Jessica Spottek
7
Favorite Tracks: 1, 4, 5, 8
FCC: 10
From being one of the most underground female artists of 2017 to having one of the best records of 2019 so far, Maggie Rogers’ newest release, “Heard It In a Past Life”, is a masterpiece! Released on January 18th, Rogers includes top tracks of “On + Off”, “Light On”, and more. Originally from Maryland, Rogers played Harp at age seven, and began piano and guitar throughout middle school. After being at Berklee College of Music, she transferred to New York University. At NYU, Rogers wrote and produced the song, “Alaska”, where it was played to Pharrell Williams. I actually knew about this the first time I heard it on the radio, and ever since then, I’ve loved this track! From then, it became a global single. From this, Maggie Rogers self-released two albums: “The Echo” (2012) and “Blood Ballet” (2014). “Heard It In a Past Life” is definitely one of my favorite albums of 2019 so far. It’s very early in the year, but I know that this album will be a keepsake for female artists. According to Capitol Records, “Light On” is a thank you towards Rogers’ family, friends, and fans. She explains, “This is the most vulnerable I’ve felt in a song and it’s me saying thank you for all the light my fans brought me when I couldn’t find it for myself” (Capitol). I believe this song is so positive and inspiring for anyone! The rhythm throughout the entire track is uplifting and positive, with a soft thumping of the bass drum in the background. Another key track that I love off of this album is “On + Off”. I remember when this song came out as a single before the album, and is such a good anticipator for the new album! It’s a little different sounding from the rest of the album, but I love Rogers’ vocals in this song! Heavy synths and bass really take this track into a different kind of emotion. It’s great! Overall, I think “Heard It In a Past Life is an amazing album, especially for a solo female artist! If you listen to this album, definitely listen to it top to bottom! Maggie Rogers will be at Hinterland Music Festival this year, and I hope to catch her on her Sunday performance!
