Hello everyone, it’s your host Oliver from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by 50mething, an independent artist from Ealing, England, whose music combines alternative indie R&B, alternative pop, funk and groove with a growing interest in social commentary. Pronounced “fifty something”, 50mething released the original single “Make Us Pay For It.” on 19th October 2026, presenting listeners with a direct challenge to the commercial practices of the modern food industry and their consequences for public health.
Before we begin our conversation with 50mething, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
About 50mething
At 58, 50mething represents an unconventional journey into the music business. A former dancer and garden builder, the artist decided that it was time to begin sharing a substantial collection of original music, demonstrating that creative ambitions do not necessarily have to follow a particular timeline. Working independently from a home studio in Ealing, 50mething takes responsibility for the creative and recording process before outsourcing the final mixing and mastering. With approximately 70 completed tracks in the catalogue, the artist is gradually introducing this material to listeners through DITTO.
Musically, 50mething draws inspiration from the musicianship and creative innovation of Prince and Stevie Wonder, two artists whose influence continues to shape the way the artist approaches music. However, the songwriting also reflects a growing interest in social and political issues, with subjects drawn from everyday experiences and events that deserve greater attention. This direction became particularly personal with the January release of “Slowly Through the Night”, a song connected to a cancer diagnosis received in 2024. Having experienced the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment, 50mething found renewed motivation to continue creating and sharing music.
With “Make Us Pay For It.”, the focus moves from personal experience towards a broader examination of consumer health and corporate responsibility. The song challenges the food industry’s use of excessive sugar, salt and additives in products that encourage overconsumption, questioning the financial interests behind practices that can contribute to long-term health problems. Its argument also extends into healthcare, drawing attention to the financial pressures associated with preventable illnesses and the different ways these costs are carried by individuals, medical insurance providers and the NHS. Rather than presenting the subject as a simple matter of personal dietary choices, the track encourages listeners to consider the wider commercial systems influencing what people consume.
Created in the quiet and isolated environment of a home studio, “Make Us Pay For It.” brings together 50mething’s interest in groove-driven music and socially conscious songwriting. The track developed from a musical riff that gradually became the foundation for its arrangement, with the artist maintaining a preference for upbeat tempos and funky elements even when addressing serious subjects.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, there is certainly plenty to explore about the ideas, experiences and creative decisions behind this release. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
50mething – Make Us Pay for It.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Oliver:
Since your last feature with Dulaxi, you’ve continued building your catalogue and introducing listeners to different aspects of your creative work. Looking back at the period between your previous release and “Make Us Pay For It.”, what has changed most in your personal outlook, creative priorities, or approach to making music?
50mething:
I would say my personal outlook has changed most. This is evident in the context of my latest release.
Oliver:
You have taken an unconventional route into releasing your music, bringing together experiences from different stages of your life, including your time as a dancer and garden builder. How have those experiences outside music influenced the way you observe society, approach everyday issues, and find subjects worth exploring through songwriting?
50mething:
I feel, if not in the beginning, certainly now, I approach my writing with a social conscience. There are too many injustices in the world. Life can be hard and unfair but there’s no need to make it more so. Songwriting is a very rewarding medium to use as a tool in this endeavour.
Oliver:
Prince and Stevie Wonder are two artists whose musicianship you greatly admire. Both have demonstrated an ability to combine memorable musical arrangements with strong artistic expression. As your catalogue continues to grow, how do these influences shape your decisions around melody, rhythm, groove, and the overall character of your recordings?
50mething:
There have been many occasions whilst working on my music where either artist has crept into my head. In those moments I strive to find a different route to finish the song at the time. I listen to them daily with a smile and a bit of awe!
Oliver:
“Make Us Pay For It.” confronts the food industry’s use of excessive sugar, salt, and additives to encourage overconsumption. What was the particular moment, observation, or accumulation of experiences that made you feel this subject deserved its own song, and why was music the right way to communicate your concerns?
