Q&A: Mimi Webb Opens the Book on ‘Confessions’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY JOY VILLANUEVA ☆
Photo By Tyrell Hampton
With over 1.6 billion streams to her name, British pop star Mimi Webb is stepping into a new era with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Confessions, out September 12. Written between Los Angeles and London, Confessions is her most personal and artistically ambitious project yet; the record is an intimate collection filled with moments of heartbreak and honest self-reflection. Following her 2023 debut album Amelia, Webb leans into more refined sounds, along with candid lyricism, creating a body of work that reflects her growth as an artist. Touring with artists like Benson Boone, The Jonas Brothers, and Tate McRae in the past, she’s now gearing up to bring Confessions to life on her UK and European headline tour next month.
Read below for Luna’s interview with Webb on making Confessions, finding freedom in vulnerability, and bringing the album to the stage.
Photo By Tyrell Hampton
LUNA: Congratulations on Confessions! I’m sure it must feel kind of crazy to have it out after working on it for so long.
WEBB: Honestly, it’s such a whirlwind of emotions. It’s so exciting. When you’ve been working on something for so long, finally getting to this point just feels amazing.
LUNA: How does it feel now that the behind-the-scenes part of it is coming to a close?
WEBB: I feel super grateful and peaceful, because I know I put everything into it. Now I can finally breathe a little.
LUNA: This album is described as your most exclusive and unapologetic body of work yet, following your debut album, Amelia. What did opening up more personally in your songwriting teach you about yourself in the process?
WEBB: I learned a lot about just being present and realizing that the chaos is beautiful in its own way. This album really brought out all those emotions, like the ups and downs that eventually resolve themselves. Being able to tap into them for these songs was so therapeutic. It gave me the perspective that no matter how crazy things get, those moments are what shape you and build your character. Just being in the moment and soaking it all up is the most important thing for me right now.
LUNA: Compared to your last album, how do you feel this one is different in terms of songwriting and world-building?
WEBB: With this album, there’s a lot more detail in the lyrics and a lot more emotion. At the same time, there are some really fun songs that just feel like bops you can have a great time with. I’ve always had a mix of both on my albums, but with this one it feels like I’m diving deeper than I ever have before. It’s a lot more real and straightforward—like putting all my cards on the table. That process really doubled the emotion compared to the first time around.
LUNA: You wrote this album between Los Angeles and London. How did each city shape the sound, or maybe the perspective, of the record?
WEBB: I think a big part of it was being able to change up the environment. When I started feeling a bit jaded in London, going to LA gave me a fresh perspective. During the last week of the album, a few friends I’d written with in London flew out to LA, so we were all collaborating in different spaces and really diving in together. That’s what gave the album so many different corners and worlds—it was constantly moving with us. Being in those different places also helped capture all the vulnerability, emotions, and stories in real time. Changing scenery and working with people from all over the world was amazing, and it really allowed us to dive deep and bring those songs to life.
LUNA: You’ve been deeply involved in every part of this album, from writing and recording to also forming the visuals that accompany your songs. How has taking this level of creative control changed the way you approach your music and express the storylines within your music?
WEBB: I felt really free this time around, especially moving from my first album into this one. The whole process was about breaking through all those feelings. I felt peaceful because, with an album, you’re always up and down—what’s right, what’s good creatively, how do I get the message across? This time, I really figured out what I wanted and trusted my team, especially Claire Arnold, my creative director. Collaborating with her on translating the album into visuals and storytelling was amazing.
It was nice to be constant and confident in my vision. There were definitely moments of uncertainty—I even cut and redid the whole album. It was originally meant to come out at the start of the year, but I realized the creative part of it and messaging weren’t right. Being able to go back, dig deeper, and refine everything really helped me grow as an artist and understand what true artistry means, being involved in all aspects of the album.
LUNA: You’ve taken a very practical approach with this album while also bringing in collaborators. How does working with other artists influence your creative process and shape the final sound of your music?
WEBB: It’s really cool to have someone listening and then say, “Oh, let’s switch that bit up or tweak this part.” Songs are so collaborative—if you’re on your own, they can only go in one direction. Having a few people in the room is like navigating a maze together: everyone can move things around, pivot, and guide the song where it needs to go. That’s the best part of collaboration—having input from everyone really helps shape the song into its best version.
LUNA: “Mind Reader” sees you collaborating with Meghan Trainor and leans into the album’s up-tempo pop sound. What was it like working with her, and how did that collaboration influence the song’s energy or your approach to the rest of the album?
WEBB: It gave me such a nostalgic feeling. I remember being 14 when “All About That Bass” came out and thinking, oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m now in the studio with Meghan. That session was originally just meant to be for my project, so getting the chance to write with an artist I love so much was incredible. The whole thing happened so organically—she loved the song, I loved the song, and it just felt right for us both to share it. It was such a full-circle moment, being in the studio with her and having such a genuine story behind the collaboration. It was just awesome, and she definitely brought in that disco-dance element. The song has this feel-good, super confident, sexy-woman energy—like diving into a club night. We had so much fun making it because it’s so upbeat and full of energy. From the start, we vibed so well together as writers and artists, and that chemistry really created such a fun environment for the song.
LUNA: “You Don’t Look at Me the Same” slows things down, and captures that sort of reflective and sad feeling. What emotions or story were you hoping to capture with this track, and how does it fit into the overall journey of the album?
WEBB: This album was so fun because no one song defines it—each track has its own world and idea, and I love how they all link together. “Don’t Look at Me the Same” and “Confessions” are definitely the most emotional ones, so being able to dive into those while also having upbeat songs was really special. It wasn’t all down or negative; there are highs and lows.
The whole album was inspired by the idea of the unexpected turning points in life, which can be positive or negative. Writing those more emotional songs was therapeutic, and every time I listen back, it feels a little easier. It really shows the “confessions” part—being open about emotions and darker times.
I also broke the fourth wall a bit more and went deeper into my family story, like my parents separating. It was interesting to access that inner child and confront those memories. Being vulnerable like that is really powerful, and I think that strength in vulnerability is what kept me going.
LUNA: How do you hope your fans will connect with Confessions, and are there particular songs you’re excited to perform live, as your European tour was just recently announced?
WEBB: Honestly, I think “Crashing Out” is just going to go off live. People are going to have their hands in the air, having the best time. I’m really excited for that one. In general, these shows are going to feel so much more—there’s more expression, vulnerability, and vibrance. Each song has its own moment, and live, that’s going to feel amazing. I think people are just going to be like, wow, we weren’t expecting this.
LUNA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with Luna?
WEBB: This album has been a whirlwind of emotions and has really shaped me as an artist. I’m so excited for my fans to experience it, connect with it, and see how it translates live at the shows. We’re going to tell such a great story, and I can’t wait.
