Mabilene - Storm Born

On Storm Born, Nashville, TN, songwriter Mabilene presents to us an expansive, shimmering world of Americana-flecked pop magic. With an unhurried ease, her honeyed vocals wind their way through lush melodic landscapes. Assembled with meticulous attention - and the help of compatriot Johnny Hansen (Avi Buffalo) - the record glows from within with the wonder found when one gives themselves over to their own creative inspiration.  

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Mabilene grew up surrounded by melody. Her parents’ record collection of country, folk, and pop music served as an introduction to the power of songwriting. Her debut LP The Other Side echoes that broad swath of influences; chamber arrangements infuse pop sensibilities, seen through the lens of Americana.

Following The Other Side, Mabilene and Hansen began the collaboration that would lead to the music that you now hear. Unlike the first record, which was tracked quickly with minimal overdubs, Storm Born is the result of patient curiosity. Over a two-year span, the duo followed the muse, free of pre-conceived notions of genre or style. “As we worked, I found myself (over and over again) choosing to explore new horizons” explains Mabilene. “I let the record flow where it wanted to go. And I think that pretty neatly sums up my attitude when it comes to my overall creative journey.”

Showcasing the bones of what will soon go on to become this lush, immersive studio recording, the 2024 Liminal EP’s spare renditions of mostly voice and guitar send shivers. “The EP was an honest representation of the moment” she explains. “There had been a period of stillness between my first record and this new work, which gave my writing space to stretch and grow. The fully layered expression and big sounds of Storm Born perfectly soundtrack the technicolor reality in which I currently find myself.”

While most of the record was written in her Nashville home, "In Between" was written with soul sister Phoebe Hunt, and "The Mirage" & "Storm Born" written in Nolensville with Hanson. Recorded at PineTone Studio, in addition to Mabilene and Hanson the record features drummer Kiel Feher, Drew Taubenfeld on pedal steel, and backing vocals from Sara Jean Kelley. Matt Combs arranged and performed the strings on "The River".

Thematically, Storm Born is a record that encourages us all to do the hard work of stepping into discomfort in order to transform; whether growing into new wisdom and awareness or new ways of engaging with the world and each other. As Mabilene puts it, “I’ve spent a lot of time meditating on the forces that keep us isolated and divided. I’ve often been told that my songs offer people an opportunity to slow down, breathe and deeply listen. I just hope we can all try and look at the difficult and painful with the open heart of someone who is in the vulnerable space of seeking. I hope this album can be part of a tapestry of small miracles that bring us all together again.”