Notes from the Archive is a compilation of recordings of singer Maggie Rogers. Despite having antiquated songs, it sparks a refreshing and unique sound. How did she compile such notes for the world to enjoy?
Margaret Debay’s beginnings can be traced to Easton, Maryland (USA). Despite her parents not having any musical background, she would peek her ears at what her mother would listen to, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998).
At school, most of us look forward to the recreation process and hanging out with friends. However, Maggie used the time in her favor to absorb musical knowledge.
Whether it was writing or music programming, the instruments were present. And it paid off. Thus, in 2012 she released her first project called “The Echo,” which inspired her to take it a step further.
Therefore, she packed her bags and headed to a media art institute in New York City. The epicenter of music, where artists such as Alicia Keys and Jay-Z started their careers. While at University, she put together her second body of work, “Blood Ballet” (2014).
Unfortunately, the next two years to follow, she struggled with blank pages until she worked on a song called “Alaska.” During a class session with Pharrell Williams (yes, The Neptunes), she played him the demo.
Such a positive assessment encouraged her to work on her EP, “Now That the Light Is Fading” (2017) and her major debut, “Heard It in a Past Life” (2019). Just before the year 2020 came to an end, she released “Notes from the Archive.“
Notes from the Archive
“Celadon & Gold” kicks off the folklore archive. Secondly, “Together“ lays out a much faster beat and Maggie keeps up with the tempo. “Blood Ballet” and “Symmetry” are the perfect melancholic ballads where she is able to depict a love scenario.
Furthermore, in the cut “New Song,” she exchanges a vivid conversation with singer Del Water Gap. Lastly, “Wolves” and “Satellite” evoke inner emotions.
A compilation meant to be played in the comfort of your own walls, preferably at night. After listening to the melodies, it is hard to rule out what is more enjoyable, the lyrics or the instrumentation.
An important fact to mention is that the tracks are in reverse chronological order, which adds uniqueness. Just as Pharrell said, “You are doing your own thing, it’s singular.”
Watch the video for “Alaska” and listen to “Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011-2016” in the link below.
