Following on from the rapturous response to her much-loved outing 'can you see the beginning?' last year, Toronto-based singer-songwriter magenta is back once again to deliver her wondrous new EP 'angel'.
Featuring the previously shared offerings 'mexico', 'i need her heart' and 'your love is real', this four-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and riveting return for her. Conjuring more of that warm and wistful folk-pop aesthetic she is known for, 'angel' continues her ascent as one of the more impactful names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the guitar. I took lessons when I was pretty young but I didn’t enjoy their teaching style so I ended up teaching myself all that I know now. I feel like I can hardly call myself a guitarist as I don’t know what I’m doing half the time, but I find that makes songwriting a lot more fun and interesting as I’m really just playing by ear and emotion.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was definitely a pop fan when I was younger, I had a huge One Direction and Shawn Mendes phase like most girls. But I also listened to quite a bit of rock music and traditional Indian music because that’s what my parents would put on.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever bought was probably One Direction’s Up All Night album. They were also the first concert I had ever been to when I was around 10 years old. Safe to say my parents are glad I grew out of that phase.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is a tricky one because there are so many songs that I admire. If I were to pick just one it would be Please Be Rude by Gigi Perez. She’s one of my favourite singer-songwriters at the moment, her music just feels so transcendent and her voice is so beautiful.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Currently I’m listening to a lot of role model. I love his new album in particular. I’ve also been really into FINNEAS’ new album as well as this EP called Disturbing by a smaller artist, Ben Kessler.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open a show for Gigi Perez. I feel like our sounds are somewhat similar and I think her audience is very connective when it comes to music and I really love that.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think just being able to put my feelings into words through songwriting is super freeing. I feel like writing a song lifts so much weight off my shoulders. Also, being able to connect with people is what I love most about sharing my songs. I really appreciate when I can see or hear from my listeners that my music has made them feel seen.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is probably how difficult it can be to find success in this industry. There have been numerous roadblocks for my career and of course I wish I could be more successful, but in the end I’m doing what I love and that’s what keeps me going.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
One of my close friends who is also a musician told me that the one thing we can do in this industry is just to keep doing it. A lot of the time it can feel like you're going nowhere, but opportunities come with time and effort, you just have to be patient. I really try to live by that advice. I have gotten little success here and there by working for it and allowing myself the time for the opportunities to come.
-
magenta's new EP 'angel' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.