50mething:
Food scientists are employed to develop products for consumption. Finding “the sweet spot” is a term I became aware of. We have all been there. One cookie might not be enough. You could happily finish the packet. Food has become a lot about snacking in between meals. Music is my thing so if the track is catchy enough people will listen.
Oliver:
The title “Make Us Pay For It.” suggests that consumers are carrying the consequences of decisions made by companies whose main priority is profit. What does the phrase mean to you personally, and who do you believe should ultimately be held accountable for the problems you highlight in the song?
50mething:
It makes sense too me that we as people should lookout for our own health and physicality. This may not be the same for everybody as we are all different. Some responsibility will lie with us and our choices. There is a lot of information on packaging but looking at the ingredients can be quite alarming. In some cases it is just not food. Cheap ”food” is an easy option. “Make us pay for it” can be divided into three parts. The consumer who may become ill. The patient who is paying for medical insurance and rising premiums. Here in the UK the NHS bears the brunt of what ever walks through the door. They are over burdened.
Oliver:
One of the strongest arguments behind the track is that products designed to encourage excessive consumption can contribute to long-term health problems, including chronic illnesses and rising cancer rates. How did you approach turning such a complicated public health issue into a message that listeners could understand without losing the seriousness of what you wanted to say?
50mething:
It was such a buzz to write. Getting the words concise in short snappy phrases. A couple of lines were almost too much to say. Almost a tongue twister. I feel it has a lyrical flow. It actually takes me back to times spent listening to De la soul and the Jungle brothers.
Oliver:
You also draw attention to the relationship between the food industry and healthcare systems, particularly the NHS and private medical insurance. Your argument raises questions about whether preventable illnesses create financial benefits for certain institutions. How did you develop this particular perspective, and what do you hope listeners will question after hearing your position?
50mething:
As I mentioned previously, the NHS is free and so has to bear the brunt/cost of admissions and treatments. Medical insurance, if you even have it , will increase if a claim is made. Advertising doesn’t help either. Making you feel the need to consume in excess. On top of this we have vaping and alcohol. Combined, these are surely difficult to defend!
Oliver:
Your previous single, “Slowly Through the Night,” was a deeply personal response to your cancer diagnosis in 2024. With “Make Us Pay For It.”, you move towards examining wider social and commercial issues surrounding health. How has your own experience influenced the way you now view the relationship between personal health, individual responsibility, and the systems that shape people’s everyday choices?
50mething:
Having a cancer diagnosis is humbling. To come through (so far) is a relief. I made the decision to eat clean, no alcohol and get to the gym everyday including walking a 3 mile round trip. It may have served me well alongside the treatment I received. I haven’t looked back from this and the experience has definitely re shaped my perspective.
Oliver:
You have a catalogue of approximately 70 completed tracks waiting to be introduced to listeners, and your approach has been to release the material gradually through DITTO. How do you decide which songs deserve to be released at a particular moment, and does the subject or relevance of a song influence its position in your release schedule?
50mething:
The release schedule isn’t specific in time line. I am writing new material at the moment and if it is relevant to any current issue it will take precedent over other completed tracks I have.
Oliver:
You handle your recordings independently in a quiet, isolated home studio before outsourcing the final mixing and mastering. For “Make Us Pay For It.”, how did you develop the musical arrangement around such a direct message, and what did you want the combination of alternative indie R&B, funk, pop, and groove elements to bring to the subject?
50mething:
The musical arrangement developed from a riff I put together on a loop to get it in my head. Regardless of the subject matter, I am trying to keep things of an upbeat tempo and funky.
Oliver:
Working independently gives you considerable creative control, but it also means taking responsibility for the different stages of bringing a song to life. What aspects of creating “Make Us Pay For It.” demanded the most attention, and were there any creative decisions or unexpected challenges that changed how you originally imagined the finished recording?
50mething:
The process for writing the song was actually pretty fluid. I do ‘um’ and ‘ah’ over lyrics sometimes. Trying to find a better or more concise way of getting the message across.
