Mette Towley, who performs under the name METTE, is a multifaceted artist shaped by her journey from a small town in Minnesota to stages around the world. Born to a white father and a black mother, her mixed-race identity enriches her music and artistry. This complexity perhaps became most visible when she introduced herself to dance at five years old in Baltimore, igniting a passion that would carry her far beyond her initial dreams. Away from the spotlight, she graduated high school in 2009, eventually earning her degree in dance, setting the stage for her later eclectic career.

Mette’s breakthrough came through the unexpected channel of a music video—N.E.R.D. and Rihanna’s “Lemon.” That moment, evocative and bold, led to her appearances in major films like “Hustlers” and “Cats.” It’s likely that her role alongside Taylor Swift in the recent adaptation of “Barbie” was a collision of paths made possible by her previous work. Yet, even with these accomplishments, the spiral of doubt lingered; how could she juggle being recognized as a dancer and a singer all at once?

By 2021, she reluctantly started to claim her musical identity while exploring the depths of personal storytelling in her songs. With tracks like “Mama’s Eyes” and the lighthearted “Van Gogh,” she showcases her ability to shift between gravity and playfulness. A conversation about her creativity reveals hesitation, as she admits, “I felt like I had no inspiration that day and nothing to write about.” Yet, these struggles feed her art, transforming uncertainty into vibrant expression.

Now residing in Los Angeles, Mette stands at a crossroads where her past and future merge. Upcoming performances, including the June 2024 opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, signal that she is ready to share her narrative with a wider audience. She captures the whispers of struggle and triumph, undeniably a testament to her belief that creativity thrives on the balance of discipline and freedom.