From lockdown bedroom projects to headlining festivals, independent pop artist Mara Liddle is carving out her own space on the UK music spectrum. With her highly anticipated EP EXTREME CONFIDENCE dropping this June, we sat down with the singer-songwriter to talk about her creative process, overcoming self-doubt, and why releasing her new single, YOUR MIND, feels like publishing her private diary.
NEW SINGLE ' YOUR MIND' OUT NOW
Mara’s musical journey began during the quiet isolation of lockdown. Based in a small UK city, the nature-loving, book-reading creative turned to songwriting as a vital emotional release during a time of global upheaval.
"Life had changed so much in so many ways," Mara reflects, "and music became my emotional release."
That release quickly evolved into a distinct sonic identity. When asked how she would describe her sound to a new listener, she smiles. "Someone recently described my music as ‘cutesy pop music’ and I really like that. I’m claiming that."
Mara’s musical journey began during the quiet isolation of lockdown. Based in a small UK city, the nature-loving, book-reading creative turned to songwriting as a vital emotional release during a time of global upheaval.
"Life had changed so much in so many ways," Mara reflects, "and music became my emotional release."
That release quickly evolved into a distinct sonic identity. When asked how she would describe her sound to a new listener, she smiles. "Someone recently described my music as ‘cutesy pop music’ and I really like that. I’m claiming that."
Every artist has their pre-gasp rituals, but Mara’s is uniquely charming—and serves as the title for her upcoming 6-track EP.
"My pre-show routine is to say to myself ‘EXTREME CONFIDENCE’," she reveals. "My boyfriend said it once when we were playing mini-golf, and he immediately scored a hole-in-one, so since then it has become our manifestation for success. Still gathering data on whether or not it works!"
Whether the mini-golf magic transfers to the stage remains to be seen, but Mara is certain of her trajectory: "I’m somewhere on the pop spectrum. And I’m definitely one to watch."
Mara’s songwriting is heavily influenced by artists who treat lyrics like a late-night conversation. "I love their storytelling and the way that their lyrics feel like they’re confiding in you as a close, personal friend. It feels really intimate."
This intimacy is something Mara embraces as her greatest strength, even if it feels daunting.
"My lyrics are very diary-like, so releasing music is like publishing my private diary and letting everyone see my secrets. But I think it’s good to get it out in the open, and maybe some people can relate to it."
However, this deep attachment to her work highlights her biggest hurdle as a creator. Inspired by legendary producer Rick Rubin’s book, Mara recently challenged herself to write 100 songs in a row. The problem? She immediately wanted to do it again.
"I discovered that it’s really hard to move on from the previous 100 and accept that people might never hear them! It’s very hard as a writer to not become attached to your music."
Out of that massive 100-song experiment came her latest single, YOUR MIND—a track born from personal heartbreak and friendship dynamics.
The track explores the painful fallout of a friendship fractured by a breakup. "They completely changed towards me," Mara explains. "They would sort of pull me in just to push me away, keep me close just so that they could break me down. I wrote this song trying to make sense of why they changed so much, what I could have done differently, and what was going on inside their mind."
Listeners can expect a track that is as infectious as it is emotionally raw. "It’s so catchy. They can expect to be singing it all the time," Mara promises. "It’s kind of angsty, but dancey at the same time, and very open and personal. We’ve even got some rock elements in there—I can’t believe Charli XCX copied me!"
The rest of the year is shaping up to be a massive milestone for the independent artist. Alongside the release of the EXTREME CONFIDENCE EP, fans can catch her live as she steps into the spotlight to headline a local festival.
When asked about her dream future collaboration, she instantly points to pop royalty: "Zara Larsson! The Midnight Sun: Girl’s Trip album is so incredible, I love how effortless, natural, and fun all of her collaborations are."
Ultimately, Mara’s journey is about conquering the ultimate industry obstacle: self-belief. "Having the confidence in myself and my music has definitely been a long journey, and one that I’m still working on," she admits. "But I just have to keep reminding myself that I’m doing this for me, because I love doing it."
YOUR MIND is available to stream now. The EXTREME CONFIDENCE EP launches this June.