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If you ask Mabes where her musical story begins, she’ll point you to a guitar and a quiet bedroom in Essex. What followed was a journey defined by instinct, a deep love for storytelling, and a determination to carve out her place—first online, then on global stages.
The singer-songwriter who once whispered folk-leaning ballads into YouTube demos has grown into an artist whose voice carries the weight of experience and experimentation.
Folk Foundations, Pop Progression
Early Mabes tracks carry the unmistakable warmth of classic folk and country influences— Laura Marling, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton—echoing in stripped-down production and youthful honesty. But recent releases like “No Regrets” signal a shift: bolder arrangements, pop polish, and studio confidence. It’s not just a sonic upgrade; it’s a reflection of her growth. Mabes describes her new phase as “main character energy”—and it shows. With nods to Fleetwood Mac, Haim, and The 1975, her current sound doesn’t erase the past, it reframes it with purpose.
Songwriting as a Lifeline
For Mabes, songwriting isn’t just craft—it’s survival. “It was my way of coping,” she shares, recalling how music helped her navigate teenage heartbreak, family struggles, and school drama. Whether drawing from lived moments or stepping into character—as with her track “Danny,” written from the perspective of a soldier’s wife—her lyrics remain rooted in emotional truth. Ideas can strike anytime, anywhere: mid-shower, on a bus, or during the quiet strum of a familiar chord.
Career Chapters That Stick
Every artist has those moments that feel bigger than music—Mabes has a few. Playing the Troubadour in LA, where legends like Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin once stood, gave her chills. Nashville brought another level of magic, birthing the track “America” and anchoring her to the roots of the genre she’s long admired. Then there’s the visual world she’s building—especially the video for “Sugarush,” shot with creative director Kate Bellm in the dreamy deserts of Mallorca. It’s not just a video; it’s a manifestation of Mabes’ vision, aesthetic, and creative firepower.
The Visual Thread
In a world where visuals carry just as much weight as sound, Mabes treats image and identity as part of her songwriting toolbox. From candid camera roll shots to fashion- forward shoots, her visuals stay true to her sense of self. Big productions like “Caught Up” and “Sugarush” stand out, but even the smaller moments—like seeing a video idea the moment she hears a demo—reveal the layers of her artistic brain.
Looking Ahead
Mabes knows who she is now—and she’s not done evolving. Her partnership with producer Matt Newman fuels her most adventurous work to date. She’s still writing honestly, but the production is sharper, the hooks punchier, and the confidence louder. She’s not interested in chasing anyone else’s success template. As she tells her fans, “There’s no clear route. Stay on your own timeline.”
What comes next for Mabes is still unfolding, but one thing’s clear: she’s not backing down from bold.
