“It didn’t feel real. I can’t believe I’m here; the imposter syndrome is real, and I’m just so grateful to be here today.”
Fresh from stepping off the stage at BST Hyde Park, Brighton-based singer-songwriter Mae Hill was still processing the enormity of the moment. Despite delivering an energetic set to a festival crowd at Pitbull’s headline show, the pop star admitted the experience hadn’t quite sunk in.
“It didn’t feel real,” she smiled. “I can’t believe I’m here; the imposter syndrome is real, and I’m just so grateful to be here today.“
That disbelief quickly turned to joy during one memorable moment. One of Mae’s best friends, fellow musician Isaac Frank, joined her onstage, creating a memory that will stay with her long after the festival.
“It was when my best friend Isaac Frank came up and joined me,” she said. “I feel like him being there and joining me- that’s when it felt real, and when I’m like: wow, we really did this together. That moment was really special for me.“
Knowing the atmosphere would be more party than poignant, especially for a record-breaking crowd all dressed up in bald caps, Mae adapted her setlist to match the day’s energy.
“We made the set a bit more upbeat for today. I’ve got a few ballads we’ve done at previous shows, and I just thought, “It’s Pitbull day.” People are coming here to be hyped, so let’s give them that.“
While her performance was filled with infectious energy, Mae reflected on how much she’s grown since she first started writing music. Like many artists, she looks back at older material with mixed feelings, but she can hear the progress.
“So much! It’s evolved a lot! The more you do, the more you learn, and you change so much as a person, and everything about you changes. Definitely got a lot better, I’d like to think. I don’t cringe at the songs as hard anymore.“
Among everything she’s written, one unreleased track holds a particularly special place in her heart. Life Boat has already developed a devoted following before its official release, with fans even getting the title and lyrics tattooed on their bodies.
“It’s one called ‘Life Boat’ that really means a lot to me. It’s not even out yet, and people have got it tattooed on them, and I can’t believe it.“
The song tackles deeply personal subject matter, drawing on Mae’s own experiences of supporting someone through their darkest moments while struggling herself.
“It’s a ballad with a Spanish-y kinda vibe, and it’s about the struggles of dealing with your mental health and looking after someone who’s really struggling. For me, it was about somebody who was feeling suicidal who is very close to me, and I was going through so much myself at the time. It was just what I would say to them if I felt I could at the time, and it seemed to resonate with a lot of people.“
When it comes to performing, however, it’s another track that always gets the biggest reaction from her.
“My favourite song to perform, probably ‘Jessie’, that’s really fun.“
For anyone discovering Mae Hill for the first time after her Hyde Park appearance, she already knows exactly where they should head next.
“‘Colours’ and ‘Devil I Know’. I feel like those songs represent me very well, and ‘Devil I Know’ was the first song I got recognised for, and I love that song.“
As for the rest of the day, Mae was just as excited to become a fan in the crowd. Asked which Pitbull anthem she was most looking forward to, she answered instantly, and began singing to the 2013 classic.
“‘Timber.’ I really hope Kesha comes out for it; she’s here, and she better come back out.“
With an unforgettable BST Hyde Park debut behind her and an ever-growing catalogue of music connecting deeply with listeners, Mae Hill is proving that even when imposter syndrome lingers, she more than belongs on stages like this.
BST Hyde Park concluded its 2026 series with a stellar final weekend, featuring appearances by Pitbull and two nights with Lewis Capaldi. Hyde Park also welcomed Mumford & Sons, Maroon 5, ATEEZ and Duran Duran this July.
