Tuesday March 2nd, 2021
This Toronto recording artist (influenced by Amy Winehouse and Sia) is the winner of the prestigious InterContinental Music Award for “Best of North America-Pop” for her latest release and nominated for “Best New Artist” at the Niagara Music Awards. Some of her live appearances include YOUTH DAY Global at Yonge-Dundas Square, headlining at the 2020 Toronto Music Expo, and a featured panelist at the 2020 Canadian Music Expo. She’s just released a new single that she says she hopes “people are able to see a deeper and more melancholic tone from me, that maybe they aren’t used to”. In this Q&A interview, Rudy Blair Entertainment Media rudyblairmedia.com speaks with Pop singer/songwriter “Mauve” https://mauve-music.com about her career, how Covid-19 has effected her career and personal life, her accolades and work ethics, plans for 2021 including new music and live(virtual)performances and the inspiration behind her new award winning single “Starting Over” https://tinyurl.com/2udw3vz7 .
Q&A with Toronto’s Songwriter/Singer “Mauve”
Q: Hello Mauve. Thank you very much for doing this interview with me. First, I’d like to ask how you are doing during the Covid-19 pandemic where you’re living? Has the shutdown affected you personally and professionally (and what have you done for your mental wellness)?
A: Thanks for having me! Here in Toronto, there is still a “Stay-at-Home” order in place. There have been waves where in some regions certain places are open, but currently right now we still have a few more weeks to go before more shops and spaces open up again. Even though it’s been really strange not being able to perform any live music or to rehearse for shows with my band, I’ve been finding this as a very beneficial creation period. I have been busy working with my producers on completing new songs. I don’t allow myself to get bored because there are so many opportunities now to move forward and grow as an artist. This can be by spending more time playing guitar, trying different vocal techniques, or forming new melodies on the piano. To keep my mental health in check, I found that running has helped a lot. I usually throw on a concert documentary on Netflix and the cardio, mixed with the music, really helps boost me into a positive mindset!
Q: You have an incredible voice. When did you begin singing? (sounds like you grew up listening to some of Disney’s most famous songs like “Let It Go”, “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and The Beast”).
A: Thank you so much! Those are definitely some of my favourite Disney songs. Musicals have actually been a big influence on my singing style today. I remember going to musicals in downtown Toronto when I was younger and just being in awe of the strong passion and feeling that the actors put into their work. Seeing the vibrant combination of dancing and singing just hit me, and I grew this deep appreciation for the ability to express those emotions on stage.
Q: Who were your biggest influences growing up, personally and in music?
A: For over a decade I have been a big fan of 90s R&B music, especially the positive messages and smooth vocal harmonies brought from TLC. I love those girls! The deep and emotional vocals of Amy Winehouse and Sia have also played a huge influence in how I sing music. I think it is so inspiring when artists don’t hold back when sharing their music. Those artists really put so much heart and vulnerability into their lyrics.
Q: You combine a touch of EDM, Pop, R&B and Alternative. How did you come up with your sound and how did you make it work so well?
A: I really enjoy blending different electro-pop styles to create uplifting EDM anthems. I feel like you are able to make the music accessible to a lot of people that way, while also delivering a good amount of depth and intensity. I listen to a variety of genres so that’s why I felt so comfortable being able to combine them together.
Q: You’ve won some incredible awards like the InterContinental Music Award for “Best of North America-Pop” for your song ‘Come Around’ & nominated for “Best New Artist” at the Niagara Music Awards. What was it like receive these honours and what has it done for your career?
A: It means a lot to get that kind of recognition from these awards. Writing music is a very personal journey for me, so to have my songs be received so well amongst other talented musicians is a great motivator for me to keep creating.
Q: You’ve performed at some great performances like YOUTH DAY Global at Yonge-Dundas Square & headlining performance at the 2020 Toronto Music Expo. What was your favourite live performance and where would your dream concert be at?
A: A highlight for me was performing at a popular venue in Toronto called Sneaky Dee’s. It has such a cultural significance to the city, so it was a great experience performing there after going there so many times with my friends. Being able to perform at the Grammys is a dream of mine — it would be so incredible to share my music on such a renowned stage. I watch the show every year and imagine what it would be like to have the honour to share the room with so many amazing artists.
Q: You have a new single(congratulations) called ‘Starting Over’. This song sounds more “earthy” than your past songs. Where did the inspiration of the new song come from and why the change? (less beats and more vocal)
A: It’s important for artists to challenge themselves and not be afraid to show their listeners a different aspect of themselves. In this song, people are able to see a deeper and more melancholic tone from me, that maybe they aren’t used to, but it’s important for them to see this side of me. The acoustic and choir-like vocals in this song really helped me express the sorrow that I was feeling when this song was originally written.
Q: Will there be an EP or album following this release and also any plans for virtual performances in 2021?
A: Yes, I do have more songs in the works that I can’t wait to share. I am going to release a new EP/album in Summer 2021, so keep your eyes out for that! You can keep track of my upcoming performances on my website!
Q: Tell me something about yourself that no one knows (could be a fun skill, quirky habit or hobby or something you have overcome).
A: I wish I did have some kind of cool stunt that I pulled off to share with you, but unfortunately, I’m not that much of a daredevil! Another hobby that I like to do when I am not making music is painting. It’s really therapeutic and helps to refresh my mind when I feel like I have been working on music for a long time.
Mauve Social Media Accounts
Website: https://mauve-music.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicbymauve/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusicbyMauve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauve.music/