Rising artist Markoe’s latest single “Everyday” stands apart as a testament to patience, vulnerability, and emotional truth. What began as an entirely different concept, an unfinished track titled “Tiny Toes”, evolved over months of creative struggle, self-doubt, and persistence into something far more meaningful. Rather than forcing a song that didn’t feel right, Markoe chose to step back, trust the process, and wait for inspiration to arrive in its own time.
That turning point came not in the studio, but in a deeply personal moment of reflection. While journaling about the overwhelming love she feels for her sons, Markoe unlocked a wave of honesty that reshaped the song completely. The result is “Everyday,” a heartfelt tribute to motherhood that captures the quiet, powerful moments often overlooked, the first words, small gestures, and fleeting experiences that define a mother’s unique connection with her children. Built on a gentle ukulele foundation inspired by Billie Eilish’s “Party Favor,” the track blends softness with emotional depth, creating something both intimate and universally relatable.
More than just a song, “Everyday” represents a defining chapter in Markoe’s artistic journey. From rewriting lyrics countless times to nearly abandoning the project altogether, she ultimately transformed frustration into purpose. With a community-driven music video, and a carefully planned Mother’s Day release, Markoe has poured intention into every detail. In conversation with Earmilk, Markoe explores the creative process behind her most personal work yet, one that not only reflects her growth as an artist, but also honors mothers everywhere with honesty, warmth, and unwavering love.
Your song began as a completely different project called “Tiny Toes.” What was the emotional turning point that made you realize the song needed to become “Everyday” instead?
Honestly, it was very hard for me to accept that I needed to change the title and remove “tiny toes” completely from the song because I was just so in love with it. I think the turning point would’ve been that I literally had no choice because “tiny toes” just did not fit in anywhere. It was just how it was meant to be for this song and that’s okay with me now.
You’ve been very open about experiencing writer’s block during this process. What did that period teach you about creativity, patience, and trusting your instincts as a songwriter?
I definitely learnt that you can’t force out something that is not meant to be yet. If I was to make myself write this song, it definitely wouldn’t be anywhere near as good as what it is now. We must simply, let it be and I’m a strong believer in everything happens for a reason.
Billie Eilish’s “Party Favour” inspired the original ukulele direction of the song. How did you take that inspiration and transform it into something deeply personal and uniquely yours?
Initially I wanted the song to be playful and unserious (like Billie’s). That definitely didn’t happen and it’s because when I wrote the lyrics, I imagined a playful instrument like a ukulele accompanying the vocals rather than a piano that would’ve made the mood a little sadder. So when I opened up the track and sung my lyrics with it, it just sat so perfectly I couldn’t change it.
After performing the early version at an open mic and not getting the reaction you hoped for, how difficult was it to step back from the project instead of forcing it out?
I was definitely disappointed because I was so proud of what I had done but I knew that if I was to release it, I wouldn’t have been happy – it just didn’t feel right after that night. I am glad I didn’t rush it and started fresh.
You mentioned almost giving up on the song entirely. What kept pulling you back to it, even after so many rewrites and moments of frustration?
Well, I had paid money for the instrumental to be produced and I was in love with it, I didn’t want the song (or the money) to go to waste. I knew the song was meant to be something special, I just didn’t know when it would all come together. It was important that I remained patient and waited for the right moment of inspiration to come along.
The final version of “Everyday” came from journaling your feelings about your sons. Why do you think that moment of honesty unlocked the song in a way nothing else could?
I commonly tend to write from a place of vulnerability but this time I wanted to make it positive. I channeled inner emotions and memories in a way that I hadn’t before but it was really nice to be in touch with that special place in my heart that’s purely about my family.
“Everyday” feels like more than just a song, it sounds like a tribute to motherhood itself. What message did you want mothers listening to this song to feel and carry with them afterward?
I want them to cry… a lot… from the music and visuals touching their heart in the same way it touched mine when I wrote the song. I want them to feel proud of themselves and realise how special they actually are. Things can get really hard sometimes and we (mothers) can be really hard on ourselves. I want this song to be a reminder that they are doing an amazing job, even on the hard days.
Can you tell us more about the music video? What were you looking to convey in the visual element to accompany the song?
The music video is inspired by Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber’s ‘Stuck With U’ music video. I loved that they included videos from the community that connected to the message of the song and I knew that something like that would’ve been perfect to bring out every emotion possible in the song, and it was. I wanted it to be an experience where mothers feel included in the story and felt spoken to, seen and understood by picturing themselves and their children within the videos. I wanted it to feel deeply personal.
You’ve said this is your “biggest, most important and meaningful” project yet. In what ways has creating “Everyday” changed you personally, not just artistically?
This song has definitely connected to me the same way that I wanted it to connect the listeners. It has reminded me to make sure that I am not so hard on myself and to remain positive when things get tough because my boys won’t be little forever and it’s important to “savour every second with grace”, even the small ones. Ultimately, it has grounded me.
One of the most powerful ideas in the song is that a mother experiences moments with her children in a uniquely personal way. What are some of the everyday moments with your sons that inspired the emotion behind the lyrics?
Honestly it’s just the little things. When I was writing, I was thinking about the birth experience, when they drew me their first picture, when they fell asleep on me, the first time they told me they love me and when I see them do or say things that I taught them and I’m just so proud of them and myself in that moment. It made me realise that little things like those are the things that only I will experience like no one else will and the way I feel in those moments is purely personal. I know this can apply to any parent but there are times when you look back and think, no one will ever experience this the way I have because I am their mother.
What's next for Markoe?
Hopefully big things. I’ve manifested and felt it in my bones that this project will be my first breakthrough but who knows! I am playing more shows now, making a lot of music and hopefully something big will come for me soon. I want to play festivals, I am also networking a lot more now and taking on every opportunity I can. I am excited for what the future holds!
Connect with Markoe: INSTAGRAM
