In Conversation x Talia Mar

In our latest interview, Anya Duncan catches up with the multi-talented Talia Mar to talk all things music, love, and advocacy. Talia opens up about her powerful new single ENEMY. An anthem marking her departure from her record label and reclaiming creative freedom on her own terms. Talia also reflects on the deeply personal nature of 365, a vulnerable track made even more special with exclusive footage from her wedding woven into the music video. Beyond her music, Talia shares her pride in being an ambassador for The Lobby, a collective pushing for greater visibility and support for women in gaming.

Your upcoming single "ENEMY." drops this Friday. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it and what the writing process was like?
The writing of ENEMY. came at the end of my relationship with my record label. I was at the point in the industry where I wasn’t feeling heard and every song I was writing ended up being about the same thing. So I decided to go into the studio that day and just write the final piece to that story and that ended up being ENEMY. It happened quite quickly, it was such an easy process because I was so done at that point. I think it really captures how I was feeling at that moment.

It’s been nearly a year since you left your label to pursue music independently. How has that shift impacted your creative process and overall artistic freedom?
It has brought me back to how I used to do things, writing more at home and by myself. I still love co-writing and will never not do that but it has reminded me of where I started and my earlier sound which feels more authentic.

Have there been any unexpected challenges or learning curves as you’ve taken more control over your music as an independent artist?
I feel there is a new challenge that presents itself weekly at this point but one of the main things is navigating when various things come out and how to facilitate them. Obviously, you don’t have the funds of the big label and while you don’t have the restrictions, sometimes it is harder to make decisions when everything falls down to you.

Does "ENEMY." offer fans any clues about your future musical direction—or even what your debut album might sound like?
ENEMY. definitely changes the course of where my music is headed, the darker pop sound is a theme throughout the next body of work. It nods back to my previous sounds like my first single, ‘Stolen’ and ‘Diamonds’ which were released pre label days.

Your last release, "365," feels deeply personal and sentimental. Do you think this emotional depth is a natural evolution in your music, especially after major life moments like getting married and expecting your first child?
It is inevitable when you're a songwriter that key moments of your life come out and some songs are much deeper than others. ‘365’ is one of those moments where I was feeling quite vulnerable in the room and wanted to write a song that was different to what I had written before. People that have listened to my music before will know that writing intense love songs is not something I normally do so I wanted to set myself a challenge and that ended up being ‘365’.

Your wedding was a very private event. Were you at all hesitant to share some of that intimacy with fans through the "365" music video?
I was very nervous about sharing it publicly but Simon and I had spoken about potentially releasing some of our wedding footage at some point. I always had in mind that if I did release it, that it could work well with the ‘365’ release. Then with the baby announcement coming, it was Simon’s idea to link the two and being so vulnerable made it mean so much more to me.

Looking back on your wedding day, did you ever imagine those moments might become part of a future music project?
No definitely not on the day, I wasn’t thinking about music videos and I even forgot there was a Videographer there! When we got the footage back, there were things filmed that I didn’t even know were being filmed.

Given the high-profile nature of your relationship, how do you navigate the balance between what you share publicly and what you choose to keep private?
Simon and I are naturally not a couple who are PDA vibes so it comes naturally to not necessarily delve into our relationship publicly because it’s always felt quite private. It is always nice to record together and share moments online but finding the balance between sharing a little bit so people feel involved but also keeping some sacred we haven’t found too difficult.

Since your debut single "Stolen" in 2016, you’ve become a prominent name in the UK music scene. How has being in the public eye shaped your voice and songwriting over the years?
Naturally getting older and evolving changes your tone of voice and what you write about, the style of music you release. Navigating my way into the public eye didn't necessarily shift my music or my voice but more the people around me. Management, Labels getting involved is what really shifted the sound rather than my life itself.

You’re also an ambassador for The Lobby, a collective advocating for women in gaming. What initially drew you to that project, and what does your role involve?
Being a woman in gaming has always been something close to my heart because I see the struggles first hand, live streaming and working in the industry that is definitely male dominated. When this project came about, I was really excited to be a part of it and help create a safe space for women so they can meet other like-minded people. My role is mainly on the promotional side to help women's voices be heard and that The Lobby gets the exposure that it deserves. They have someone who has experienced it first hand and what it is like being a woman in the industry.

What do you hope will come from collectives like The Lobby?
I hope more places feel like they can follow suit and create spaces for women in male dominated areas, especially gaming. It will bring women closer together and if they have a fear of getting into it, the confidence to move into the industry.

From streaming to singing, you've worn many hats online. What's the biggest lesson you've learned from navigating both industries as a public figure?
The biggest lesson I have learnt is to trust your gut because you will constantly have a million different opinions. No 2 opinions match each other and it can be really confusing when you feel like you need to listen to everyone else. If you have a strong gut feeling, you have to just run with it.

With such a diverse fanbase — music lovers, gamers, stream watchers — do you ever find it hard to balance your content or choose a direction for your creative work?
I have to try and not think about it too much. Anytime I have tried to sit down and intensely plan something is when I have felt most in-authentic. I try to do things in the moment and take things day by day instead of trying to plan a whole strategy.

When you’re feeling creatively stuck or unsure, who in your life do you turn to for inspiration or support?
For support I turn to my husband and my family, also my friends. Inspiration, a lot of it comes from my friends and when I feel like I don’t have a story to tell there is always a story to tell from the group chat.