Oliver:
Your catalogue now includes songs that approach health from both personal and wider social perspectives. Comparing “Slowly Through the Night” with “Make Us Pay For It.”, what differences do you recognise in your songwriting, lyrical confidence, and willingness to tackle subjects that might challenge listeners or provoke debate?
50mething:
“Slowly through the night’ was a testament to my personal experience. “Make us pay for it” is more of a wake up call. Not that others aren’t aware. I can’t imagine there is too much to discuss regarding the latter. The evidence is there on the packet.
Oliver:
Music that questions established industries and commercial practices can naturally attract different reactions. What kind of response have you received to your recent releases, and have any listeners shared personal experiences or perspectives that made you reconsider, appreciate, or further develop the messages behind your songs?
50mething:
I haven’t received any feed back per say. A couple of comments on the Musosoup platform acknowledging that this is an issue in need of attention. The only red flag I have given myself is that the bad food is cheap. Those people who are less fortunate are in a corner with no choice.
Oliver:
Beyond raising awareness, what would you like someone listening to “Make Us Pay For It.” to take away from the experience? Would you hope the song encourages people to examine what they consume, question the companies behind everyday products, reconsider their lifestyle choices, or simply become more conscious of how commercial decisions affect their health?
50mething:
I think on a general level, we know what big business, tech titans, social media platforms etc are capable of. I believe we should all be some what responsible for our physical health. Awareness and action in this regard can reduce medical needs and increase longevity.
50mething – Make Us Pay for It.
Oliver:
With so many completed songs still waiting to be released, there is clearly plenty more music ahead. What subjects or ideas are currently occupying your attention as a songwriter, and can listeners expect your next releases to continue exploring social and political issues, or are there different sides of your personality and musical identity that you would like to reveal?
50mething:
I have recently completed two tracks. One is about dealing with a narcissist in a relationship. The other addresses ‘age difference’ relationships. In the mix/master phase is a track about the rapid growth of tech, AI and the power that the CEOs seem to think they are entitled to beyond their business interests.
Oliver:
Finally, as you continue releasing music and developing your presence as an independent artist, how do you measure progress at this stage of your career? Looking ahead, what would make the next chapter of 50mething particularly meaningful, both creatively and in terms of the connection you hope to establish with listeners?
50mething:
I don’t have a bench mark to compare any progress to. I will admit, like many, there is more to the process the just writing, recording and releasing. I am working on it though. I would like to think that some action can be taken on some of the issues I have addressed in my music.
“At 58, 50mething is discovering that music can be more than a personal creative pursuit. It can become a way of questioning the world, challenging everyday injustices and encouraging people to look more closely at the systems that shape their lives.”
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
What stands out about “Make Us Pay For It.” is the contrast between its serious subject matter and the artist’s determination to maintain an upbeat, groove-driven musical direction. The track reflects a songwriter increasingly interested in connecting personal experiences with wider social concerns. Our conversation also reveals an independent creative process guided by curiosity, observation and a willingness to address uncomfortable subjects. With a substantial catalogue still awaiting release, 50mething has plenty of room to explore different perspectives while continuing to develop this socially conscious direction.
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
Our conversation with 50mething has offered an interesting look into the experiences, observations and creative thinking behind “Make Us Pay For It.”. From the personal circumstances that reshaped the artist’s perspective on health to the wider concerns explored through songwriting, it is clear that music has become an important way of engaging with subjects that deserve attention.
A special thank you to 50mething for taking the time to share these insights with us and for discussing the ideas behind the latest release. We encourage readers to give “Make Us Pay For It.” a listen and explore the wider catalogue to discover more of the artist’s independent musical work.
Thank you for spending your time with us here at DULAXI. We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about 50mething and the creative story behind this release. Keep following the artist’s journey, and stay connected with DULAXI for more conversations with musicians, songwriters and independent creative voices from around the world.
