TABI: 'Tracks That Shaped My Sound'

Meet Tabi, the enchanting indie-pop artist whose music sparkles with the timeless charm of the ’60s. Drawing inspiration from icons like Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, Sinéad O’Connor, and Duffy, Tabi’s sound blends vintage warmth with a modern, confessional edge.

Her brand-new single, ‘Leaving’, dropped on 24th July, and it’s already capturing attention—Gorillaz guitarist Jeff Wooten called her “so good, she can go all the way” after hearing her music. But Tabi is more than just her captivating voice: she’s fiercely committed to mental health activism, having launched a petition to end abuse in mental health hospitals that gathered over 50,000 signatures, and played benefit shows supporting suicide prevention. We caught up with Tabi to talk about her music, her mission, and what drives her unique blend of vulnerability, melody, and activism.

“Jolene” - Dolly Parton

I have a love-hate relationship with Jolene. It was the first song I ever sang on stage, my  Year Four talent show debut. I sang it a cappella because my backing track mysteriously  failed… sabotage cannot be conclusively proved, but I am looking at you, a certain mother. I  didn’t win, a group of girls took top prize for a dance routine which my dad said “looked like  they were recovering from an artillery strike.” Even though I didn’t win (still a questionable  decision, in my opinion), it lit something in me. Jolene showed me the power of storytelling in  music.  

“Friday Night Big Screen” - GIRLI

I honestly think Friday Night Big Screen is one of the best, if not the best, pop songs of the  century. The lyrics are incredible; they hit in such a clever, and emotional way that’s  massively inspired my own writing. GIRLI as an artist blows me away, not just musically, but  in how unapologetically outspoken she is. That kind of raw honesty and boldness is  something I try to carry into my own work.  

“Mercy” - Duffy

Mercy is probably my favourite song of all time. Duffy’s voice on this track is just insane, so  full of power and soul, and that whole 60s vibe is something I absolutely love. Mercy was a  huge inspiration for my song Leaving, both in its energy and in the way it channels  heartbreak into something that makes you want to move.  

“Love Like Blood” - Killing Joke

Surprisingly, I’m a big Killing Joke fan. I absolutely love the bass and guitar in Love Like  Blood, they’ve got this driving energy. That sound has stuck with me, and I find myself  referencing it all the time when I’m making a song. It’s something that I’m always chasing in  my own tracks.