There’s a quiet form of confidence that runs by means of every part Talia Mar does now – hard-earned, self-defined, and a far cry from the uncertainty that usually shadows artists who develop up in public. A decade into her profession, she stands at a turning level: not simply navigating the business, however reshaping her place inside it.
For a lot of, Talia first appeared on screens – humorous, candid, and immediately relatable within the early days of YouTube and social media. However behind the vlogs and viral moments, music was at all times the through-line. What started as a parallel ardour steadily took centre stage, evolving into a listing that charts her progress not simply as a singer, however as a storyteller unafraid to interrogate love, id, and vulnerability. Over time, she’s moved from tentative releases to a extra assured, genre-blurring sound – one which displays each her influences and her independence.
That independence didn’t come simply. Parting methods with a file label generally is a destabilising second for any artist, however for Mar, it grew to become one thing else solely: a recalibration. Going unbiased has allowed her to rebuild her inventive course of on her personal phrases, stripping it again to intuition and intention. The result’s music that feels sharper, extra private, and undeniably hers.
On this dialog, the singer displays on the defining moments that formed her – each on-line and off – and the typically sophisticated relationship between the 2. Rising up with an viewers has meant studying how to attract boundaries in actual time, determining what to share and what to guard. It’s a balancing act she’s nonetheless refining, however one which has in the end strengthened her sense of self-belief.
Now, as she marks ten years in music, there’s a way of perspective that solely time can deliver. The stress to show herself has softened into one thing extra sustainable: a belief in her personal voice, her personal tempo, and her personal path ahead…
2016 marks 10 years because the launch of your first official single ‘Stolen’. How does it really feel to be celebrating a decade in music?
What? I didn’t realise it had been that lengthy! 10 years? I actually can’t imagine that! That’s actually thrown me off… wow (laughs). Okay, how do I really feel? I really feel superb listening to that to be sincere with you. A decade in music seems like an actual achievement.
Once you look again throughout your profession to date, what experiences really feel most the defining to you now?
My present at The Omeara in London stands out as a fairly pivotal second for me. Staging my very own present, on that scale, was one thing I’d by no means actually achieved earlier than, so it was an enormous studying curve, however I look again so fondly on the entire expertise – from the launch to the rehearsals, to the promotion and the times main as much as it, it was numerous enjoyable! Sure, it was a little bit of a big gamble, and perhaps I used to be deluded (laughs) however as a inventive course of it gave me a lot, and I additionally suppose it helped me to completely cement my relationship with my viewers and the individuals who hearken to my music, which is tremendous essential.
Delusion isn’t at all times a foul factor! I might think about having a powerful sense of self-belief is vital to creating it on this enterprise! How simple has it been so that you can imagine in your self, and have religion that this profession was inside your attain?
I actually suppose sustaining a powerful sense of self-belief always is close to to unattainable (laughs). For me, it’s one thing that goes forwards and backwards. I’ve these main highs and moments the place I’m feeling delusionally assured, after which main lows and moments the place I’m feeling delusionally unconfident. Going from one to the opposite will be powerful, however I believe these two conflicting emotions must exist inside me, as a result of they assist maintain me centred. What recommendation would I give to somebody struggling to imagine in themselves? I might say, simply maintain going! Retaining pushing ahead and check out to not hear an excessive amount of to these doubts and insecurities. And likewise, don’t be too onerous on your self! Each time me and my buddies are having a down second we at all times joke and say that having a delusional second is far more enjoyable, so we attempt to provide you with some loopy dream or new objective to attempt to obtain (laughs).
You’ve achieved a tremendous job at evolving with the instances, pivoting and adapting, and doing the entire issues you could do obtain longevity. How has your thought of “success” modified because you first began out?
I believe when anyone first begins out on this business, they deem success as being signed to a serious file label and having impression on the charts. Which a very long time in the past is how success within the music enterprise was measured, however instances have modified A LOT lately. And I give main props to RAYE for that, as a result of she’s actually proven newer artists that’s not essentially the trail it’s important to take anymore. There’s nonetheless numerous deal with numbers – wether that be variety of followers or variety of views – however when it comes to who you companion with, and the way you get your music on the market, I believe that comes right down to the person now, there’s not one set manner of “making it” in 2026.
Inform me extra about your journey as an unbiased artist…
Nicely… as you say, it’s been a “journey” (laughs). I believe to start with once I was first beginning out, there have been all these stipulations that I put upon myself – connections I felt I wanted to make, and offers I needed to do in an effort to make an actual go of it. However then I received to some extent the place I realised that I maybe didn’t need all of these issues in the identical manner I assumed I did, and so I took a leap of religion and determined to go it alone. I bear in mind once I left my (file) label, I used to be form of shocked at my want to take action, as a result of I by no means thought I’d be somebody who would wish to do this! I assumed I’d need that backing and safety behind me always, however I quickly launched that taking all of these exterior pressures away, leaves room to find and revel in different forms of success.
