Music Critic Ruby Green introduces us to up-and-coming pop sensation Maisie Peters

Written by Ruby Green
Published

The multifaceted Maisie Peters is an up-and-coming British pop star from Brighton, with 3.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The 23-year-old launched her career in 2017 with independently released singles ‘Place We Were Made’ and ‘Birthday’, later signing with Atlantic Records to release her first extended play Dressed Too Nice For A Jacket, in 2018. She continued releasing music, including multiple singles, a second extended play under Atlantic Records and a soundtrack album for Apple TV’s Season 2 of Trying, until 2021 when she signed with Ed Sheeran (or Ed Sheran, as Peters jokingly refers to him) on his personal record label, Gingerbread Man Records.  

With Ed Sheeran, Peters released her debut album, You Signed Up For This which was followed by a series of singles in 2022 before she released her second studio album, and first UK number 1 album, The Good Witch in 2023. Her partnership with Sheeran expanded beyond releasing music and into touring, Peters being an opening act for his recent European and North American stadium tours. 

Peters’ music is undeniably that of a pop sensation, with mounds of versatility and variety in what has only been a 6-year career thus far.

Peters’ music is undeniably that of a pop sensation, with mounds of versatility and variety in what has only been a 6-year career thus far. From brooding, heart-wrenching melodies to upbeat, concert anthems, Maisie Peters has it all so let me welcome you to the Maisie Peters lifestyle as you are about to discover 5 of her must-listen songs. 

‘History of Man’ from The Good Witch  

This is the closing song from her sophomore album. It is both conceptual and honest with how it discusses heartbreak, the ‘deep true magic’ Peters believes to exist in love, and the complexities of the feminine experience that have existed since the beginning of time. The song contains religious, historical, and mythological themes to explore the feeling of ‘something bigger than [herself]’ as well as the shared female experience of feeling powerless in a man’s world. 

 ‘I’m trying (Not Friends)’ from You Signed Up For This 

This catchy track from her debut album was a rightful fan favourite. It is fun, angsty, and upbeat pop about the mess, anger, and hurt post-breakup with the perfect middle 8 for screaming along with your friends or jamming out to in your room, which is probably the better option.  

‘The List’  

‘The List’ truly highlights and captures Peter’s relatability when it comes to creating music that hurts in such a good way. The underrated track discusses wanting to change one’s bad traits and habits, as well as exploring self-esteem and how we view ourselves. It is definitely worth the listen, especially for those who enjoy the sad indie genre or have Taylor Swift’s ‘this is me trying’ as their most listened song. 

‘Wendy’ from The Good Witch 

This song uses the story of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie as an elongated metaphor to explain how Peters felt stuck in her relationship and why she inevitably had to leave in order to grow, just as Wendy returns home from Neverland to grow up, rather than accepting what she had because it was easier. 

‘There It Goes’ from The Good Witch 

If you listen to 1 new song this autumn, let it be ‘There It Goes’. With themes of healing, closure, and self-love, this is the perfect addition to your current music rotation. The song is cosy and inspiring, as well as showing the importance and value of friendships with an unforgettable bridge that you will find yourself reciting in your head like an affirmation mantra.  

Now that you know where to start you can delve even deeper into the Maisie Peters rabbit hole and if you’re lucky, you might even become a fan. 


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