Until our next interview, take care and keep discovering great music!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT 50METHING, CLICK ON THE ICONS BELOW
50mething – Make Us Pay For It. (Interview)
Hello everyone, it’s your host Oliver from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by 50mething, an independent artist from Ealing, England, whose music combines alternative indie R&B, alternative pop, funk and groove with a growing interest in social commentary. Pronounced “fifty something”, 50mething released the original single “Make Us Pay For It.” on 19th October 2026, presenting listeners with a direct challenge to the commercial practices of the modern food industry and their consequences for public health.
Before we begin our conversation with 50mething, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
About 50mething
At 58, 50mething represents an unconventional journey into the music business. A former dancer and garden builder, the artist decided that it was time to begin sharing a substantial collection of original music, demonstrating that creative ambitions do not necessarily have to follow a particular timeline. Working independently from a home studio in Ealing, 50mething takes responsibility for the creative and recording process before outsourcing the final mixing and mastering. With approximately 70 completed tracks in the catalogue, the artist is gradually introducing this material to listeners through DITTO.
Musically, 50mething draws inspiration from the musicianship and creative innovation of Prince and Stevie Wonder, two artists whose influence continues to shape the way the artist approaches music. However, the songwriting also reflects a growing interest in social and political issues, with subjects drawn from everyday experiences and events that deserve greater attention. This direction became particularly personal with the January release of “Slowly Through the Night”, a song connected to a cancer diagnosis received in 2024. Having experienced the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment, 50mething found renewed motivation to continue creating and sharing music.
With “Make Us Pay For It.”, the focus moves from personal experience towards a broader examination of consumer health and corporate responsibility. The song challenges the food industry’s use of excessive sugar, salt and additives in products that encourage overconsumption, questioning the financial interests behind practices that can contribute to long-term health problems. Its argument also extends into healthcare, drawing attention to the financial pressures associated with preventable illnesses and the different ways these costs are carried by individuals, medical insurance providers and the NHS. Rather than presenting the subject as a simple matter of personal dietary choices, the track encourages listeners to consider the wider commercial systems influencing what people consume.
Created in the quiet and isolated environment of a home studio, “Make Us Pay For It.” brings together 50mething’s interest in groove-driven music and socially conscious songwriting. The track developed from a musical riff that gradually became the foundation for its arrangement, with the artist maintaining a preference for upbeat tempos and funky elements even when addressing serious subjects.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, there is certainly plenty to explore about the ideas, experiences and creative decisions behind this release. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Oliver:
Since your last feature with Dulaxi, you’ve continued building your catalogue and introducing listeners to different aspects of your creative work. Looking back at the period between your previous release and “Make Us Pay For It.”, what has changed most in your personal outlook, creative priorities, or approach to making music?
50mething:
I would say my personal outlook has changed most. This is evident in the context of my latest release.
Oliver:
You have taken an unconventional route into releasing your music, bringing together experiences from different stages of your life, including your time as a dancer and garden builder. How have those experiences outside music influenced the way you observe society, approach everyday issues, and find subjects worth exploring through songwriting?
50mething:
I feel, if not in the beginning, certainly now, I approach my writing with a social conscience. There are too many injustices in the world. Life can be hard and unfair but there’s no need to make it more so. Songwriting is a very rewarding medium to use as a tool in this endeavour.
Oliver:
Prince and Stevie Wonder are two artists whose musicianship you greatly admire. Both have demonstrated an ability to combine memorable musical arrangements with strong artistic expression. As your catalogue continues to grow, how do these influences shape your decisions around melody, rhythm, groove, and the overall character of your recordings?
50mething:
There have been many occasions whilst working on my music where either artist has crept into my head. In those moments I strive to find a different route to finish the song at the time. I listen to them daily with a smile and a bit of awe!
Oliver:
“Make Us Pay For It.” confronts the food industry’s use of excessive sugar, salt, and additives to encourage overconsumption. What was the particular moment, observation, or accumulation of experiences that made you feel this subject deserved its own song, and why was music the right way to communicate your concerns?
