Despite being released over two months ago, Mahalia’s swung single ‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’ continues to make waves and is still the song pleasantly stuck in everyone’s heads. Just yesterday, BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo even made it her Single of The Week on the popular station. Judging by the title, it’s expected to be a sassy, spiteful tribute to her ex boyfriend, but in reality it’s represents a saddened apology of sorts for not feeling the same way.
“You’ll be like ‘Babe, come over’ / I know how this goes, yeah / Talk about you need closure / Too many missed calls, too many texts / Damn I wish I missed my ex”
‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’ is a slow RnB hit with memorable hooks that make it no wonder how this song is still thriving. It’s chilled pace also allows the opportunity for her unique vocals to be showcased at their strongest, complimented by gospel-like group-vocals that echo around her. One Stop Record Shop said it’s “as punchy as they come, blending slick R&B beats with melting pop-doused vocals that ease you into the track.”, while The Line of Best Fit agrees it’s “just another reason to keep tabs on Mahalia”.
The video is also something of a spectacle as it shows the Leicester singer walking around Los Angeles in reverse. She had to have special training with a linguist to learn how to lip sync her own song backwards but she managed to do it in just a day! Then again, she’s had enough experience dealing with the pressures of the industry and having to learn the ropes pretty quickly. She signed her initial deal with Atlantic Records at just 13 years old, receiving additional guidance from none other than her label-mate Ed Sheeran. In a recent interview with The Line of Best Fit, she sad “It was so tough, I loved the team I worked with at the label but there’s no bones about it – it’s a lot. […] I couldn’t handle it for a while but I had my parents and they were so supportive – and I’m super happy now.”
Mahalia is due to release her next EP this September and also disclosed that her debut album is being prepared for release early next year. Catch her on tour this October with tickets on sale here…