Heard It in a Past Life by Maggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers is an emerging artist whose twee-tinged, pop-folk music remains relevant in today’s Internet-driven age. As she was growing up listening to classical composers such as Gustav Holst and Vivaldi as well as contemporary divas like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. While still in high school she turned her broom closet into an improvised recording studio where she began writing songs and recording demos. Rogers amassed millions of Spotify plays before even graduating college while still being authentically voiced from her generational peers.

Pharrell Williams saw Rogers perform Alaska during a master class at New York University in 2016, and it went viral, propelling her into stardom. Yet she never lost focus of what she wanted to achieve: She continued recording music, eventually releasing her debut full-length album through Debay Sounds under Capitol Records called Heard It in a Past Life and featuring her incredible vocal talents.

Her belief in the interconnectivity of all things is truly what sets Maggie apart; this spirit can be seen in how she approaches her career. While many pop stars rely on celebrity glamour for success, Maggie prefers taking an altogether more modest approach – dressing casually while proudly showing off her freckles; wearing everyday clothes; not hesitates to express discomfort during shoots without making excuses; and politely expresses them when necessary.

Notes from the Archive, her debut EP, shows this approach perfectly while Heard It in a Past Life is more intimate, warm and acoustic – celebrating her roots.

On this record, she showcases her crystallized vocals backed by acoustic guitar and delicate piano keys, providing the ideal instrumentation to showcase her signature singer-songwriter storytelling and reflect upon both relationships between friends as well as personal experiences that she is longing to express through lyrics.

Through her music, her personal experiences are interwoven with larger political and social concerns. On “Give a Little,” inspired by National School Walkout protests for gun control, she sings of empathy and unity.

Future goals of hers include working with more LGBTQ artists and exploring themes of community, family and love further. She hopes to work with producers who can assist in honing her sound – “I want producers who can help me harness my voice fully, as well as people open to listening in new ways!

Maggie Rogers may only just be starting out, yet she has already demonstrated far more than just short-lived social-media fame. She has already worked with Phoebe Bridgers and Zach Bryant and performed at Philadelphia’s Mann Center – look out for future collaborations and tours from Maggie as she continues honing her craft!