Mabel’s Journey: The Impact of Self-Advocacy in Her Music Career – British pop and R&B artist Mabel has recently shared her experiences on how standing up for herself has significantly influenced her ten-year career in the music industry. Through her candid reflections, she reveals the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in a competitive environment.

Recently, during an episode of the BBC?s Miss Me? Podcast, where Mabel is temporarily filling in for host Lily Allen as she takes a much-needed break for her mental health, the talented London-born artist discussed the necessity of establishing clear boundaries. Mabel highlighted that after years of relentless effort to construct her unique artistic identity, she has had to defend herself against uncomfortable scrutiny and intrusive conversations about her creative work. This proactive stance not only protects her well-being but also ensures that her artistry remains genuine and true to her vision.

Known professionally as Mabel McVey, the rising star made her mark in the industry after signing with Polydor Records at just 18 years old. Since then, she has released two critically acclaimed studio albums, including 2019’s High Expectations and 2022’s About Last Night?. Along with her impressive discography, which encompasses several mixtapes and EPs, she has achieved remarkable success, earning six top 10 hits. Notably, her single “Don?t Call Me Up” soared to No. 3 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart and has amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify, cementing her status as a prominent figure in pop music.

In recent years, Mabel has adopted a more measured approach to releasing music, with her latest single being the collaboration ?Stupid Dumb? featuring Ty Dolla $ign, released in October. She revealed to ELLE Sweden that she has been working on her third album alongside her brother in the renowned hitmaker Max Martin’s studio. Although the project has encountered multiple delays, Mabel remains dedicated to delivering a body of work that resonates with her authentic self and artistic aspirations, showcasing her growth as an artist.

While discussing her experiences with host Miquita Oliver on the podcast, Mabel opened up about the labels she has faced, including being deemed ?difficult? or ?a nightmare? for asserting her artistic choices. She emphasized that the core issue lies in the lack of recognition for the artist’s voice and the necessity for creative freedom. Mabel articulated, ?The foundation of the problem is not listening to the artist, and not giving the artist space and time to figure out who they are within their creativity. I think that?s the main problem: our voices are not heard,? highlighting the need for change within the industry.

Mabel also shared her frustrations regarding the expectations placed upon her due to her lineage, pointing out how people often compare her to her mother, the iconic musician Neneh Cherry. ?I used to get so many people all the time saying things like, ?Oh, her mum was one of a kind and she?s just a ?whatever? popstar,? Mabel reflected. ?I?m just like, ?Well, I?ve been given no real support or time to figure things out ? other than those small little moments of clarity like ?Finders Keepers? or ?Vitamins.?? This sentiment underscores the struggle artists face in carving out their own identities in the shadow of familial legacy.

When asked about the significance of autonomy within the music industry, Mabel expressed her concern over the lack of support for young female artists. She remarked, ?Sadly, there?s no duty of care. Particularly as a young woman, it?s so easy to get molded into something ? which is usually based on another female pop act. It?s like, ?This person has done this, so this is what you should do.?? Mabel?s insights shed light on the systemic issues that many female artists encounter as they navigate their careers.

Furthermore, she explained how external pressures have influenced her creative process. ?The reason why I?ve been making music that [people say] ?has been heard before? is because I have five million different people?s opinions [getting in the way], constantly. So I?m like, ?How am I meant to be making something that?s groundbreaking, different, and authentic when there are so many cooks in the kitchen??? This highlights the challenge of maintaining originality amidst overwhelming external influences.

Looking ahead, Mabel is determined to prioritize the voices of her closest supporters?her family, friends, and fiancé, Preye Crooks?as she embarks on new musical endeavors. She candidly shared that her experiences in therapy have empowered her to ?find [her] voice? and become stronger both mentally and physically. This newfound clarity is crucial as she navigates her career with renewed purpose and resilience.

Despite the challenges, Mabel expresses profound gratitude for her journey. ?I?m very grateful and blessed still. I have traveled the world doing what I love, and performing is still the best thing ever,? she noted. Collaborating with her brother, producer Marlon Roudette, has added to her joy in creating music. However, she concluded with a bittersweet sentiment, stating, ?I love what I do so much, but how long I will keep fighting for? I?m not sure, which is really sad.? Mabel’s candidness reflects the ongoing struggle many artists face in balancing passion and perseverance in an evolving industry.

Having risen to prominence with her Bedroom EP in 2017, Mabel joined Harry Styles on his debut U.K. arena tour the following year before embarking on her own headline tour. She received nominations for British Breakthrough Act at the 2019 BRIT Awards and accolades at the MOBOs and U.K. Music Video Awards, underscoring her significant impact on the music scene.

Tune in to listen to the full episode below, where Mabel dives deeper into her experiences in the music industry. The insightful conversation regarding the challenges artists face begins at the 27-minute mark.