up’) and getting into character on tracks like ‘Danny’ much like her idol Laura Marling.

The 4 track EP is a testament to her ever-evolving folk and pop-forward sound. It’s a post coming-of-age story that splendidly showcases the British artist’s poetic prowess that moves her listeners “without too many bells and whistles” over her signature acoustics.

The new music arrives exactly one year after her debut album Wait & See and follows her EP Keeping The Noise Down. Her entire discography amassed critical acclaim and a stellar list of playlist support, including Spotify’s New Music Friday and Apple’s New Music Daily. 

We were able to chat with Mabes about everything from her latest EP, what’s kept her motivated this year, her affinity for all things 60s/70s, and more. Read the full interview below.

Hi Mabes! It looks like you’ve had an incredible year with two EP releases including Keeping The Noise Down in May and Too Young To Love out today – how does it all feel?

It’s the most amazing feeling. When we went into lockdown all of my big plans such as festivals, support slots, and writing trips were cancelled. I remember having a call with my team and feeling so gutted and sorry for myself, and nervous about what the future had in store. We all made a pact that we wouldn’t let a global pandemic hold us back, and I would keep releasing my music that I’ve been working so hard on. To have achieved 2 EPs is such a big personal achievement, I feel euphoric. 

What keeps you motivated to write and create? Especially during this mad year…!

This year really has been so heavy, for the world and also for me personally. I have written about side effects of the pandemic (‘Caught Up’) and also my break up (‘Too Young To Love’ & ‘Catch 22’), but motivation has come and gone – I think most creatives would agree. This industry is unpredictable in a normal world, so not having any control over planning for even the near future is scary and I guess the one thing that’s kept me going is the people around me – my family, friends, and my team. They’re all always there to put me back on track when I’m having my wobblies!

Why did you want to release the two bodies of work so closely together? They somewhat fit together like an album with contrasting parts – the first being a coming-of-age story based on your teenage years and the second being the aftermath stage that shines a light on continued growth in your 20s through love and loss, among other things. Was that intentional?

My sound and topic is constantly changing and evolving, and I wanted to give the two chapters their own different identities. I have so much more to come next year, and those songs will continue on from these current chapters – after experiencing loss, self doubt, confusion, sadness, comes the aftermath. You never really grow out of it all as these things are part of life, but you learn to see things in a new light and learn from your experiences. Plus, the sound is about to get a lot BIGGER! 

As the last thing you share with your fans this year, what was the process like putting the new EP together? Was it difficult to cut down to 4 tracks? What made these 4 the perfect companions to the overall theme of the final product?

I felt that ‘Catch 22’ was the perfect way to round out this current chapter of love loss, still in keeping with the subtle acoustic vibe and dreamy swelling production. I also feel like this year has been a Catch 22 situation in itself – everyone is holding on to and appreciating what they have which is a great thing, but that means the fear of losing everything becomes all the more petrifying. 

You credit Laura Marling, John Mayer, Carole King, and even The Smiths as influences – can you tell us a little more about that range and how these fantastic but very different artists have influenced you?

Laura Marling was the reason I learned guitar and put my poems to song at the age of 15, so she really is the main culprit. I pretended I was her when I wrote Danny, as she does ‘writing in character’ so well, along with the folk plucking style of the song which she taught me. Carole King has such honesty and vulnerability to her voice, and such simple but beautiful phrasing in her songs, with a little country twang which runs throughout my music too, and I have tried to capture all of these beautiful qualities in my songs; I will leave it up to the listeners to decide if I’ve been successful here! My dad brought me up on The Smiths and Morrissey (questionable, I know!) but I’ve always admired his satirical summaries of lifes hardships and how seemingly sweet songs have such deep dark meanings, and double meanings, behind them. I’m a sucker for a ‘play on words’ and clever phrases. 

Visuals seem to be an important part of your work! Your Keeping The Noise Down EP medley video is reflective of your affinity for 60s/70s aesthetic. On ‘Caught Up’ you transport us to the variety show days in the 60s and pay homage to the iconic trailblazer Bobby Gentry. Can you tell us more about all this?

I’m completely fascinated by the whole era; the hollywood glam with the big hair, bold makeup, dazzling catsuits and the flares. The likes of Dolly Parton and Bobbie Gentry were the first real female popstars of the time that paved the way for the rest of us girls. I wanted to pay homage to them and take people back in time for a second and out of these times which have been pretty doom and gloom. I also have a young fan base, and I wanted to give them an insight to where it all started, as these were THE GOLDEN GIRLS that will live forever!

With the UK going back and forth into lockdown, we appreciate that there isn’t an official video for the final single released with your EP today. Could you tell us more about ‘Catch 22’ and walk us through what your dream video for it would be if you could film it with a full budget?

I would have loved to do a video following me around a house doing my mundane activities and then flitting back and forth to flashbacks of me with my lover that I’m mid-break-up with and missing like crazy. Kind of like the house in ‘Baby, When You’re Gone’ by Mel C and Bryan Adams! But all 60s vintage, of course. 

And last but not least, what’s next for Mabes? 

After what I’ve achieved this year, I’m ready to take on anything that 2021 throws at me. I’m about to go all in, get bigger, bolder, and I’m so excited. You’re gonna see a different side to me, a more grown up side, and I’m buzzing for the next chapter!

Make sure to listen to Mabes brand new EP ‘Too Young To Love’ below