Start Listening To: Opal Mag

The Brighton-based artist on quiet rituals, nostalgic nights, and the lo-fi magic behind her latest single.

Opal Mag makes music that feels like a whispered thought at 2am: tender, atmospheric, and quietly assured. Blending dreamy textures with diaristic lyrics, her latest single ‘Kitchen Song’ captures the beauty of being alone without feeling lonely. Written in the middle of the night and shaped in collaboration with Michelle Hindriks of CIEL, it’s a track that gently expands her sonic world. We caught up with Opal to talk makeup as ritual, the importance of Pinterest boards, and why Kelly Clarkson still gets a spin.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

I’m Opal Mag an indie-rock/dreampop artist based in Brighton, UK. 

We love your vivid new single ‘Kitchen Song’. Can you tell us more about the lyrics?

The track is an ode to cosy nights at home whilst the street outside parties. I love being home alone or awake whilst everyone else sleeps and messing around with writing, watching a nostalgic show/film, playing dress up, or of course listening to music. There’s something inspiring about the distant chatter of people on a drunk night out, the karaoke I can here in the bar across the street and the dim lights of my room contrasting the strobe lights coming through my curtains. The lyrics are a love letter to these nights I have spent alone, but not lonely.

You describe makeup, music, and nostalgia as forms of quiet joy in the song. Do those rituals play a part in your creative process more broadly?

They definitely do as most of my music is a reflection of how I feel moving through the world, and the media I decide to intake all adds to my inner dialogue, which is where the music always stems from.

How was the single produced?

I went to 17b Studios in Brighton and recorded with my friend Michelle Hindriks from the band CIEL. She took the song to a new level and really helped bring it to life. Originally, as I’d written the song in the middle of the night, (trying not to wake my roommates) it had a naturally lo-fi vibe throughout. We honoured this in the intro/breakdown sections, but I love how it now opens up in the chorus’ especially with the slide guitar!

There’s a real sense of intimacy in your music almost like you're letting the listener eavesdrop on a private thought. Is that vulnerability something you find easy to share, or is it part of the challenge?

I would say I’m a very honest, say what comes out of my head person but, I can also be very reserved - depends what day you catch me on!

Your sound has drawn comparisons to Mazzy Star and The Sundays. Are there any lesser-known artists or albums that have been just as influential to you but fly under the radar?

I really love the self titled CCFX EP which has been a reference point for some upcoming tracks and generally just never gets old.

You’ve already had radio support from BBC 6 Music, KEXP, and Triple J. Has there been a particular moment so far where it felt like things were really starting to click?

All of those have been huge wins for me! I think being played by Cheryl Waters on KEXP was a surreal moment as I watch her live sessions on YouTube and have done for years. I hope one day I can do one of those myself!

There’s a lot of beauty in how ‘Kitchen Song’ turns a quiet night in into something magical. But what does your perfect loud night out look like?

I’m not a huge loud night out person, but I would describe my perfect evening out as grabbing a nice dinner and heading to a bar/pub with good music with a big group of friends to have a natter.

What’s your relationship like with fashion and style? You describe trying on outfits in the song. Does that visual side play into how you build the Opal Mag world?

I love fashion and have about 50 Pinterest boards on the go! I think I’ve managed to find my own core personal style, but I like to play around every so often and dip into different vibes. I think style/fashion and visuals are a huge part of conveying who you are before people can hear your music. It’s usually the first thing people see, so it’s important especially with social media nowadays. I used to find it tiring but because I wear what I’d wear on stage in my daily life it feels natural.

What do you love right now?

Baby bangs, the colour red, The Resident, olives, men.

What do you hate right now?

Boys.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway still hits hard! It just reminds me of dancing around and belting out the words in my room pretending to be on stage. Some things never change.

What do you hope people take from your music after hearing it for the first time?

I hope they start daydreaming again ✨