British newcomer Mabes releases new single ‘Slow Drowning’.
If you like Kacey Musgraves, John Mayer and Laura Marling then we’d like to introduce you to Mabes. With her 70’s Americana and modern nostalgic vibe, she’s definitely one to watch and what better time to discover somebody new than a lockdown.
I chatted to Mabes about her latest single and what the first thing she wants to do after the lockdown is lifted.
Hi Mabes, Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today! How have you been? How have you been keeping yourself busy during the lockdown?
Hey, thanks for the chat! I’m getting by! It’s pretty dull being locked in, but I’m writing a lot of new ideas on my guitar – I’ve been feeling very creative.
Tell us about your new single ‘Slow Drowning’, what was your inspiration behind it?
The song was written about two people falling out of love as the world around them changes. It was inspired by my observation on the world and something I’ve witnessed happen to people, even though they had fallen so deeply in love. Despite the meaning, the song has a really positive and uplifting feel – which I guess is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we move on and can find new love.
What’s your songwriting process like? Do you do anything, in particular, to get into the ‘zone’?
I don’t choose the zone, the zone chooses me… sometimes I can sit down and play and write for hours, and sometimes I’m useless and can’t think up anything. I’m still working on a formula for the zone, but I think it must be mainly fuelled by my emotions.
How do you prepare for a gig? Do you have any rituals?
Once I’ve sound checked I like to get away from where the crowds are, to help my nerves, but even hanging around backstage can still be nerve-wracking. I suppose my ritual is I always like to have a glass of pinot grigio after a gig – that’s my preferred beverage!
Are there any artists or bands you take guidance from?
I always look up to people that are humbled. I take a lot away from advice that I get from artists I support or go on tour with. It was an honour supporting Lissie on her UK tour last year and she had so many words of wisdom. I really look up to Laura Marling, without her, my lyrics wouldn’t have as much depth and meaning, she’s a big inspiration to me and I hope to support her on tour one day, that would be a dream!
If someone hasn’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
I’m definitely an old soul stuck in a young person’s body! I’ve always been a deep thinker and tend to get stuck in my thoughts about the world. I also love old music and still discovering songs from the ’60s/’70s and even ’90s which is always having an influence on my sound. So, I’d definitely say my songs have been described as having elements of nostalgia.
If one artist could cover ‘Slow Drowning’, who would you pick?
I’d pick Taylor Swift.
What is your favourite lyric from your new single?
‘When you laid my body down, you wore my body down’
Being a singer, you must meet a lot of amazing people. Have you met anybody that you’ve publicly fangirled over?
I can’t think of one in particular but when I do, I always try to keep cucumber cool at all times.
After this lockdown is over, what do you hope to achieve within music? Is there anybody you’d love to tour with?
I would love to travel! I’d love to go EVERYWHERE and I’m not even being dramatic. I supported Billy Lockett last year and even just travelling around the UK was so fun and I loved meeting so many fans and seeing cities I’ve never been to. I loved it – Glasgow being a real highlight, Glaswegians are the best…! As well as Laura Marling, a Kacey Musgraves support wouldn’t be incredible.