Presented in partnership with Mississauga Music and Modern Mississauga Media.

In conversation with Mississauga’s own, singer songwriter Mauve. With a soulful and acoustic production, Mauve’s songwriting transcends many genres. Her songs have gained over 1.9 million streams on Spotify and 2.3 million plays on Youtube. She has been nominated for 3 Mississauga Music Awards and was also recently nominated for Established Solo Vocalist at the MARTY Awards!

Rob Aguiar: Hello Mauve! Thanks for taking the time to add your heart to this new Glimpse journey. I’m grateful to be able to learn about your songwriting processes. Let’s jump right in.

Mauve: Thank you for having me! I’m really grateful for all of the support you have shown in sharing my music. 

RA: How do you find inspiration for your songwriting, and are there specific themes that resonate with you the most?

M: It really stems from a feeling that I am experiencing and I just want to let it out and express it. It doesn’t always relate to me personally. Sometimes I am moved by other people’s stories and situations and I want to write a song or lyric based on that. But in the end it is always connected to something that moves me, whether it is a fun and positive situation or something that might be a little more tricky to work through.

RA: Do you ever experience writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it to keep the creative flow going?

M: I don’t really experience writer’s block. I make sure to set the time for myself to be creative. My daily routine can be quite busy, so unfortunately songwriting doesn’t always make an appearance throughout the week. Once I am in that space to explore and create music, then the song and lyrics definitely come to me. But it is important for me to remember to make the time for myself during the day to just let go and allow the creative juices to flow!

RA: When crafting a new song, do you prioritize creating a catchy melody, or do you focus more on the depth of a lyric and storytelling?

M: Sometimes, a catchy melody comes to me, and sometimes the lyric comes to me first. I don’t focus on either one, but the start of a song is always connected to a feeling. If I have an interesting lyric or song concept, then I do make sure to find a catchy melody to go along with. They are both very important to have for a song!

RA: How do you strike a balance between authentically making music for yourself and creating content that maintains a universal appeal?

M: These days, social media marketing is essential to getting your music out there as an artist. I want my music to reach many people, but I also think people are drawn to authenticity. Younger generations look for someone who they can personally connect to and who they can see as being their own friend. Even myself, I prefer to follow people on social media who have a very genuine quality about them. I take comfort and hope in knowing that if I show my authentic self, then people will likely want to learn more about my music. 

RA: In the age of social media, how do you utilize platforms to connect with fans and showcase yourself as an artist?

M: There are so many fun ways for new listeners to be introduced to me and my songs! On TikTok, I like creating song challenges where people can see if they can sing along with the lyrics to a random list of songs. Also, I like to sprinkle in performances of my live shows, make relatable videos with my original music and covers of songs too. I make the covers my own, performing the song in no one else’s voice but mine. 

RA: How have collaborations influenced your creative process?

M: It is really enjoyable being able to collaborate with producers in creating my songs. At first, they usually put together a slightly different instrumental from what I imagined, and then I listen to it a few times and realize that I really dig the direction they came up with! I think it is about finding the right blend of ideas. It's important to stand up for your own visions of a song, but also stay open and curious about new ways the song can be elevated. 

RA: We’re just a few short months into 2024. How do you see this year playing out for you? What do you hope to accomplish?

M: I am really excited about the new performance opportunities that have been coming up in the GTA. Being invited to perform for the public multiple times each month is a dream for me. Being able to share through song is my favourite thing to do. I hope to perform for bigger events and to continue releasing songs that people are going to enjoy listening to. 

RA: Mauve, thanks so much for giving our community and beyond a glimpse into the heart of a singer songwriter. I wish you continued success on your artistic journey.

M: Thank you kindly for having me! It was my pleasure.