The ethereal talents of Mary Middlefield are showcased once more with her latest enchanting single “Sexless”. Descending from Lausanne, Switzerland, Middlefield captivates with her nature-inspired sounds and wildly beautiful lyricism.
Originally a student of classical violin, Middlefield continued her journey into creating swooping, drama infused melodies that captivate listeners from the first few notes. Speaking on themes of love and abuse, this artist uses her platform to uplift and inspire through awe-inspiring creations, resembling the sounds of the wilderness.
“Sexless” is a raunchy, sensual track that doesn’t hide anything. Opening with “I haven’t had sex in the past year”, Middlefield dissects in profound and nuanced detail the themes of abuse and grooming. We had the honour of sitting down with the trailblazing artist to discuss early inspirations, her new projects and aspirations for the future…
Stream “Sexless” now…
Read the interview…
Hey Mary! Talk to us about how you fell in love with music.
Growing up, I was immersed in a world of music from an early age, and it’s challenging for me to pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with it because it feels like it has always been a part of my life. I began playing the violin and piano at the age of five and don’t remember having other interests that I was as passionate about. My love for music deepened as I began listening and discovering other genres than classical, including rock, folk and pop, which resonated with me on a personal level. The creative process and the emotional connection in these genres intrigued me, which led to a stronger attachment. Music, in all its forms, has played an integral role in shaping my identity and continues to be a driving force in my life.
Who have been major inspirations to you both musically and personally?
Musically speaking, Radiohead has been my biggest source of inspiration. Their remarkable blend of musical and lyrical diversity has immensely contributed to my journey as a person and an artist. Their influence inspired and continues to inspire much of what I create today.
On a personal level, I find inspiration in the people who surround me. Each person that currently holds a place in my heart and day-to-day life has something valuable to offer, be it musically or personally. I’m incredibly grateful for the diverse and enriching relationships I’ve cultivated, as they continually inspire and teach me.
How would you describe the essence of your sound?
That’s a hard one. My sound varies quite a lot as it’s often influenced and shaped by the lyrics I write or the emotional state I’m in at the time. If I were to put it into words, I’d maybe describe my sound as a “dreamy nightmare”. On the surface, it often carries a charming and fun quality, but as you delve deeper, it can evoke a sense of discomfort. It’s sort of a dynamic blend that combines both lighthearted elements and a darker thought-provoking undertone.
What was your experience like growing up In Lausanne, Switzerland? How did it influence your sound?
I have a profound love for Lausanne and Switzerland as a whole. My time here is nothing short of a dream, offering me the best quality of life I could ever possibly imagine. Switzerland’s breathtaking natural landscapes are a constant source of inspiration for me, and the diversity of this country never ceases to amaze me. Every corner is so different ! What truly makes my experience remarkable are the people I’ve had the privilege of connecting with, both on a personal and professional level. They have all single-handedly been contributing to my journey as both a human and an artist.
In her debut Album ‘Thank You Alexander’, you touch on some heavy themes such as abuse and grooming. What was it like to tap into such personal subjects and allow yourself to be so publicly vulnerable?
Tapping into these deeply personal and sensitive subjects on my record was at first one of the most challenging aspects of the creative process. However, I didn’t really anticipate that these songs would reach a wide audience, and that made it somewhat easier to dive into such an intimate territory. As I dove deeper into the songwriting and the emotions I was feeling, it began to flow really naturally. Maybe because the emotions I was conveying were authentic and I never questioned the honesty of my feelings or whether or not I should share them. I really believe that we as songwriters possess remarkable power because we can connect with an audience on a more profound and earnest level. To me, that connection relies on telling the truth.
How did these awful experiences affect you as an artist and your craft?
These painful and challenging experiences have immensely affected my journey as an artist, my craft and creative expression. They have provided me with a new narrative and tons of new material to draw from, which has been both artistically compelling and personally draining. The intense emotions I needed to convey became a driving force for my personal growth. I discovered a new sense of happiness and authenticity that I previously lacked. I stopped trying to conform to the external expectations, particularly those imposed by authority figures, and started prioritizing my own desires and aspirations.
How did you build your confidence back up after such a traumatic experience?
I don’t really know, to be honest. Rebuilding my confidence after such a traumatic experience has been an ongoing and somewhat uncertain process. I’m not sure if one ever fully recovers from that kind of trauma. It’s something I’ve been dealing with day by day, with progress being a continuous effort. While I’m great at giving and offering advice to others, I’m really bad at following it. Seeking support from friends and licensed professionals and talking about those experiences has played a crucial role in my own healing process.
Talk us through the message behind the sensual track, “Sexless”.
It’s cool you call it sensual, I always thought of it as quite the opposite.
‘Sexless’ delves into the societal pressures and the undue importance placed on physical intimacy and connection. It’s a reflection of how our culture often stigmatizes being single or independent. With this song, I wanted to challenge that notion and break free from the shame associated with not conforming to societal expectations. It’s my statement, saying that being alone, feeling lonely, and talking openly about it isn’t something to be ashamed of or something that needs a “quick fix”. ‘Sexless’ encourages the acceptance of one’s own emotions and the exploration of independence and self-discovery in a world that often values conventional relationships.
What direction do you wish to take your artistry in the forthcoming years?
Something I’ve really enjoyed doing this summer was playing live. I had the incredible privilege and experience of connecting with audiences on a personal and real-time level, and it’s a path I hope to continue pursuing wherever I can. In the coming years and months, I’m eager to further develop my artistry in a direction that would emphasize my live performances. I’d love to refine and tailor my live sets to be engaging and appropriate for various settings and audiences and to create a live universe that conveys the essence of my music, mirroring what listeners hear on my records.
Do you have any more exciting upcoming projects in the making you can share with us?
Yes, there are indeed exciting and new projects in the works, though I can’t reveal all the details just yet. What I can share is that you can anticipate more music coupled with stunning visuals. I’ve never been that excited about anything else before and can’t wait to share these projects with my audience.