A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a YouTube video from an NYU songwriting and producing class. The video featured producer Pharrell Williams running a workshop with students looking to become the next big thing.
One of these hopefuls was Maggie Rogers.
The video blew up because Williams was mesmerized with her musicianship, being nearly brought to tears. I shared a similar reaction. For about a year, I kept my eye out for Rogers, following her on social media and staying updated on her music releases. It wasn't until January of this year that Rogers had a true impact on me.
On January 18th, Rogers released her debut album "Heard It In A Past Life."
I can't recall listening to anything else that winter. The tracks, although not suited for the season, were just what I needed.
Coming to college was a weird transition for me. I wasn't really homesick. I wasn't too overwhelmed by classes. I was honestly having fun, but something was missing. I felt fuzzy. I learned a lot about myself and I didn't know how to deal with it. I started questioning everything I was doing and who I was doing it for. Did I really like something or did I "need" to like it? Who was I trying to impress? Why did I care?
After listening to "Heard It In A Past Life", something sparked in me. I decided it was time to start living for myself - cheesy, I know, but so painfully true.
Rogers' debut album follows this journey of losing control. Her raw lyrics are captivating and emotional, but she successfully juxtaposes them with lighthearted beats.
Now, I've never been one to be into indie-pop; I can't stand the consonant-averse indie voice. Yet, Rogers does a good job at challenging the indie norms with her layered choruses and tight harmonies.
She also has a wonderful way of sneaking nature sounds under synth and bass lines, all while still leaving room for her voice to shine through. This sort of simple complexity weaved throughout her tracks works so well.
I've had the pleasure of seeing Rogers live now twice and I can easily say she is my favorite performer. She creates a safe space for her audience to sing and dance and scream and cry. Her musicianship shines through as you can see the music flow through her with her wild dancing. Her album, although following a central theme, has so many different sounds on it that anyone can find their place.
I can still so vividly recall standing, paralyzed by amazement, tears streaming down my face while Rogers belted "Back In My Body." This song is the musical embodiment of giving yourself the chance to just be. It resonates so heavily with me and my experiences. Whether it be leaving home for school, struggling with self-image, losing friends, making friends, or anything in between, the feeling of finding yourself again can not be compared to anything else. Rogers sparked something in me and I truly do not know where I would be without this album.
