Maisie Peters talks being a pop star, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift & more

In her Music Week cover feature, Maisie Peters muses on what it means to be a pop star. She first appeared on the cover alongside Celeste in a new music special issue at the start of 2020. Peters discusses her second cover appearance ahead of the release of her new album *Florescence*, following her 2023 chart-topper *The Good Witch*. She describes ‘to popstar’ as an active verb and a lifestyle, emphasizing its all-encompassing nature in her life. Peters releases her music via Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man label in partnership with Atlantic. She has toured with Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Coldplay, experiences that shaped her artist identity. Reflecting on opening for Swift during *The Eras Tour*, she notes her small but meaningful role in history. She also remembers touring with Coldplay, admiring both artists since childhood. Peters talks about her relationship with labelmate Sheeran, describing their conversations as focused on life and mutual support. She highlights Sheeran’s humility, such as chatting with coffee shop staff in New York. She also addresses the pressures artists face, including her 2024 decision to pull out of supporting Kelsea Ballerini due to mental health reasons and her 2023 diagnosis of vocal polyps, which required vocal therapy. She discusses balancing big opportunities with industry pressures, noting the rarity of such chances and the need to avoid jeopardizing them. Peters emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health, citing Chappell Roan’s advocacy as an example. She also reflects on the impact of social media, acknowledging its challenges but also its role in her success. Peters shares her experience with negative online reactions to her performance on *The Eras Tour*, balancing rationalization with emotional responses. Peters speaks about the context of her album release, noting a positive period for UK and global pop music, especially by women. She mentions her early career alignment with artists like Olivia Dean and Charli XCX, inspiring her and providing a sense of possibility at any stage. The interview also features Atlantic co-presidents Ed Howard and Briony Turner, manager Bobby Havens of Grumpy Old Management, and CAA’s Summer Marshall.