One thing we love to do at Kindred. HQ is meet and chat with an array of musicians who we think are breaking that glass ceiling. And when it comes to Mary Middlefield, the sky's the limit. Mary's debut album Thank You Alexander came towards the beginning of March and spans across a handful of emotions, topics and genres such as pain, romance and indie pop. Focusing on a coming-of-age style theme which trickles through the album, its 90s-teenage-movie sound is both nostalgic and refreshing to hear. Coming forth from a classical background, Mary created Thank You Alexander whilst bouncing between Switzerland and London and after dealing with heartbreak. Now, after the finalisation of transforming her pain into something creative, the songstress is celebrating the release of her first full-bodied project by letting us deep dive into everything Mary Middlefield.
Understanding that you created this album during a global pandemic and a breakup, what made you turn to music as an emotional outlet?
I believe there were two causes. First of all, I’ve never known anything else other than music. It’s always been the biggest part of my life since I was a child. So turning to it was the obvious. Although, since I had nothing to do during the pandemic, I started experimenting more, learning guitar and writing actual songs about my past and present. Having nothing to do or worry about during that time really allowed me to experiment with all types and genres of music. I don’t believe in destiny or any of that kind of stuff - but I truly believe that I needed a time-out to really find that side of myself.
You’ve mentioned that you bounced between Switzerland and London when creating your latest album Thank You Alexander. Did you have a location preference in where you recorded and created?
Not really. My producer Gwen Buord lived in London when we recorded the record and I really found my place there. We had so much fun recording all kinds of bedrooms, studios and living rooms during the process. But I do have to shout out our brilliant recording and mixing engineer Alexis Sudan and his studio (A.K.A studio Lausanne) for making us comfortable and at home in any studio we recorded at. He’s truly the best.
Who do you usually work with when creating a track?
I work with Gwen Buord who co-wrote and co-produced the record with me, Anna Borkenhagen who played cello on the record and co-wrote “Last Letter” with me and Alexis Sudan who recorded and mixed the tracks. Whenever I have an idea or write something, they’re the first people I call.
Creating music and allowing yourself to be vulnerable by speaking on emotional abuse and romance must have been quite difficult to do. How did you overcome challenges when creating this record?
It actually really wasn’t that hard. It felt quite natural. I don’t make anything up or try to elevate the story. I just go with what I know. Writing these songs felt like I was detaching myself from my struggles and slowly - but surely - letting them go.
What would you say is your favourite track on the album and why?
I have to say “Last Letter”. It’s a letter I wrote to someone a couple of years ago. I was high as a kite in a hospital room and just wrote it down. A couple of months later I found it again and thought “why not put it into a song?”
It was written in such a weird and funny context, which makes it even more sincere, I think.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
Radiohead, Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley. I wouldn’t write the way I do if it weren’t for them.
Is there anyone you’re listening to right now?
These past few weeks, I have almost only listened to Ethel Cain. She’s amazing.
How did you come to meet collaborator and producer Gwen Buord?
Funny story. He’s actually my best friend’s partner. We had known each other a couple of years before we started working together and got along really well. When I started brainstorming and writing Thank You Alexander, he was the first person I called. I always knew he would be elevate my work.
What do you think you would be doing if you never went into music?
Honestly no idea. I’ve never known anything other than music and really sucked at school. I’ve always loved writing though. Maybe I’d have gone into that.
What’s coming next for Mary?
A bunch of cool stuff. I’ve created a lot of things these past few months with my favorite people. I never stopped writing after finishing the album… I have a bunch of shows scheduled. Really excited for this year!
Comments