Mabes Talks New Single Ready To Go, Escapism, Hope and Embracing Change

With her new single Ready To Go, Mabes captures the restless urge to leave the ordinary behind and chase something more meaningful — whether that means freedom, adventure, emotional growth or simply a new version of yourself. Atmospheric, uplifting and full of quiet optimism, the track marks the latest step in an exciting new chapter for the Essex-born country-pop artist, blending heartfelt storytelling with a bolder, more expansive sound.

Written during a period of personal reflection, Ready To Go leans into themes of escapism, possibility and self-belief, all wrapped up in Mabes’ warm, emotionally resonant vocal delivery. Ahead of the single’s release on 19th June 2026, we caught up with Mabes to talk about the inspiration behind the track, the balance of intimacy and atmosphere in the studio, and why this new era of music feels like her most honest yet.

1. Ready To Go captures a desire to break free from the ordinary and seek something more. What was happening in your life when you wrote the song, and what inspired its central message?

I wrote Ready To Go during a period where I felt stuck between comfort and curiosity. On paper, everything looked fine, but there was this restless feeling underneath it all – like I was craving something bigger and brighter. I think a lot of us experience those moments where we look around and wonder, "Is this really it?" and the song was born from that feeling. It's about wanting to throw open the windows, leave the mundane routine behind for a while, and chase whatever is calling you forward. Whether that's a place, a person, a dream, or even just a new version of yourself. I wanted to capture that mix of frustration, hope, excitement and possibility that comes with standing on the edge of change.

2. The track explores themes of escapism and hope. Do you think those feelings are particularly relevant in today's world, and how do they shape your songwriting?

Absolutely. I think we're living in a time where people are constantly balancing responsibilities, pressures and uncertainty, so it's natural to dream about somewhere else or something more. Escapism often gets a bad reputation, but I think there's something really beautiful about allowing yourself to imagine a different future. Hope has always been a huge part of my songwriting. Even when I'm writing about heartbreak or difficult experiences, I find myself searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. Ready To Go isn't really about running away from life – it's about believing that growth, adventure and new beginnings are still possible, even when you feel stuck.

3. There's a real sense of emotional restraint in Ready To Go, allowing the song's atmosphere and vocals to carry the weight of the story. How did you approach the recording process to achieve that balance?

It was important to me that the emotion felt honest rather than over-performed. The song lives in that space between longing and action – you're dreaming about leaving, but you haven't quite taken the leap yet. Because of that, I wanted the vocal to feel intimate and conversational, almost like someone sharing a thought they've been carrying around for a long time. In the studio, we focused on creating space rather than filling every moment. We let the production breathe and trusted the melody and lyrics to do a lot of the storytelling. The song builds intentionally throughout with the marching band snare in the second verse, and then the cinematic explosion of harmonies and vocals in the last chorus for the ultimate crescendo.

4. The song suggests that something better might exist just beyond our current surroundings. What does "being ready to go" mean to you personally – is it about physical escape, emotional growth, or something else entirely?

For me, it's definitely more than physical escape - it's about being willing to step into the unknown, even when it's scary. Sometimes that means getting on a plane and exploring somewhere new, but more often it means letting go of old habits, old fears, or old versions of yourself. Being "ready to go" is really about being open to change. It's that moment where you stop waiting for permission and start trusting yourself enough to take the next step. I think that's something I've experienced personally over the last few years, both as an artist and as a person.

5. As this single marks a new chapter for you, what can listeners expect from your upcoming music, and how does Ready To Go set the tone for what's to come?

Ready To Go feels like the perfect introduction to this next chapter because it's all about movement, growth and possibility. Over the last few years, I've grown so much as a songwriter, and I think my new songs reflect that. They're still rooted in storytelling with a country twang which has always been at the heart of what I do, but they're also bolder, more confident and more willing to explore the pop-music side to my writing. I think this next chapter perfectly reflects where I am both artistically and personally. It feels like a transition from the more youthful, wide-eyed perspective of my earlier music into something stronger, more self-assured and more willing to embrace change. In many ways, these songs feel like the most honest representation of who I am right now.