Talia Mar – Swimsuit & Tie (Official Music Video)
Your most up-to-date single ‘Swimsuit & Tie’ is an absolute pop bop! How do you’re feeling in regards to the tune now it’s out? Does it really feel like one thing of a rebirth or a continuation of what you’ve been doing…
I’d say it’s extra of a rebirth than a reinvention. It’s mainly me saying “hey everybody, that is the form of music I’ve been attempting to make and launch this complete time… get pleasure from!” And I don’t say that with any ailing will, and it doesn’t imply I don’t just like the music I’ve put out previously, it’s extra a case of me feeling liberated and free to essentially discover my artistry and make the form of music I really feel greatest represents who I’m. For a very long time I’ve been combating a little bit of a battle to experiment with this explicit fashion and style. There are songs I’ve recored previously that I’ve cherished and been actually enthusiastic about, however for no matter cause they weren’t even in a position to be thought-about to incorporate on a undertaking… not to mention be put out as a single! So I believe this tune represents and cements the concept that I can put out no matter I would like now, and the feels superb.
How a lot worth do you place on fan and business response to find out the impression of a tune?
That’s an fascinating query… actually, I believe earlier than I may even begin to take into account different peoples opinions, I’ve to first resolve what I’m hoping to get out of a tune. As an illustration with ‘Swimsuit & Tie’, I knew the rationale I used to be placing it out was as a result of I wished reintroduce myself to folks and set extra of a tone for what’s to return from me musically transferring ahead. So at no level did I take into consideration, or count on an overwhelmingly constructive response. It was a big gamble that might have simply gone in some way! Individuals might need mentioned: “woah, this not what we’re used to listening to from you, that is an excessive amount of of a change!” And I might have understood that… the truth is my greatest ‘hit’ is a dance observe, my previous few releases have been tremendous pop heavy, so to some folks, this observe might be perceived as being a little bit left subject; and I’m okay with that. So at this second in my profession, I don’t like put any stress on myself. I believe as you develop extra of your individual sound, and change into snug in what you’re attempting to do, that’s while you do are likely to rely extra on the opinions of others as a kind of marker of impression and success.
Making music I might think about is sort of a kind a remedy, which means you possibly can put your ideas and emotions on the market, and categorical your self nevertheless you selected… how simple is that for you?
Truthfully, very easy! I’ve at all times been an open e book. Even in these moments once I’m attempting to be a little bit extra personal and closed off, you possibly can see every part I’m feeling because it’s written throughout my face! I don’t conceal my feelings nicely in any respect… and I by no means have (laughs). It’s like a operating joke amongst my family and friends at this level, but it surely’s simply how I’m. I’ve been writing songs now since I used to be about 8 years previous, and for no matter cause I’ve at all times felt snug expressing my emotions by means of my music. If my mother and father mentioned one thing that irritated me, or there was a drama in school, my factor was to write down about it and switch the expertise right into a tune. That was at all times my manner of coping with issues.
What does your songwriting course of normally seem like in 2026, and the way has it advanced since these days?
It’s onerous to say actually, as a result of I genuinely suppose it’s completely different each time – nobody writing session is ever the identical. I’ve received methods during which I wish to work clearly – one being figuring out an idea for a tune based mostly on a title, I like that! I’ve tons of of potential titles written down, and each intrigues me as a result of till you sit right down to elaborate on it, you haven’t any thought what it might be about. I’ll typically come to the studio with both a title or a bunch of various phrases or lyrics, and it’s a case of me then simply bouncing concepts off of the folks I’m working with, and seeing what we provide you with. Generally I’ll hear a beat, or one thing being performed on a piano and I’ll provide you with a hook or melody from there. It’s form of cool to begin with nothing then earlier than it you have got this complete tune written seemingly out of nowhere.
Are there explicit feelings or experiences you end up returning to inside your music? Or do you favor to maintain pushing the envelope in order to not repeat your self?
I positively wish to push the envelope and attempt to evolve my writing fashion and concepts with every tune. Certainly one of my favorite issues to do is to write down within the third occasion, and have a tune be about another person. Why? As a result of I really feel like there’s solely a lot one particular person can write about their very own experiences earlier than it turns into a bit drained and boring! However while you write about different folks, and also you share a unique view than your individual, you’re actually in a position to get inventive and inform a narrative… and to me that’s what a tune is, it’s a narrative. There’s a tune of mine referred to as ‘You Did That To Amy’ that I wrote about my greatest good friend and every part she went by means of throughout a extremely tough time in her life. I wrote it from the attitude of me as her good friend, relatively than the particular person going by means of the issues she was, and I believe that made for a extremely fascinating observe.
“The truth that I used to be in a position to depart a serious file label, and proceed to make music is right down to social media – that’s how highly effective and essential it may be.”
How do you steadiness creating music that feels genuine to you with what your viewers may count on?
