S17, Ep9 Mae Muller on failing to win Eurovision - but finding her voice
Jun 28, 2023
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Mae Muller, Great Britain's 2023 Eurovision entry, talks about failing to win Eurovision, pressure in the music industry, toxic relationships, struggles with school, and a personal connection to their Jewish roots.
Recognizing toxic relationships and learning from them to prioritize self-respect and healthy love.
Finding alternative paths to success and learning outside of traditional academic environments.
Embracing authenticity and self-expression, while rejecting comparison and spreading positivity.
Deep dives
The journey and growth from toxic relationships
Maya shares her experience of being in toxic relationships at a young age, emphasizing the emotional and even physical abuse she underwent. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her perspective on love and relationships, causing her to bring toxic traits into her subsequent relationships. However, she has learned from these experiences and is now committed to not tolerating any form of disrespect or mistreatment.
The impact of school failure on her journey
Maya opens up about her struggles with academics in school, sharing that she did not thrive in an academic environment. She mentions her U grade in psychology as a specific example, illustrating her lack of aptitude for traditional schooling. However, she believes that there are other ways to learn and succeed in life, especially for those interested in pursuing creative paths.
The journey of self-discovery and the importance of self-expression
Maya discusses her experience with Eurovision and the pressure she faced during that time. Despite the challenges, she embraced her true self, taking ownership of her narrative and expressing herself with humor and authenticity. Maya emphasizes the importance of feeling safe, being unapologetically oneself, and recognizing genuine love and support.
Overcoming comparisons and embracing positivity
Maya talks about the tendency to compare oneself to others and the negative effects it can have. She shares her own struggles with comparison and the pressure it creates, but highlights the power of spreading positivity instead. Maya believes that choosing to support and uplift others, instead of feeling envious or resentful, can foster a healthier and more positive mindset.
Lessons from failure and the true measure of success
Maya discusses the concept of success in the music industry and how it can be measured in different ways. She questions the significance of chart success and emphasizes that genuine success lies in staying true to oneself, being confident, and doing what one loves. Maya concludes by recognizing that failure is an intrinsic part of the journey and teaches valuable lessons that contribute to personal growth and resilience.
Mae Muller is a queen, icon and a legend and I won't hear anyone say differently. At 25, she is one of the hottest new talents in music. She was Great Britain's 2023 Eurovision entry with her own track, I Wrote A Song, and sure she came second last, but that didn't dim her shine for one single second. Her debut album, Sorry I'm Late, is released in September. She joins me to chat about failing to win Eurovision and the pressure she felt in the run-up to the competition; failing in school exams and failling to recognise toxic relationships in her teens. She is funny, feisty, smart and wholly without pretension and I adored this conversation with her. Listen now to feel more joyful about life.
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Pre-order Mae's debut studio album, I'm Sorry I'm Late, here.
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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted and produced by Elizabeth Day. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com