Drawing inspiration from bands like Mazzy Star, The Sundays, The Breeders, and The Smashing Pumpkins, the London-born, Brighton-based artist Opal Mag is quickly making her mark on the indie scene with emotionally charged music, combining dreamy, atmospheric sounds with raw, confessional lyrics.
Give us a potted history of Opal Mag
Two years ago, after coming out of a long-term project, I found myself back at square one. I began writing without a set sound or style in mind—just a desire to explore and create what came naturally, free from constraints that might stifle creativity. Soon, ideas and songs started to flow, centred around themes of freedom, new beginnings, and the bittersweet nature of endings.
I would describe the sonic identity as dream-fuzz rock. Everything fell into place, and I played my first show in January 2024. Since then, I’ve supported the likes of Black Honey and Phoebe Green, released three singles independently, and received support from key indie outlets like So Young Magazine. My music has also garnered international airplay on BBC 6 Music (Emily Pilbeam), KEXP (Cheryl Waters), and Triple J (Colby Robertson).
Who inspired you to start making music
I was fortunate to grow up in a music-loving family. Artists like Elton John, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, and The Beatles provided the soundtrack to family dinners, while classical music often filled the living room, with my dad playing the piano. Saturday mornings, my brother would be on the drum kit, waking up the whole neighbourhood, and I’d be in my room blasting Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, and Whitney Houston. As I got older, my inspirations evolved—starting with Taylor Swift, which “swiftly” transitioned into Lana Del Rey, Wolf Alice, PJ Harvey, Hole, Sharon Van Etten, Alvvays, and Mazzy Star, with many phases in between. I’ve always been drawn to female voices that I could relate to.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
I believe influences don’t always manifest in your sonic identity but more in how you approach creativity, performance, and writing. I’ve been inspired by a diverse range of artists, from Elliott Smith to Madonna. Two albums I consistently return to are Live Through This by Hole and, more recently, Pre Pleasure by Julia Jacklin. I admire Courtney Love’s brash vocals and unapologetic lyricism, and similarly, Julia Jacklin creates vivid imagery. An honourable mention is Wolf Alice’s Blue Weekend. Honestly, there are too many to provide a comprehensive view of my listening habits, which can range from show tunes to Bruce Springsteen.
If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone who’s never heard you, what do you say
I’d say, for fans of Wolf Alice, Mazzy Star, The Sundays, Juliana Hatfield, and Beabadoobie.
Tell us about your new track
It’s true what they say—life imitates art. I was inspired by an experience in a relationship where I was in love with the potential of the person and the glimmers of hope that kept the relationship alive. But sometimes, you have to stop betraying yourself and pull the plug, no matter how much you love the person. I recorded the song a while back, so it’s strange to finally have it out now—it feels like an open wound is being treated and wrapped in bandages. I collaborated with producer Kelwen Cooke, a good friend, and some wonderful musicians who helped bring the sound to life, along with distributor Singing Light and Supercat PR.
Where can we get hold of it?
You can listen on all streaming platforms: https://singinglight.ffm.to/opalmag-idlybily and watch the music video on YouTube! https://linktr.ee/opalmag
Tell us how you write
I like to use Logic to write, as I enjoy creating a vibe and feeling that can inspire a melody and lyrics, which can then be refined as a whole piece. Once the demo is done, I bring it to the live band, and they can embellish and expand on parts, which is really helpful, as there’s only so much of a standard I can play each instrument. They really help elevate the song as a whole. I’ve also done a lot of this in the studio, getting players to try different things until it sounds like I had in my head but couldn’t quite get out.
Tell us about your live show What would be your dream gig
My live set features myself on vocals and guitar, James Bowden on lead guitar, Martin Eddington on bass, Connor McCorkindale on drums, and Annie Frazer (a new addition!) on keys and backing vocals. Expect a lot of reverb, fuzzy guitar, and soft yet soaring vocals. My dream support would be Wolf Alice—they’re a big inspiration for me, and I feel I would fit perfectly as an opener for them! I’d love to play O2 Academy Brixton; I saw them perform there in 2018—that would be a full-circle moment.
What can we expect from you in the near future
I’m looking forward to recording loads of new songs and keeping the releases coming.
Upcoming shows at The Unofficial Escape:
- 15th May, 1pm – Unbarred Brewery
- 15th May, 6pm – Grand Central
- 16th May, 9:30pm – Alphabet
- 17th May, 5pm – Pink Moon
- 17th May, 8:20pm – Pipeline
Tell us your favourite records that are rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
I’ve been listening to the CCFX EP, CCFX, The Marías’ Submarine, and Sharon Van Etten’s Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, to name a few.
Check out the track I Don’t Like You, but I Love You, below:
