“What does she think about it? ‘I don’t!’ the 26-year-old exclaims. ‘And I don’t have to watch it again – thank you!’ Representing the UK with her track “I Wrote a Song” on home turf, Muller carried the weight of a nation’s expectations on her shoulders. Reflecting on the experience, she can now laugh but acknowledges the intense pressure she faced. ‘The pressure was insane,’ she admits. ‘Would I do it again? I don’t think so. But I gained many positives from it, and Graham Norton now knows who I am – that was really my life goal.’
After her foray into pop stardom, Muller took a step back. Despite years of hustling, sharing demos online, and releasing two EPs before signing with Capitol Records, she found herself feeling like she was creating music for executives rather than herself. ‘It had been brewing inside me,’ she reflects. ‘All I ever wanted in music is to write songs and perform. That’s it.’
Instead of pursuing pop fame, Muller found herself entangled in the British pop music industry. Her album Sorry I’m Late, released post-Eurovision, peaked at No. 33 on the charts. Her most successful singles often featured her vocals on anonymous EDM tracks produced by DJs like Sigala and Marshmello. ‘I was being featured on these prominent dance tracks,’ she explains. ‘I think they’re fantastic songs, but it’s not why I started in this industry, and it’s not a true reflection of my artistry. You get engulfed in the label’s rat race mentality. I was creating music solely to impress others, rather than following my passion.’
Temporarily stepping away from music, Muller has transitioned to the silver screen. In director George Amponsah’s Gassed Up, a gritty thriller centered around Ash (portrayed by Boiling Point’s Stephen Odubola), a teenager involved in a moped gang driven by the need to support his 14-year-old sister and addicted mother. Muller takes on the role of Kelly, Ash’s love interest – a charming, outspoken “It-girl” residing nearby. Muller found the character to be a natural fit for her.
Hailing from London’s Kentish Town, Muller was drawn to Gassed Up for its authentic portrayal of the city. ‘It doesn’t depict the typical tourist brochure version of London, but rather showcases characters with depth and softness,’ she explains. ‘You witness their humanity and how circumstances sometimes push individuals into unwanted actions.’
While Gassed Up marks Muller’s official acting debut, she humorously recalls her early role as the friar in her school’s production of Romeo and Juliet. ‘I have prior experience,’ she jests. ‘I used to audition for the lead role every year and never got it – I was always devastated. I kept thinking, ‘Can’t you see the potential right in front of you?’ Muller effortlessly embodies the role of Kelly, exuding sass and outspokenness akin to her character.
During her Eurovision stint, Muller faced backlash from right-wing media, highlighting the lack of support for artists thrust into such high-pressure environments. She emphasizes the importance of providing adequate resources like therapists, life coaches, and media trainers for artists navigating unfamiliar territory. Muller acknowledges her fortune in having a robust support system during that challenging period.
In a recent report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC), it was revealed that female artists often face undervaluation, scrutiny of their physical appearance, and heightened obstacles in gaining recognition compared to their male counterparts. Muller resonates with these findings, citing a recent incident where a photo revealing a wardrobe malfunction during a Birmingham Pride performance was circulated without her consent.
Muller, a self-proclaimed liberated individual, emphasizes that the issue wasn’t the mishap itself but the lack of consent surrounding its dissemination. She underscores the vulnerability of female performers on stage and the importance of respecting their privacy and boundaries. This experience further contributed to her disillusionment with the music industry, prompting her current focus on acting.
For now, Muller’s sights are set on honing her craft in acting. While she has secured an acting agent, her primary goal is to excel in the field through dedicated training and improvement. Muller’s dedication to her craft shines through as she navigates her transition from music to acting.
‘Gassed Up’ is now showing in cinemas