50mething:
Food scientists are employed to develop products for consumption. Finding “the sweet spot” is a term I became aware of. We have all been there. One cookie might not be enough. You could happily finish the packet. Food has become a lot about snacking in between meals. Music is my thing so if the track is catchy enough people will listen.
Oliver:
The title “Make Us Pay For It.” suggests that consumers are carrying the consequences of decisions made by companies whose main priority is profit. What does the phrase mean to you personally, and who do you believe should ultimately be held accountable for the problems you highlight in the song?
50mething:
It makes sense too me that we as people should lookout for our own health and physicality. This may not be the same for everybody as we are all different. Some responsibility will lie with us and our choices. There is a lot of information on packaging but looking at the ingredients can be quite alarming. In some cases it is just not food. Cheap ”food” is an easy option. “Make us pay for it” can be divided into three parts. The consumer who may become ill. The patient who is paying for medical insurance and rising premiums. Here in the UK the NHS bears the brunt of what ever walks through the door. They are over burdened.
Oliver:
One of the strongest arguments behind the track is that products designed to encourage excessive consumption can contribute to long-term health problems, including chronic illnesses and rising cancer rates. How did you approach turning such a complicated public health issue into a message that listeners could understand without losing the seriousness of what you wanted to say?
50mething:
It was such a buzz to write. Getting the words concise in short snappy phrases. A couple of lines were almost too much to say. Almost a tongue twister. I feel it has a lyrical flow. It actually takes me back to times spent listening to De la soul and the Jungle brothers.
Oliver:
You also draw attention to the relationship between the food industry and healthcare systems, particularly the NHS and private medical insurance. Your argument raises questions about whether preventable illnesses create financial benefits for certain institutions. How did you develop this particular perspective, and what do you hope listeners will question after hearing your position?
50mething:
As I mentioned previously, the NHS is free and so has to bear the brunt/cost of admissions and treatments. Medical insurance, if you even have it , will increase if a claim is made. Advertising doesn’t help either. Making you feel the need to consume in excess. On top of this we have vaping and alcohol. Combined, these are surely difficult to defend!
Oliver:
Your previous single, “Slowly Through the Night,” was a deeply personal response to your cancer diagnosis in 2024. With “Make Us Pay For It.”, you move towards examining wider social and commercial issues surrounding health. How has your own experience influenced the way you now view the relationship between personal health, individual responsibility, and the systems that shape people’s everyday choices?
50mething:
Having a cancer diagnosis is humbling. To come through (so far) is a relief. I made the decision to eat clean, no alcohol and get to the gym everyday including walking a 3 mile round trip. It may have served me well alongside the treatment I received. I haven’t looked back from this and the experience has definitely re shaped my perspective.
Oliver:
You have a catalogue of approximately 70 completed tracks waiting to be introduced to listeners, and your approach has been to release the material gradually through DITTO. How do you decide which songs deserve to be released at a particular moment, and does the subject or relevance of a song influence its position in your release schedule?
50mething:
The release schedule isn’t specific in time line. I am writing new material at the moment and if it is relevant to any current issue it will take precedent over other completed tracks I have.
Oliver:
You handle your recordings independently in a quiet, isolated home studio before outsourcing the final mixing and mastering. For “Make Us Pay For It.”, how did you develop the musical arrangement around such a direct message, and what did you want the combination of alternative indie R&B, funk, pop, and groove elements to bring to the subject?
50mething:
The musical arrangement developed from a riff I put together on a loop to get it in my head. Regardless of the subject matter, I am trying to keep things of an upbeat tempo and funky.
Oliver:
Working independently gives you considerable creative control, but it also means taking responsibility for the different stages of bringing a song to life. What aspects of creating “Make Us Pay For It.” demanded the most attention, and were there any creative decisions or unexpected challenges that changed how you originally imagined the finished recording?
