Q&A - MAHALIA

Mahalia is an artist to watch. She's only 17 years old and she has already toured with Ed Sheeran, collaborated with Rudimental and appeared on Jools Holland. Mahalia is currently working on her debut album and we think there will be big things in store for this lady! Catch her on the Other Voices Stage on Saturday 18th at 19:20.

Mahalia is an artist to watch this year. She's only 17 years old and she has already toured with Ed Sheeran, collaborated with Rudimental and appeared on Jools Holland. She is currently working on her debut album and we're sure there will be big things in store for this lady! Catch her on the Other Voices Stage on Saturday 18th at 19:20.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from?

Well, I was born in Leicester and lived there for 14 years until I moved to Birmingham because I wanted to Study Acting for my GCSE year.

When did you start performing publicly?

I did my first public performances during my time at middle school. I went to Roundhill Community College in Syston in Leicester and I had plenty of great opportunities to perform and showcase my songwriting. It was great. That was when I felt like I really got my teeth into performing in front of bigger audiences. Plus my mum and dad used to drag me to open mics all over the place

How did the collaboration with Rudimental come about? We heard you wrote the song ‘We The Generation’. How did they hear it?

We’re both signed to Asylum Records so it made sense really. I had been working with Rudimental for a little while before we wrote 'We The Generation’. They’re great guys and I had so much fun working with them on this tune in particular.

How pivotal have your parents been in guiding you through the music industry?

My parents have been really amazing over the past four years. I signed really young at 13 and I’m just so happy that I had such supportive parents. They are both musicians which helped. I felt like I had the best two people beside me guiding me through.

What was it like performing on Jools Holland?

So surreal. I mean, I remember being tiny on New Years Eve with my parents and it’s one of my favourite music shows on television so, to be performing myself was incredible. It was such a great experience. I loved every minute.

Rudimental - We The Generation - Later Live with Jools Holland

Rumour has it you’re working on your debut album, how’s it all going?

I am, yes. I have been for a while now. But, it’s really started to come together this year and I’m so happy with how it’s going. I’m just trying to get things tied up at the minute. I’m really excited to be able to show people what I’ve been doing since my EP release a few years ago.

Have you been to Latitude before? Which acts are you hoping to catch over the weekend?

I have, yes! This will be my third time this year. I’m really excited to catch James Blake. He’s one of my all time favourite artists. I’m also incredibly excited for SBTRKT, JP Cooper, Kwabs, Young Fathers, SOAK and I’d love to get down to some of the poetry/theatre stages this year. I always have so much fun down there, ha!

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I’m doing a few gigs here and there. But, I’m really focusing on my album release and getting a collective of finished songs that I’m happy with.

Could you recommend some of your all time favourite summer songs?

Corrine Bailey Rae - Trouble Sleeping

Frank Ocean - Sweet Life

Beyonce - Love On Top

Alabama Shakes - Don’t Wanna Fight

Everything Everything - Regret

Kendrick Lamar - King Kunta || Explicit

Destiny’s Child - Jumpin’ Jumpin’

Lewis Watson - Halo

SBTRKT - Hold On ft Sampha

Rudimental - Rumour Mill ft Will Heard and Anne Marie

Q&A by Anna Job

Check Out

Mahalia's Pre Latitude Playlist