British pop sensation Mimi Webb has candidly shared how Disney serves as the foundational inspiration for her entire artistic journey. In an exclusive interview with the Mail, the 25-year-old singer, who clinched the 2023 Brit Award for Best New Artist, opened up about the profound impact of Disney on her music and personal identity.
A Disney-Inspired Muse
Mimi, whose real name is Amelia, explained that her deep-seated love for Disney stems from childhood influences, particularly the character Hannah Montana. She highlighted how the dual personas of Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana resonated with her, offering a blueprint for navigating her own public and private selves. "With Hannah Montana, there was the Miley and the Hannah, and they enabled her to be two different people," she said. "I love the two identities she had, and that makes you feel like anything is possible really."
This inspiration has translated into her professional life, where she embraces her stage name Mimi Webb while maintaining her real identity as Amelia. "I just love that I have been able to play with that identity through my music," she added, emphasizing how Disney's storytelling has permeated her creative process.
Fashion and Music Fusion
In a significant career milestone, Mimi has launched a Disney clothing collection titled The Mouse & The Muse, now available at Primark. She described this venture as a full-circle moment, reflecting on her childhood admiration for Disney princesses. "Every single princess, every single princess there is, I was wearing the outfits," she recalled. "It's a big pinch me moment. Little Mimi would be very proud."
Beyond fashion, Disney's influence extends to her musical endeavors. "Disney has always had an impact on my music, it's in a lot of what I do," she affirmed, noting how the brand's ethos of dreaming big has shaped her artistic vision.
Therapy Through Music
Recording her latest album has been a deeply personal experience for Mimi, akin to a therapeutic session. She revealed that the process has allowed her to explore raw emotions and real-life experiences, resulting in music that feels authentic and relatable. "The music I am writing now does feel a bit more like a therapy session," she shared. "It does feel super emotional and just real and raw, and I feel like that's the music that people really like."
This emotional depth is coupled with the excitement of pushing creative boundaries. "It's scary but it's exciting scary, you know, it's kind of being out of your comfort zone but in a good way," she explained, expressing eagerness to innovate further in the studio.
TikTok: The Catalyst for Fame
Mimi's rapid ascent to stardom is largely attributed to the video-sharing platform TikTok. During the COVID-19 pandemic, videos of her singing in her car went viral, transforming her career overnight. "TikTok then became a huge thing, and that's when it really did happen for me overnight," she recounted.
This sudden fame was both exhilarating and daunting. "My first gig out of lockdown was in front of 30,000 people, which was just incredible. That doesn't happen to people," she said, reflecting on the whirlwind nature of her rise. She emphasized the importance of savoring every moment, as advised by peers, given how quickly her career has progressed.
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Mimi has achieved notable milestones, becoming the first British female artist since Dua Lipa to have two singles reach the top 15 of the UK's Official Singles Chart prior to releasing an album. Her debut album, Amelia, released in 2023, solidified her place in the music industry.
Looking ahead, Mimi is eager to diversify her career. She expressed a strong interest in acting, drawing from her childhood experiences in the field. "I would love to get into more acting, I did quite a bit as a kid," she said. "And I really am just wanting to open myself up to all opportunities."
Additionally, she is actively working on her third album, aiming for a release by the end of the year. "I really am pushing my label to get my new album out by the end of the year," she disclosed. "My inspiration behind it is to stay true to my roots and always draw on my real-life experiences."
Through it all, Mimi remains grounded, cherishing her wardrobe as a symbol of joy and self-expression. "As a child, my wardrobe was my happy place," she mused, highlighting the enduring connection between her personal style and her artistic identity.
