Clash 112 Mahalia

In celebrating Clashs 15 years of existence, our thoughts turned to how, by staying resolutely true to ourselves and persisting along this distinctly unique furrow that we were ploughing, it would seem that we were bucking the system despite not even trying. This issue, therefore, we meet a clutch of artists similarly turning the world upside down with their sheer tenacity.

One of these – Clash 112s third cover star – is Mahalia, the self-cultivated, self-preserving survivor whose endurance is to be admired.

After signing with Atlantic Records aged 13, she released her first collection in the summer of 2012. A flurry of studio releases followed, but the enervating pressures of careering through an industry at such a malleable age almost derailed her desire to continue. Now, at 21, Mahalia – an industry veteran – has a firm handle on her artistic flight path. After releasing the five-song Seasons EP last year Mahalia is being touted as UK R&Bs next success story. Shortlisted for both the BBC Sound of 2019 and the Brits Critics Choice Award, the defiant songstress faces her next chapter with an assured poise, astute mindfulness, and gratitude for the journey shes undertaken.

I feel like Ive been waiting for this moment my whole life, she tells Clash. In the beginning I didnt know what I wanted, that meant that it was easier for people to mould me and sway me. So many artists dont come through that phase. Im thankful I did, because I learnt to say no.

Also featured in this issue are Dev Hynes, Beth Ditto, These New Puritans, Lil Miquela, Conan Gray, Grace Carter, Valee, Sheryl Crow, and much more.