Introducing The Enchanting Indie-Pop Artist… TABI

TABI is a rising artist determined to make her mark in the music sphere. Hailing from Brighton, the young talent, whose real name is Tabitha Barrowcliffe, first fell in love with music when she was twelve. With iconic singer-songwriters like Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, and Sinéad O’Connor as inspiration, TABI crafted songs that were both heartfelt and honest. After honing her craft for six years, the talented songstress made her debut in the music scene with two infectious pop anthems, ‘Love Like Drugs’ and ‘Write a Song About.

In addition to music, TABI has also used her platform to champion mental health, even going so far as to start a petition to ‘End Abuse In Mental Health Hospitals’, which garnered over 50,000 signatures. TABI’s passion for mental wellness and self-love can be found in her music, including her latest single ‘Leaving.’ Backed by a silky smooth production, the track explores themes related to not feeling appreciated and knowing you deserve more, but at the same time not wanting to let go. We were able to chat with TABI about all things ‘Leaving,’ finding inspiration in Brighton, and the artist who solidified her decision to pursue a music career.

Hey TABI, it’s great to meet you – how is your week going so far?

It’s great to meet you, too! It’s been going well!

I love the new single –  what do you hope people take away when listening to ‘Leaving’? 

Thank you so much! I hope people take away the message that you should never settle for someone who only decides they want you when you’re about to leave. It’s also a reminder to appreciate the people in your life while they’re still around –  because no one’s going to stick around forever if they’re feeling unloved.

‘Leaving’ is such an empowering and self-aware track  – did that come naturally during the creative process? 

It did, actually! I always start with lyrics, so the message was the first thing to come through. I’m someone who’s unfortunately very prone to heartbreak, so I always have something to write about.

Campaigning for better mental health treatment is a very important topic for you – have you got any plans coming up surrounding this?  

Yes! I recently did a charity gig for PAPYRUS UK, which is an amazing organisation focused on suicide prevention. I’m also working on building momentum behind my petition,  it’s already halfway to potentially being discussed in Parliament, which is wild. Mainly, I’m just refusing to stay quiet about mental health. 

What are some of the things you hope will change regarding mental health treatment?

Early intervention is a big one. If someone had taken me seriously at 12, I might not have spiralled so badly by 16. I also think we need to raise the bar for who can work in mental health – not just in qualifications but in empathy and proper training. It’s not enough to mean well when someone’s life is on the line.

How did the idea or inspiration for ‘Leaving’ come about? Was the creative process enjoyable? 

“Enjoyable” might be a bit of a stretch! I was in London Victoria after breaking up with my ex, and he was calling and texting me saying he loved me and wanted me to come back. I got straight on the phone to my best friend, told her what was happening, and said, “He only loves me when I leave.” Then I thought, hang on, that’s a lyric. I wrote it down in my Notes app, got on the train, and wrote the rest of the song. The fun part came later, working with my producer, Jack Hardman – he’s a genius and just gets it.

How does living in Brighton impact your creative influence?

Brighton is wild, in the best way. You’ve got this super arty, expressive side and then absolute chaos (go into town on a Friday night, and you’ll see what I mean – it’s like walking into a zoo). Growing up around all that creativity gave me permission to be myself, and growing up around the madness gave me plenty to write about.

Your debut single ‘Love Like Drugs’ and previous single ‘Write A Song About’ are such great tunes – why did you want ‘Leaving’ to come out next? 

Ahh, thank you! I was so confused about what to release next, but Leaving just felt the most me. I played it to a few friends, and they all went, “Yep, that’s the one.” So, I trusted my gut and the group chat.

I know you said that you’re inspired by many artists, including Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Sinead O’Connor – who else inspires your artistry (music or aesthetic)?   

So many people. Musically, I love Bowie, Alanis Morissette, Kate Bush T. Rex, and even Killing Joke. My dad’s a big influence, too, mostly because he’s brutally honest. If he says something I’ve written is “okay,” I know I’ve nailed it. Aesthetically, I love Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe and obviously, the queen herself, Dolly Parton!

You started writing songs at a young age – why did you want to get into music? 

Honestly, I was that annoying kid who made everyone – including the plumber –  watch her perform Mercy by Duffy on the kitchen table. I’ve considered every career idea under the sun (doctor, circus performer, you name it), but music’s the one thing that’s always been there, it always has my back. Much to my mum’s dismay – she still dreams of me working in pensions. But here we are!.

Thanks so much for taking the time, lastly – what events have you got coming up in the next few months that we should know about?  

Thank you! I’m in the studio at the moment working on new music, but there are definitely some exciting things in the pipeline. Keep an eye on my socials –  announcements coming soon!

Check out Tabi’s latest track ‘Leaving’ here or below.