Mae Muller: A Journey from 2008 to 2023
Mae Muller, the pop star hailing from London, has had quite a transformative journey since 2008 and is set to take the music scene by storm in 2023. Her rise to fame began in 2017 when she uploaded her tracks on SoundCloud, capturing the attention of the industry. Since then, she has released three EPs, secured a support slot on Little Mix’s tour, amassed over 2 billion streams, and even achieved a Top 10 single in the US with Neiked and Polo G called “Better Days.”
This year, Mae Muller had the honor of representing the UK at Eurovision with her entry, “I Wrote a Song.” Although she finished in 25th place, the song reached No. 9 on the UK Top 40 and gained popularity across Europe. To add to her list of accomplishments, she is releasing her debut album, “Sorry I’m Late,” on September 29th.
As we take a look at a photograph of Mae Muller at the age of 10 in her aunt’s flat in north London, we discover a glimpse into her past. This young girl had just gotten her first adult haircut, transitioning from a bowl cut to trendy layers. In that moment, she felt like a true woman. Despite the changes in her life, one thing has remained constant – her connection to this flat and garden, which is now her home. Located near Hampstead Heath, one of her favorite places, this area holds sentimental value from her childhood and teenage years.
In the photograph, Mae Muller can be seen sporting a mischievous face, capturing her energetic personality at that age. She was a chatterbox, especially at school, where her teachers would often comment on her potential but also her tendency to talk too much. In her younger years, she possessed fearlessness and a lack of comparison to others. This was the time she was transitioning from her tomboy phase, as evidenced by her choice of dungarees, and discovering her girlish side. Puberty was just around the corner, and she embraced the changes with excitement, longing for the arrival of her womanhood.
Music videos played a significant role in shaping Mae Muller’s interests during this period. She was captivated by the world of pop stars, considering it an unattainable dream. Rather than consuming typical media like Disney or magazines, she would wait for hours for Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay” music video to play on MTV. Instead of keeping a diary, her way of self-expression was through songwriting. Inspired by the honesty of Lily Allen and the idolization of artists like Florence + the Machine and Gwen Stefani, she would often rewrite their lyrics to create her own songs. One of her earliest creations delved into the theme of her boyfriend transforming into a werewolf at night, reminiscent of Florence Welch’s mystical style.
While primary school brought her joy, secondary school marked a period of bullying that challenged her but also made her stronger. Being the youngest in her year at the age of 12, it took time for her to develop physically, causing her to look like a younger child. Unfortunately, bullies seized this opportunity to highlight her childlike figure, leading to insecurities about her body. Despite its impact on her self-esteem, Muller acknowledges that this experience played a role in building her character. However, back then, she wished to escape the school environment. Fortunately, the bullies eventually lost interest and moved on.
These experiences from her past became valuable lessons as Mae Muller embarked on her music career. While there is now more emphasis on body positivity in the industry, women still face pressure to conform to specific beauty standards. Being a size 10, Muller understands the significance of representing body positivity for some individuals. However, she finds it intriguing and unfortunate that society has defined a size six or smaller as the ideal. It is a testament to her strength that she takes pride in her size and refuses to let societal expectations define her worth. Thankfully, her label and management have never pressured her to change her appearance to fit a certain mold. Nonetheless, the internet has become a breeding ground for criticism and negativity. Muller has learned to block out these comments, recognizing that they are baseless and do not reflect who she is as a person or her hard work in the industry.
Moving forward, the Eurovision competition marked a significant turning point in Mae Muller’s career. Despite the challenges and intensity she faced, she is proud of her journey and how she handled herself throughout the process. The experience allowed her to discover her strength and resilience, proving that she can overcome any obstacle. Winning Eurovision was not her expectation, but the competition’s outcome sparked conversations and brought unexpected attention. Celebrated artists and even notable figures like Rita Ora, Sam Smith, and Sadiq Khan reached out with kind messages. Additionally, Muller found herself on the front page of the Telegraph due to old tweets she had posted about the Tory party, which made for a remarkable, albeit odd, experience.
At the same time, Muller acknowledges that she is more self-conscious now than she was as a young girl. Being a woman in today’s society comes with a lifetime of subliminal messages and societal expectations that impact one’s confidence. Despite these challenges, Muller aims to navigate the music industry with grace and authenticity. As she reflects on her journey, she often longs for the simplicity of childhood, symbolized by putting on that shirt at a young age.
Mae Muller’s story is one of growth, resilience, and embracing her true self. From her beginnings on SoundCloud to representing the UK at Eurovision, she has carved a path for herself in the music industry. With her debut album on the horizon and a determination to stay true to herself, her journey is only just beginning.
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