Mabes, an English singer-songwriter from Essex, first picked up the guitar aged fifteen and began playing at venues in her hometown of Billericay. Like her hero, Laura Marling, her music is filled with relatable lyrics and gorgeous melodies.
With “Pocket Full of Dreams” out now, we took some time to hear from Mabes. Read below to learn more about Mabes, the story behind “Pocket Full of Dreams,” and what’s to come.
Hi Mabes! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Well! My everyday name is Mabel, but someone already took that…my mum has always called me Mabes, so it felt like the natural alternative.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m from Essex and still in Essex, although I travelled to London to go to Theatre school from thirteen years old, so I feel like half of my heart belongs to the city.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I’ve always had a passion for the arts, and my mum started me at my local stage school when I was five. I did a bit of TV acting as a kid, but discovered my love for songwriting when I picked up the guitar as a teenager when I was inspired by the Laura Marling album, Alas, I Cannot Swim. After a couple of years of writing in my bedroom and playing to family, I finally found the courage to play my own songs at an open mic night, and I’ve never looked back.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My parents were always playing music in the house as a kid, an eclectic range of old and new. My dad was into jazz and 80s indie, and mum 80s pop and the charts. They took me to my first festival when I was thirteen, I remember watching Razorlight on my dad’s shoulders at V Festival. Their musical tastes have definitely moulded my own writing style. They both also love folk music, which is also inherent in my sound.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
If Joni Mitchell and John Mayer wrote a pop song, that’s the vibe.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
To be honest, music is my life. If I’m not in the studio, then I’m writing, or I’m playing gigs. I enjoy long country walks with my little dog, Max, for down time – but even then I’m thinking about music! It’s the one consistency I have.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I started to play guitar and write songs because of Laura Marling. Her writing style and genius lyrics have me in awe and so I’m always trying to aim for that greatness. You can especially hear her in my songs ‘Saint’, ‘Gone’ and ‘Danny.’ My newer stuff takes influence from Haim, with layered vocals and a more playful, bigger production. I’ve always loved their anthemic sound.
What’s your dream venue to play a show that you haven’t already?
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville!
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I was lucky enough to play a support slot at the Troubadour in LA for two nights. That venue is so prestigious and has staged so many legendary artists, it was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. Most recently, my first independent release was made BBC introducing Track Of The Week which was a momentous achievement for me as it was daunting putting out music again after so much time away, and on my own too.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned not to compromise on my artistic integrity. There have been times when people have tried to change my lyrics, my look, the production of songs, or told me that my songs aren’t good enough to release…to have true conviction as an artist, you must remain exactly as yourself.
Now onto your release, ‘Pocket Full of Dreams.’ What inspired this song? What is ‘Pocket Full of Dreams’ about?
This song is about the ups and downs I experience and struggle I face in pursuing my dream. It’s about feeling alone in the hustle and grind of trying to make it work, and ultimately about digging deep to find the strength to keep going and keep the faith. It’s from a personal place, but I hope it will resonate with anyone chasing their dreams.
What was the creative process like when making ‘Pocket Full of Dreams?’
I was in my bedroom, and I played a funky riff on my acoustic guitar. The concept and the repetitive ring of ‘dreams’ came quickly after. I then wrote the verses with a moody, less energetic feel for light and shade.
I took the idea to Matt Newman and we finished it together in the studio. I wanted to keep a constant energy running through the song, that builds and explodes at the end. Adding a sitar after the second chorus was a wild experiment that really worked, and builds on the tracks identity.
How long did it take to complete ‘Pocket Full of Dreams?’
The writing process happened over one evening, and the recording process was no longer than a couple of days.
What is your favorite lyric in ‘Pocket Full of Dreams’ and why?
‘I’m a debt to society ‘cause I underachieve’ has to be the biggest statement in the song, and really encompasses the anguish in the rejection and knock-backs that comes with the music industry. I’ve often measured my success by comparing myself to other people’s journeys and it can make you feel like a total failure, like you’re not accomplishing anything.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from ‘Pocket Full of Dreams’ and your music in general?
Whatever your goals, you’ve just got to stay focused on your own path and block out the outside noise, but it’s easier said than done. Nothing in life comes easy, but persistence and determination is key!
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I have so much music up my sleeve! Because of my time away, I am sitting on some brilliant songs that I’ll be releasing in the upcoming months. The sound is evolving into a bigger bolder production, I’d say even a bit more popy than ever. But ultimately it’s still me, and I can’t wait for everyone to finally hear! My next show is my headline at The Finsbury on Wednesday 17th September, and I’ll be playing some new material with a full band – I’m so excited! Tickets are free!
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram
Mabes (@thisismabes) | TikTok
Mabes | Spotify
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
