Interviews
Featured Artist: Singer M. Maggie will ignite your soul
M. Maggie is a poet and songwriter based out of New York City.
Through a partnership with Reverbnation, Unheard Voices has the chance to find upcoming artists who are not only cultivating their way through the music industry but making a difference while doing it.
In an industry that is so rough our goal is to find talented artists that often go under represented in an industry that praises mainstream success.
This month we would like to introduce M. Maggie. M. Maggie is a poet and songwriter based out of the big apple, NYC.
M. Maggie caught my attention with her soul inspiring music and catchy lyrics to go long with it. She says growing up around New Orleans influenced a mix of Soul, Blues and Jazz is what is undeniably incorporated in each piece she writes.
Behind the scenes of her music, M. Maggie also plays the violin and piano and is the lead singer of the Soul-Pop band MARYMAC.
From playful Pop to vibey R&B and Neo soul, M Maggie brings catchy, conscious-driven lyrics with an energy that is sure to ignite your soul.
Get to know M. Maggie:
UV: When did you fall in love with music?
M. Maggie: I’m constantly falling in love with music! My mom used to play VH1 every morning before school; I wanted to have a number 1 song and be in a music video.
UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?
M. Maggie: It started in elementary when I sang in musicals and began to play the violin and piano. I always wanted to make my own pieces and share them with my family. I can’t stop!
UV:How would you describe your music?
M. Maggie:My music is Rhythmic and Soulful. I love many different genres and really enjoy working with different musicians and producers. The genre may change but my heart and soul will always stay open and honest to new knowledge and ideas wrapped in a poetic package signed M. Maggie.
UV:What artist have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
M. Maggie: Michael Jackson is a big one. He wrote incredible songs and he could sing his heart out at such a young age. Also Bob Marley; His voice was filled with love and peace and acceptance: One Love. What more could the world ask for in an artist? His work was so simple yet so powerful and effective.
UV: What advice do you have for other indie artists trying to succeed?
Maggie: Keep moving forward. Not everyone will love your ideas. Mostly because sometimes what you think is the finish line may just be a stepping stone. You will be challenged and feel like giving up but there is light at the end!
UV: What is the hardest challenge you’ve encountered with building your fan base?
Maggie: It’s simple really, you have to engage. Shout people out and respond when they post up your songs. Social Media makes it so easy. You can search every tag and see all the people who are affected by your music. Let them know you see them; you need them!
UV: How in tune are you with your fans?
Maggie: So much! I am overactive on twitter and Like everything ever posted about the music I release. Its so beautiful to see the comments, videos and to see my lyrics being posted up. It really makes the struggle worth it and It’s a reminder to keep going when I have emotional days or miss my family.
UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react?
Maggie: Because I work with a lot of producers, there is a collaboration process. Everyone is going to have a different idea, that’s the point of having a unique mind. I’ve learned to listen to all the notes and apply them and really work through the process until I know what works and doesn’t work. I definitely stick up for the pieces that I feel strongly about, that is the power of collaboration. You have to work together to make the best possible song.
Other times a producer won’t like the direction I took. Not a big deal, I just take my idea to another producer that I feel fit and make an even more amazing piece. You can’t kill my spirit. I fight for what I believe. I fight for my art.
UV: How important and how difficult is it to support your career with your own money?
Maggie: Wow! It’s important because I want full control over my work. I want to write what I want and put out music non stop. I don’t want boundaries. It’s hard because it’s NYC. You have to keep yourself afloat at first with small jobs until you can find something music related to inspire you and bring in income. On top of that you have to manage yourself as a business. The hardest thing is asking for help. There are tons of artist in this city (or online) in the same position, waiting to be apart of a project that eventually blows up. You have to have the confidence and be that project and plug in the right people. You have to do the work!
UV: To date, what has been your best performance? When was it, where was it and why was it your best?
Maggie: My best performance was with my band MARYMAC. We played spring 2014 at the venue SPiN near Madison Square Park in New York City. It was an amazing night. We had so many people there and threw a party after for everyone that came. We had a couple ping pong tables and there was a breakdancing competition after. I love it there!
UV: And where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Maggie: I will definitely have about 3 albums out and be traveling the world. My dream is to spend a month or two in different cities around the world and learn about the culture and lifestyles and write about them. I want to share with everyone what I find; translate the world. I can’t wait!
UV: What current projects do you have out or forthcoming projects in progress?
Maggie: My 3 song collaboration with NY producer Black Coast is up on ITunes. I am currently working on an EP that is set to release before the end of the year. I will be dropping some singles and videos to give you a taste of what is to come. Stay connected to my twitter @MMaggieMiller for updates. Also doing a lot of writing with producers releasing under their name so keep an ear out! I’m really happy with how the music is coming out!
UV:Encouragement, inspiration..
Maggie: Believe! Believe in your art, perfect your craft and never stop learning.
Good music will be heard!