My Life in Music: Mae Muller

Straight out of north London, Mae Muller shot to fame during the pandemic when her song ‘Better Days’ with Neiked and Polo G went viral on TikTok. Since then, her fan base has steadily grown, with more than 650,000 TikTok followers hooked on her sound blends of pop, soul and R&B. 

But Muller is so much more than a TikTok sensation. In the past year, she has received over two billion YouTube streams, nominations for an MTV EMA, a VMA, and represented the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.  

Now with a myriad songs in her arsenal (‘Feels This Good’ feat Sigala, ‘American Pyscho’ with Marshmello and Trippie Redd are just a couple of favourites), a performance at our latest Secret Sounds in partnership with Patrón, and an upcoming tour, we sat down with her to find out how her love of music came to be.

When was the exact moment you first discovered your love for music? 
‘I think there were many moments when I was younger that made me realise I wanted to do music. I just loved how performing made me feel. I went to see Florence + The Machine when I was about 10 and was in awe. And I thought, I want to do the same as Florence.’
 
What was the first album you ever bought? Do you still listen to it?
‘The first one I purchased was Lily Allen’s Alright, Still in 2006. When I say I purchased it, I made my mum buy it for me. It’s still one of my favourite albums.’
 
Were your parents into music? If so, what did they listen to? 
‘They are big music lovers, especially my dad. He’s a big fan of rock and funk. He went to see Prince live about 15 times and took me with him once. He had girls in his band, which was still quite unusual to see at the time – I loved it. My mum would listen to Simon & Garfunkel in the car and they’re still one of my favourite artists now, their song writing is unmatched.’
 
What’s your comfort track? 
‘Right now, it’s probably “Boyhood” by The Japanese House. I love their music so much. It’s sad, but comforting and nostalgic all at the same time.’

Do you ever listen back to your own music? If so, which track means the most to you and why?
‘I listen to my own music a lot, but only the unreleased stuff – it’s more because I’m trying to hear it from someone else’s perspective.’
 
Who are your key musical inspirations?
‘Probably Lily Allen, Gwen Stefani, Doja Cat, Amy Winehouse… just amazing women really.’
 
If you could play one musical instrument that you don’t currently play, what would it be?
‘I’d love to be able to play the guitar. I’m mad at myself for not learning, but I still have time.’
 
What’s your favourite gig memory?
‘One of my best memories is when I went to see Beyoncé recently [on her Renaissance World Tour]. We were so close and the whole show was just incredible – I couldn’t actually believe what I was watching. And I took my friends who have been fans forever, so it was just really nice.’

Who are you listening to a lot right now? What’s top of your most-played list?
‘I would say “Indexical Reminder Of A Morning Well Spent” by The Japanese House (longest title ever, I know, but a truly stunning song) and also “Pretty In Possible” by Caroline Polachek who I adore.’
 
Name the artist you’re most excited about at the moment and why.
‘There’s an artist called Zeph who I think is amazing and deserves more recognition. She writes and produces everything herself; I really like her stuff.’
 
What’s your pre-performance ritual?
‘Honestly, it’s pretty boring – I just need a honey, lemon and ginger tea, a few warm-ups and I’m ready to go. Then some kind of cocktail straight afterwards.’

Visit our events page for more details on what’s happening around the Houses this month.