Recommended Tracks: “How to Sing for Money,” “If God Was Real,” “Fall Like a Feather”
Artists You Might Like: Olivia Lunny, Maddie Regent, Carlie Hanson
Over the years, Maggie Andrew has inserted much of herself into her music. She has explored relationships, observed her identity, and entered adulthood in these songs, using lyrics that are personal and real. Her story is always evolving, but her sound will always be unfiltered, strong, and confident, especially as she drops new projects like her latest EP, HOW TO SING FOR MONEY. Throughout the EP, Maggie takes a look at the various parts of her life, from the outer to the inner. In the end, she is still very much present in her songs, but her artistry is as bold as ever.
Based on the title of the EP, listeners can assume that Maggie will touch on music-related matters. She is in the business, after all, so singing and making money is a part of her life. On the opening track, “Emotional Touchdown,” she describes the loneliness she feels from life on the road. With mellow yet enthused vocals, she sings, “Guess I’m sleeping with strangers again / Shoving all my problems in the overhead / Money can’t buy me happiness / But I’ll keep on trying till there’s nothing left.” As exciting as it seems to travel to places like London, Tokyo, and Rome, it really leaves her going through the motions. There’s also the cheeky and playful title track, where Maggie gives the people what they want—even if it’s at her own emotional expense. Over the guitar and drum-driven production, she sings, “When the walls of your one bedroom / Are closing in on you fast / Could show you how to take that pain / And turn it into gold / Into cold, hard cash.”
Elsewhere, Maggie tackles unresolved feelings about relationships. With “Unfinished Business,” she tries to be one step ahead of her ex, knowing that this person will eventually pay the price for their actions. Even though her vocals are sweet and innocent, the lyrics bite as she sings, “When it all comes crashing down / Don’t come crawling back to me again.” She continues to search for closure on “Did You Cry,” where she questions an ex about their relationship. Over the moody beats and melodies, she asks, “Did you ever really love me? / Did you even try? / Did you ever even care / Or was it all a lie?” and “I hate to ask / But I gotta know / Was it just a game? / Was it all just for show?” It’s impressive how gentle she comes across vocally, as it is clear that she is really in her feelings. Basically, Maggie has much control, and it comes out in more ways than one.
Through it all, Maggie is growing up and evolving, and there are times when she explicitly addresses this fact. For instance, on “Father Figure,” she is grateful for all she has learned from those around her. She paints a dynamic coming-of-age story with lines like, “I’m growing up / Counting the lessons I learned from the memories / I knew what I had to do / From watching you.” But along with settling this wiser chapter of her life comes difficult realizations. On “If God Was Real,” Maggie challenges her beliefs. She explains that she comes from a religious family and has tried to overcome certain obstacles on her own, but she still wonders, “If God was real / Why’d he do that shit to me?” When we get to the final track, however, any doubts and insecurities that Maggie feels have dissipated. With “Fall Like a Feather,” Maggie lets go of who she was and embraces a more confident way of life. Her relentless spirit shines over the rhythmic choruses, enhancing the empowering beats from the drums. It inspires those who have ever told someone that they “ain’t seen the last of me yet,” and is a solid way to close out the project.
About the EP, Maggie has expressed, “I think ‘HOW TO SING FOR MONEY’ offers a clear view into another dimension or chapter of myself. It reveals who I am and what I can do if I have the tools and the opportunities.” After hearing these seven tracks, Maggie’s other dimension is one that is fearless and fiery. Musically, she does what she wants, seamlessly shifting from expansive indie-pop to catchy alt-rock. Lyrically, she is just as dynamic. She knows how to laugh about criticism, how to take the high road after a breakup, and how to find meaning in what she goes through. But most importantly, she knows how to sing for money—something that she does very, very well.
You can listen to HOW TO SING FOR MONEY here.
Keep up with Maggie Andrew: Instagram // X // Facebook // TikTok // YouTube // Website
