A GoPride Interview

Maggie Rose

Maggie Rose talks backstage about her blossoming career

Sun. June 30, 2024  by Jerry Nunn

I really take my time and lean in to the quieter aspects of the new music.
Maggie Rose

maggie rose

photo credit // sophia matinazad

Maggie Rose returns to Space

Singer Maggie Rose’s career is growing and blossoming in new ways these days. The 36-year-old talent was born in Maryland and sang at an early age for her supportive parents and their friends. She eventually left school to pursue her career in Tennessee and currently lives in East Nashville. Residing in the Music City for 16 years has resulted in playing the Grand Ole Opry over 100 times. She said the producers of the iconic venue are always welcoming to her and have no problem with her showing up accompanied by a 15-piece band to back her up.

She worked with other musicians and creatives in Tennessee to pass the ELVIS Act or Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act. This law protects artists’ likenesses from being used by artificial intelligence.

This is just one of the many things that Rose is passionate about and she stated that the new music allows her to have an outlet when she finds herself frustrated by the world. She is currently out on tour in support of her latest project No One Gets Out Alive on Big Loud Records.

Rose described writing the songs as a dark time during the pandemic and that’s reflected in how personal the lyrics are to her.

She had previously worked with out and proud singer Joy Oladokun for the song “Long Way to Go“ and she co-wrote “Underestimate Me” with Henry Brill, who had worked with Oladokun in the past so it was a full circle moment.

The third track to be released from the record “Fake Flowers” tackles a heavy subject but Rose confessed it’s her favorite to play live. She described the challenges of conveying the record on the road, “That’s been the most rewarding thing about this project. I really take my time and lean in to the quieter aspects of the new music. I can play “Another Sad Song” and people connect with it.” The band has played Space in Evanston several times in the past and it’s one of their favorite places to perform.

This unique songstress fits into more than one genre and she mentioned that the music scene of Laurel Canyon was an influence on her latest record. One artist she would like to work with but hasn’t yet is Carole King. This would make the perfect match for this blossoming songwriter.

Fashion is also a factor in her work and she collaborates with several stylists to create looks for every situation.

For people who have not discovered her yet, Rose recommends coming to her shows. She said she enjoys the intimate up close space at Space where she can look her listeners directly in the eyes to gauge their reactions. She’s proud of the way she presents the record in a live format and flowers on the stage add to the atmosphere she curates.

She stated backstage that the hard work has paid off and Rose is enjoying the fruits of her labor now. “I have found my voice and it’s more soulful with this introspective record,” she said.

Plans for the future include more touring and a dance remix for her track “Under the Sun.” She hopes that the song will be played at queer clubs such as Play in Nashville. “That’s the goal and I will make an appearance there!” 

For more about this incredible artist visit maggierosemusic.com.

 

Interviewed by Jerry Nunn. Jerry Nunn is a contributing writer to the GoPride Network. His work is also featured in Windy City Times, Nightspots Magazine and syndicated nationally.

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