September 7, 2026 |
British singer-songwriter Matilda Mann is carving her own space in the UK music scene, proven by her latest record that brims with joy and quiet confidence. Following the success of her debut album Roxwell, with its intimate folky syncopations and warm take on growing up, Kismet, her sophomore outing released September 4, shines with that same toasty glow.
Unapologetically romantic, the 11-track LP possesses a sense of nostalgia that encourages you to slip off grid and into Mann’s hazy dreamscape, away from the grating trials and troubling tribulations of daily life. For her lyrics, Mann leans into uncertainty, finding peace in letting go of always trying to be in control. “I like to think that there’s a comfort in leaning into what the universe has in store, when you start to think of every rejection as a form of being redirected to somewhere you’re actually meant to be,” says Mann.
From a sellout headline show at Koko Camden to opening for Tom Odell, Beabadoobee and Laufey, the Brit School alum deals in a rich roster of inspirations, citing ’70s stars such as Al Green, Carole King and The Carpenters as key influences for the starry-eyed romanticism that engulfs Kismet from start to finish.
Set to embark on a hotly anticipated UK tour in October, we caught up with Mann to hear more about her musical style, performing and the literature that has inspired her work.
1. What does your album Kismet mean to you?
Kismet means “fate or destiny, representing a force that controls future events and is outside human control” – I think it’s another beautiful way to describe love and a hopeful way to look at life. You never get to choose who you love and when you fall for someone, same with so many aspects in life, people, things, directions in life – they can change so quickly and it’s sometimes hard to feel like you know any of the answers. But a comfort I’ve found is just leaning into letting things happen maybe the way they’re meant to be – you get to choose your own fate in some ways and I think trusting our gut and trying to see things better in the future is always a good place to start.
2. How would you describe your style of music?
I think this album has really taken me somewhere new musically and I’ve never felt so connected to the songs I’ve written. I think it’s very joyful and fun but I also wanted it to feel nostalgic, like an album you’ll always come back to to remind you of better times and that good things are coming. So probably optimistic and warm.
3. If you weren’t an artist, what career would you have chosen?
Haha I think about this all the time. I still love the idea of being a music supervisor and I think when I’m older I’ll actually try and pursue it. I just love the idea of putting music to the screen for movies and TV shows and help create such a magical moment with two worlds [colliding] – I love so much.
4. If you had to save one track off Kismet from a burning building, what would
it be and why?
Ugh probably Inventing haha, it’s really paved the way for this album by bringing on so many new listeners and I think it was the perfect track to introduce Kismet to the world
5. Who is your dream artist to collaborate with?
So, so many. Ryan Beatty, Paolo Nutini, Phoebe Bridgers, Loyle Carner, Adrianne Lenker [to name a few].
6. What’s your pre-show routine?
Panic, have a vocal zone, jump up and down, panic I’ve lost something, get over excited, try and calm down, write out my set list and pick a “meet cute couple” with my band, run on stage.
7. What’s one thing you are most excited for on your upcoming UK tour?
Shepherds Bush! I’m from Shepherd’s Bush and I’ve never played at Shepherds Bush Empire so I’m unbelievably excited about it and I genuinely can’t wait. Probably will know everyone in the audience and at one point went to school with them LOL.
8. What’s one city you would love to perform in that you haven’t yet?
Asia. I know it’s not a city haha but I’ve never been to Asia and there’s so many cities there I’d love to play. Specifically Tokyo, it’s a dream of mine to go there. Also I’ve never been to Australia and I would looove to play there someday.
9. If your latest album was a book, which one would it be?
So fun! I think it would have to be a romance novel, sue me. It just is an album about pure joy and love and embracing everything that comes with it.
10. What can we expect from your future music?
Honestly I have no clue!! I’ve been wrapped up in Kismet world and I kind of love it, so maybe I’ll stay in this lane for a bit!
Top image, photography by Ben Harris.
Photography by Caity Krone.
