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In 2017, [Mahalia’s](https://www.instagram.com/mahalia/) break out track, “Sober” depicted the drunk text romance that spurred at 3AM when she missed her ex. The Leicester native began writing when she was just eight years old, releasing dreamy EP’s like _Head Space_ and _Never Change_ in 2015. Shaped by Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Corinne Bailey Ray, Mahalia’s distinctively honey sound transcends traditional R&B and reggae. The now 21-year-old British, alt R&B singer released her debut album, _Love and Compromise,_ back in September of this year.
Not only is _Love and Compromise_ a view into her past relationships, but a look into herself and how she deals with difficult situations. In a track by track video of her album, Mahalia reveals that she took a more intimate road to creating _Love and Compromise_. The catalyst of the album was a time in her life when she was confused and frustrated with a recent break up. Her thirteen track confessional, encapsulates the end of young love and what comes after, because yes, there is life after love. Just finishing her tour with Ella Mai in May, she is now traveling around the UK for her _Love and Compromise_ tour_._ With over 4 million monthly listeners, Mahalia is definitely one to watch.
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**Tell me a bit about your debut album, Love and Compromise, what was the process of creating such an anticipated body of work?**
It was scary af! I definitely felt a load of pressure on me to deliver. But, I was proud of myself throughout the whole process. I felt ‘Love and compromise’ all through my body every single day. I know how cliche it sounds now. I never knew how suffocating it can be creating a baby like a debut album… It was all encompassing. I went through all the emotions! One minute I was excited, then crying, then shouting. It was mental.
**The Sunday Times recently heralded you as souls next big star, would you categorize your sound as soul? What other words might you use to describe your music?**
I definitely would! I grew up listening to soul music, it doesn’t surprise me when I see my name attached to the genre - in fact, I love it. I always dreamed of being a successful soul artist like the women I was inspired by as young girl. I would describe my music as many things. I see myself as a storyteller for sure. Its R&B with influences of pop. Acoustic soul, too!
**What are some of your favorite emoji’s right now?**
Hmmm… Let me look. My top used emoji is almost always the laughing/crying face. I spend most of my time laughing with my friends so that makes sense to be my top used emoji lol. Also, the love struck face and the red love heart. I know they’re super simple. I’m just happy right now!
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**For music artists like yourself who are consistently on the road, I'm always curious to know what me-time looks like for them, or if you have any at all?**
Me-time looks different on different days. I don’t get that much on the tours that I’m on right now but when I do, it mostly just consists of sleep. Sometimes I run out in whatever city I’m in and try and do some kind of pamper - whether thats getting my nails done or a massage or something… I try and get something done for myself that keeps me relaxed and off my phone.
**What are some of your Fall Fashion Go-to’s, anything you might be wearing over and over or feel invincible in…**
oooo… Definitely my Dr Martens Jadon boots. I wear them practically everyday. A beanie hat too! I’m wearing my hair in long braids this fall so a wooly hat is the perfect way to accessories and keep warm.
**What was your childhood like creatively, was music always there or did you ever pursue other routes like painting or drawing? Any non-creative routes?**
I did everything I could when I was a kid… I don’t know what it was in me that just wanted to do as much as I possibly could. I danced, acted and studied fine art for a couple years (I have no idea, I was actually pretty bad)! I thought I could have been an athlete for a short time… I was great at the 200m sprint. Then my boobs came along and messed that one up for me!
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**Can you tell me about what it was like working on your recent track What You Did with Ella Mai, I'm sure driving in a burning car must've been at least a bit memorable…**
I just love Ella so much. She’s one of the best girls I’ve met in the last couple years! Making the song with her was a dream come true and the video was even more perfect. Scary for sure haha! The whole day was so special. And yes, sitting in a car next to Ella with the car burning was surreal !! It was boiling hot. We got scared a couple of times but all in all, had a blast.
**In a recent tweet you shared “Be urself always pls. Tryna be somebody else is so tiring” can you tell me what inspired that, and what you mean by it?**
Do you know what, being 100% honest, it was to do with a guy. I had a crush on this fella and all my friends were telling me to 'play it cool’ and be ‘different’ to how I ‘usually am’. It annoyed me so much. I took to twitter to release some emotion lol! But, I meant that tweet with all of my bones. I hate pretending to be something that I know I’m not.
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Photographed by [Noa Grayevsky](https://www.instagram.com/noagrayevsky/?hl=en).
Styled by [Ani Hovhannisyan](https://www.instagram.com/hovha/?hl=en).
Interviewed by [Larry Armstrong Kizzee](https://www.instagram.com/larryarm/).
Styling Assistant: [Tevin Evans](https://www.instagram.com/fatchuckbass/).
Photo Assistant: Dondre Stueley.
Retouching: Amanda Unger.
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