Maggie Lindemann Interview by Mago

Mago __ Tell us a bit about your early start in the music industry and how you got discovered.

Maggie __ I was born in Dallas, Texas and I lived there until I was fifteen. When I lived in Dallas, I started experimenting with Instagram. Then I got on Tumblr and Keek, which at the time was Instagram's video app because Instagram didn’t have videos yet. I would post singing videos on there and one of those videos made it to YouTube. After some time, Keek just kind of disappeared and Instagram started supporting videos. When I was turning 16, my now manager was the one who saw one of my videos on YouTube and brought me to Los Angeles to meet and perform in a studio and then things kind of took off from there.

Mago  __ What was the driving force behind producing and posting music online and finding your voice? Was there anything that helped shape you into the artist you are today?

Maggie __ I've always loved music. Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved to sing. I would sing in the church choirs and do musicals at the church. When I found Instagram, I found this different world for me away from school, and I met so many people there that were experiencing the same things as me so I just felt comfortable to be myself and put myself out there because it wasn't real life. It felt like it was this different world and I could just be myself. And now have 4.6 million followers on Instagram!

Mago __ Seeing that you've grown to 4.6 million on Instagram- Why did you choose social media as a way to connect with others and share your music? Has anything changed since you first joined?

Maggie __ When I first joined Instagram, it was 2011 so it wasn't like it is now at all. There weren't influencers, I guess it was what it is today but like on a very small scale. And so when I first got on it was literally just a way to escape from my reality and be this different person online. Even though it was more me than I was in person, if you know what I mean. And then with time it became this safe space for me and I felt more comfortable there. I felt like sharing personal experiences and my music.

Mago __ Do you write your own music and what is that like? I know every artist is different, so please tell us about your process. 

Maggie __ Yes, I do. So, every song is different depending on whom I'm working with. Luckily, on this EP, I got to work with mostly the same people. Which is really nice, because I feel that once you find your people in music, it's really awesome to stick with that and keep going. Sometimes I didn't have an idea and we would just bounce things off of each other. Other days, I would just go in with these really strong ideas and I would basically have a therapy session with the writers I was with. Then we would just start writing, do the verse and the chorus while Cody or Josh would be working on the production. We'd be talking about how we wanted it to sound and work together throughout to create the final product.

Mago __ Obviously, we’re in the midst of a pandemic. So, you know, we’re all going through so much emotion. I would imagine as a performer and a creator that it’s especially difficult. Is there anything from this process that stands out to you?

Maggie __ It's funny, because most of the project was finished before COVID, luckily. I think there's two songs on the EP that were finished over Zoom. But for me, the thing that's been the worst is not being able to perform. Because usually you would release something, and then go to radio stations or perform somewhere or have your own concert. I'm doing a virtual live concert, which is really cool. I'm really excited about that. But I really miss the energy of being at a real concert and being able to perform and see people's faces.

Mago __ Due to the pandemic, Zoom is the new normal for many. Could you tell us what it was like creating on Zoom? 

Maggie __ It's definitely different. But again, I work with the same people, so I feel like it's nice to know the people you're working with before you get on a Zoom. Because, well, I'm just really awkward, especially with new people. Zoom is really different, because you can't feel the energy in the room. So you can't always feel the vibe. Luckily, I was working with the same people so it was fine. We actually finished the song  pretty fast and it was pretty painless but it is definitely different. I would much rather be in person, but you know, obviously with everything...

Mago __ What's the sound like on your new musical project? What can we expect? Is it different from what we've heard from you?

Maggie  __ It's definitely going to be similar to Paranoia but an even better version. I'm constantly progressing.

Mago __ How did you come up with Swix? Does it stand for anything in specific?

Maggie __ It was actually my Tumblr name in 2012. I honestly have no idea how I came up with it, I think I really used to like Twix like Twix candy, and I think I just was like oh Swix. I'm not positive on that. [Laughs]

Mago __ How is your dating life, being such a fierce creative person. Are you seeing anyone?

Maggie __  I have a boyfriend. I've had a boyfriend for two years now. He's also in music, so it's awesome.

Mago __ Does it make it easier that he's in music?

Maggie  __ I think it does. I've dated people that aren't musicians and he is my first boyfriend that's a musician. It's nice. I feel like he gets it. If I have to hop on a plane and go somewhere real quick to do a radio show, or whatever it is, he understands and he's not mad at me. He's super supportive, talented, and helps me on a lot of stuff I need help on... So yeah it's really nice.

Mago __ What advice do you have for young aspiring artists?

Maggie __ My advice is be yourself and stay true to yourself. Don't let people tell you that what you're doing isn't gonna work or you're not good enough or whatever it is because individuality is so important. Just staying true and authentic is so important and it does read through to people. Just be yourself and work hard and always do your best and be your best.

Mago __ Maggie, this has been a wonderful conversation. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.