ON OUR RADAR: MAGGIE SCHNEIDER
Square One Magazine had the chance to interview Maggie Schneider on her dream collaborations, working with Rian from All Time Low and what’s in store in the future.
Q: YOU’VE OPENED FOR AND TOURED WITH THE LIKES OF STATE CHAMPS, LIKE PACIFIC AND REEVE CARNEY. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE TO TOUR WITH AND WHY?
A: My favourite band that I’ve opened for thus far is Sleep On It, hands down. There is something to be said about opening for artists who are both your mentors and friends. I first met them when they invited me to sing ‘Fireworks’ with them when they opened for With Confidence, and from there we kept in touch. They have been so supportive of me in so many ways, and so having the opportunity to open the show meant a lot to me.
Q: HAS THEIR MUSIC INFLUENCED YOUR OWN?
A: Their music has influenced my own in a lot of ways. Their lyrics have gotten me through difficult times. ‘Under The Moment’ is specifically a song that inspires me to continue writing honest and vulnerable music, because it’s what means to people. Their music inspires me to let people in through the art I create.
Q: HOW HAS WORKING WITH ALL TIME LOW’S RIAN DAWSON IMPACTED YOUR SONGWRITING AND PRODUCTION PROCESS IN YOUR EP, TINTED GLASSES? WILL YOU BE WORKING WITH ALL TIME LOW ON A TRACK IN THE FUTURE?
A: Working with Rian was a dream come true, and really kick-started my career in a great way. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work with a member from my favorite band - All Time Low has impacted my songwriting the most. Going into the studio with him taught me a lot about collaborating in the studio and thinking creatively in terms of production. We worked together on every part of the song: the keyboard parts, harmonies, vocal melodies, etc. He even played drums on the entire EP. Working on Tinted Glasses was one of the best weeks of my life, and when I received the first mix back, I started tearing up. He brought what I had in my head to life, and I am so thankful for his support and mentorship.
It would be a dream come true to work with All Time Low on a track! Writing with Alex Gaskarth is at the top of my bucket list.
Q: YOUR RECENT TRACK TALKS ABOUT HEARTBREAK. IS THIS THE MAIN THEME FOR YOUR UPCOMING MUSIC? HOW DO YOU FEEL MUSIC HELPS YOU MANAGE THESE EMOTIONS?
A: I’ve written a lot about heartbreak because I think it’s something we all go through at one point or another in our lives. My upcoming music talks about heartbreak but it also talks about love, friendship, and the happier moments associated with relationships. My heart is cluttered with all different types of emotions because of all the things I’ve gone through, and so I like to explore both the highs and lows of life. You’re going to get a lot more variety with my upcoming releases!
I have always expressed my emotions through music. When I was younger, I would play piano after a bad day and it would make me feel better. If I’m going through something, it makes me feel better to write a song about it, or listen to my favorite songs in the car. Music gives me an outlet to be my best self, as well as to find comfort in, and I am so thankful that my life is filled with it.
Q: WHAT TRACKS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?
A: Out of the songs I’ve released so far, I’m most proud of ‘Don’t Tell Me’. That song has opened a lot of doors for me as an artist, but it is also a song about my journey in realizing the importance of staying true to myself. It’s about never letting anyone tell you what to do or who to be as an individual, or as an artist. I wrote this song in 2 hours, and when I played it for my mom for the first time, we both started crying. Hearing that this song has impacted a lot of my listeners in a positive way means the most to me. I’ve had people come to shows and let me know that ‘Don’t Tell Me’ helped them overcome difficult times. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make a difference in people’s lives, which is why this song means so much to me.
Q: WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR CAREER? DO YOU WANT TO HEADLINE FESTIVALS AND WORLD TOURS AS A SOLO ARTIST? OR WILL YOU WORK ON VARIOUS OTHER PROJECTS AND BECOME PART OF A BAND?
A: I want to do everything! I have a bunch of goals that I want to achieve with my career, including opening for bigger national tours and playing Riot Fest one day. I’ve also been fortunate to have met some of my goals already, including playing a date on the final Vans Warped Tour, being featured in the physical copy of Alternative Press, and working with great artists and friends like Zech of Sleep On It.
I’m so lucky to have a band of best friends that plays my music with me, so while I’m a ‘solo artist’, I rarely perform on my own. My band is my family, and I never want to go back to only playing solo with my acoustic guitar! I’m looking forward to introducing everybody more to my bandmates as well.
Q: MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE OFTEN HIDDEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BEHIND THE BUSYNESS OF TOURING, WORKING LONG HOURS, REHEARSING AND RECORDING ETC. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS ON PROTECTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AS AN ARTIST?
A: It takes a lot of hard work and stamina to be in the music industry. Being a woman in the industry can take twice as much work in some cases. A challenge of mine is being able to give myself time to breathe. I think about music and my career almost 24/7, so I have to remind myself to take breaks too. My best advice for artists is to make sure you find a balance between work and self-care. Take a day off to rest or hang out with your friends! You won’t create your best work if you’re mentally drained either.
Q: WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR THE REST OF THIS YEAR?
A: I have a lot of shows planned, which is really exciting! We’re beginning to tour more and I’m so excited to begin performing in new cities. I also have new music ready to release, but we’re in the planning stages on how to release it all. We have some really fun ideas, and I’m dedicated to making it as creative and immersive of an experience as possible. Wish I could share but it’s a surprise!
Q: WHAT ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU, COULD BE WORLDWIDE OR MUSIC INDUSTRY SPECIFIC OR BOTH? HOW DO YOU USE YOUR MUSIC AND PLATFORM TO COMMUNICATE THESE?
A: There are many issues that are important to me. First and foremost, gender equality (specifically in music and the arts), women’s and LGTBQIA rights, and mental health. As a woman in the industry, I really hope to make a difference and inspire others to follow their dreams no matter what obstacles are put in their way. What I want people to take away from my music is the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter what. When we lose ourselves, we’re left with nothing.
I try to use my music and platform to spread positivity first and foremost. ‘Don’t Tell Me’ is the song of mine that really drives these themes home. With every post I make, cover I sing, or livestream I post, I want to inspire my listeners to follow their dreams.
Q: WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START WRITING MUSIC?
A: Watching artists like Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers made me want to start writing my own songs. I was a musical theatre kid all through my childhood but began wanting to express myself through my own words when I was around 12 years old. I watched concert after concert movie, in awe of what these artist were doing, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Q: COULD YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING ANYTHING ELSE?
A: Absolutely not. I have always wanted to be an artist. Being a singer and musician is tough and takes a lot of work, but I will never give up on it because it’s what I love to do. When I’m onstage, I am my most confident self. I feel at home when I’m in front of people, playing my songs with my best friends. There’s no backup plan for me.
Q: WHAT’S SOMETHING ODD THAT REALLY FASCINATES YOU?
A: I’m super fascinated in conspiracy theories and the psychology of cults. That is definitely something odd to be interested in, but I think it’s fascinating how people come up with such weird theories. The Avril Lavigne one that popped up on Twitter a few years ago really blew my mind.
Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? WOULD YOU WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH THEM?
A: Outside of music, my mom is my number 1 inspiration. She’s truly my best friend and has supported me through everything. As far as music goes, Alex Gaskarth is my #1 songwriting inspiration. One day, I hope I get the chance to write a song with him. I’d probably lose my mind!
Q: AND FINALLY, FAVOURITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME?
A: This is a hard one...I’d probably have to say The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance or Nothing Personal by All Time Low. Those two records are the ones that brought me into this scene of music. I wouldn’t know where I’d be without them!