1 September 2025
Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with London based artist Maphe to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m originally from Somerset, but now live in London, but I’m so lucky to have both and still go back to the countryside often. I grew up going to folk camp at an early age, writing songs and singing in choirs, and then at 13 I became part of a function band that booked regular work at weddings and village fetes. I did this all throughout my teens, but then I moved to London at 18 and in my early twenties decided that I wanted a solo project where I had more control of my sound. I now work closely with my producer Joe Connor, and am really enjoying finding out who I am as an artist, melding all of my early childhood inspirations together with my own personal experiences and style.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I have always been obsessed with music, with my parents exposing me to a large range of genres at an early age, but I was particularly fond of pop – Lana Del Ray, Marina and the Diamonds and Florence and the Machine became who I listened to on repeat growing up. These are still my inspirations now, alongside Lorde and Charli XCX. Pop just has a special place in my heart.
How would you describe your sound?
I aim for raw, emotive songwriting that delves into themes of anxiety, OCD, and the complexities of romance – combining electronic textures with heartfelt lyrics. This latest song is definitely one for when you feel like crying but choose to dance instead.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My newest single is called ‘you’re so cool’. This song is about the experience of dating someone ‘out of your league’. You know the saying ‘you have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince’? Well, this song is from the point of view of the frog. This song is about toning down your feelings because you know they’re not reciprocated and you don’t want to embarrass yourself. This song is about the facade of nonchalance. This song is an epic love song documenting a not so epic love. This song is a self-aware tragedy.
What’s your local music scene like?
I live in London, so there are musicians and creatives everywhere, which is amazing but can often feel overwhelming as so many people are competing to take up space.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I have a lot of unreleased music that I’m super excited about! I’m aiming for an EP at the end of the year as well as just gigging as much as possible.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
The dream would be Lorde, she shaped my whole teenage world.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I had a function gig once where I murdered Mumford and Sons ‘Little Lion Man’. I don’t know what went wrong but the end was basically just screaming.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m a 4’10 Gemini.
You can find out more about Maphe via Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok or YouTube, and you can find further information via Linktree.
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