As a result of I do numerous live-streaming, and am due to this fact spending numerous time with my followers in actual time, I believe there’s simply this pure connection and understanding between us that’s been fashioned through the years. It’s like a friendship, you bond over your likes and pleasure of the identical issues. It’s really actually humorous typically I’ll discover folks within the stay chats I do saying they’ve both found a brand new artist, or there’s a selected album they’re listening too and I’m like: “oh my God me too!” We’re very a lot in-synch with each other – we play the identical form of video games, we get pleasure from the identical movies, our musical tastes are comparable, our outlook, aspirations, likes and dislikes are aligned. So I really feel like I’ve a extremely good understanding of what my viewers will like, which is good.
How would you describe your relationship with social media at this time in contrast to some years in the past?
I really feel like I was far more immersed in it a number of years in the past, in comparison with how I’m now, and I don’t know if that’s as a result of I used to be youthful or as a result of I used to be newer on the scene so I felt like I needed to have a powerful on-line presence. I used to publish continuously, and spend hours arising with completely different content material concepts – which was enjoyable don’t get me unsuitable, I at all times loved doing it! However now I’m in a spot the place I’d say my posts have extra intention… I imply not all of them, as a result of I do nonetheless publish various garbage (laughs). However on the entire, I’m posting content material for a cause, not only for the sake of maintaining with everybody else.
To that time, have you ever ever felt a stress to current a sure model of your self on-line?
Yeah perhaps! However with time and age comes the boldness to not succumb to these sorts of pressures. I look again at a few of my previous Instagram posts and the FaceTune on a few of them is definitely psychological! I can’t imagine I used to do this! These days I’ll fortunately go on stream with my greasy hair up in a bun, and no make-up on, and be like “proper guys, let’s play this recreation!” I believe I’ve simply reached a degree in my life the place I do know who I’m, and so I don’t really feel like I’ve to evolve or attempt to current an image good picture 24/7 – it simply isn’t me, so what’s the purpose in attempting to be one thing I’m not?
What positives has social media delivered to your profession?
Oh so many! The truth that I used to be in a position to depart a serious file label, and proceed to make music is right down to social media – that’s how highly effective and essential it may be. Pre all of those on-line platforms, when you didn’t have a label relationship, the one possible way folks would hear your music was if it was being performed on the radio, or when you received booked to carry out on a TV present – that was it! These days although, when you’re lucky sufficient to construct up a big following on-line, you possibly can maintain your complete fanbase up to date day by day with what you’re doing by urgent a few buttons in your cellphone. The truth that folks don’t want these massive conglomerates to push their careers anymore has massively modified the panorama of music. So yeah, I’ve loved enormous positives in my profession due to social media, and I’ll by no means fake in any other case.
What does defending your psychological well being seem like in a really public profession?
Have you learnt what, it’s by no means labored for me to take a break from social media when issues weren’t going so nice for me. I believe I’m the other to lots of people within the sense that if I’m in a foul place, I would like to leap on-line and say: “hey guys, I’m not feeling too scorching at this time, let’s speak about it!” I’ve received buddies who must take a break and reset, and I utterly get why, however I’ve by no means actively achieved that as a result of I do know I’d then stew, and I’d worsen, and I’d spiral and… that’s by no means a great factor! I’ve to speak about how I’m feeling, and the place higher to do this than on social media (laughs).
How do you see your self as an artist at this time?
Ooh… that’s an fascinating query! Fascinated with it, I don’t suppose I “see myself” in any particular manner as an artist, as a result of being an artist is simply who I’m, and it’s part of my on a regular basis life. I’m somebody who tries to be as sincere, and as free, and as enjoyable as attainable, and I strive my greatest to be these issues in essentially the most pure, and genuine manner in order that I’m at all times being true to who I’m.
So do you’re feeling like your public persona aligns with who you might be privately?
Yeah I’d say so, though I do suppose there are occasions once I’m extra snug being “me” and maybe not in the best way you’d suppose. Like I’ve positively grown in confidence in terms of my work, and acknowledging my place within the business. However in on a regular basis life that’s not at all times the case. It’s really a operating joke amongst my buddies that I can go into just about any enterprise setting, whether or not it’s music or social media, and converse confidently and get my factors throughout completely. Whereas when you drop me right into a social setting, I change into tremendous shy, nervous and embarrassed (laughs). So I suppose there’s something of a separation between the private and non-private me, however that simply comes right down to confidence, nothing else.
As you look to the longer term, are there any inventive dangers you’re excited to absorb your profession transferring ahead?
Sure! And I’m excited to so! My subsequent single is an enormous, large danger… I don’t wish to say an excessive amount of, so I’ll simply say making an allowance for the context of what the songs about, and who my social media viewers historically is, the 2 don’t align! It’s going to be very fascinating seeing how folks reply…
Talia Mar’s new single ‘Girl’ comes out April tenth and is on the market to pre-order right here.
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