50mething:
The process for writing the song was actually pretty fluid. I do ‘um’ and ‘ah’ over lyrics
sometimes. Trying to find a better or more concise way of getting the message across.
Oliver:
Your catalogue now includes songs that approach health from both personal and wider social perspectives. Comparing “Slowly Through the Night” with “Make Us Pay For It.”, what differences do you recognise in your songwriting, lyrical confidence, and willingness to tackle subjects that might challenge listeners or provoke debate?
50mething:
“Slowly through the night’ was a testament to my personal experience. “Make us pay for it” is more of a wake up call. Not that others aren’t aware. I can’t imagine there is too much to discuss regarding the latter. The evidence is there on the packet.
Oliver:
Music that questions established industries and commercial practices can naturally attract different reactions. What kind of response have you received to your recent releases, and have any listeners shared personal experiences or perspectives that made you reconsider, appreciate, or further develop the messages behind your songs?
50mething:
I haven’t received any feed back per say. A couple of comments on the Musosoup platform acknowledging that this is an issue in need of attention. The only red flag I have given myself is that the bad food is cheap. Those people who are less fortunate are in a corner with no choice.
Oliver:
Beyond raising awareness, what would you like someone listening to “Make Us Pay For It.” to take away from the experience? Would you hope the song encourages people to examine what they consume, question the companies behind everyday products, reconsider their lifestyle choices, or simply become more conscious of how commercial decisions affect their health?
50mething:
I think on a general level, we know what big business, tech titans, social media platforms etc are capable of. I believe we should all be some what responsible for our physical health. Awareness and action in this regard can reduce medical needs and increase longevity.
Oliver:
With so many completed songs still waiting to be released, there is clearly plenty more music ahead. What subjects or ideas are currently occupying your attention as a songwriter, and can listeners expect your next releases to continue exploring social and political issues, or are there different sides of your personality and musical identity that you would like to reveal?
50mething:
I have recently completed two tracks. One is about dealing with a narcissist in a relationship. The other addresses ‘age difference’ relationships. In the mix/master phase is a track about the rapid growth of tech, AI and the power that the CEOs seem to think they are entitled to beyond their business interests.
Oliver:
Finally, as you continue releasing music and developing your presence as an independent artist, how do you measure progress at this stage of your career? Looking ahead, what would make the next chapter of 50mething particularly meaningful, both creatively and in terms of the connection you hope to establish with listeners?
50mething:
I don’t have a bench mark to compare any progress to. I will admit, like many, there is more to the process the just writing, recording and releasing. I am working on it though. I would like to think that some action can be taken on some of the issues I have addressed in my music.
EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
What stands out about “Make Us Pay For It.” is the contrast between its serious subject matter and the artist’s determination to maintain an upbeat, groove-driven musical direction. The track reflects a songwriter increasingly interested in connecting personal experiences with wider social concerns. Our conversation also reveals an independent creative process guided by curiosity, observation and a willingness to address uncomfortable subjects. With a substantial catalogue still awaiting release, 50mething has plenty of room to explore different perspectives while continuing to develop this socially conscious direction.
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
Our conversation with 50mething has offered an interesting look into the experiences, observations and creative thinking behind “Make Us Pay For It.”. From the personal circumstances that reshaped the artist’s perspective on health to the wider concerns explored through songwriting, it is clear that music has become an important way of engaging with subjects that deserve attention.
A special thank you to 50mething for taking the time to share these insights with us and for discussing the ideas behind the latest release. We encourage readers to give “Make Us Pay For It.” a listen and explore the wider catalogue to discover more of the artist’s independent musical work.
Thank you for spending your time with us here at DULAXI. We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about 50mething and the creative story behind this release. Keep following the artist’s journey, and stay connected with DULAXI for more conversations with musicians, songwriters and independent creative voices from around the world.
Until our next interview, take care and keep discovering great music!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT 50METHING, CLICK ON THE ICONS BELOW