Maggie Schneider – Don’t Tell Me

By starrymag | October 17, 2019

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Tell me about the process of writing your latest single “Don’t Tell Me.”

 

A) The writing process for “Don’t Tell Me” was unlike writing any other song of mine. I was wide awake one night, tossing and turning with a lot of stuff on my mind. Lyrics started popping into my head as I thought about the situation I was in and everything I wanted to say but left unsaid. In a moment of catharsis, I pulled out my iPhone and jotted down all of the words and phrases that were coming to mind, in no particular order. It was just like a release! The next day, on my way home from college, I randomly just sang “Don’t tell me who to be” at the top of my lungs in the car. That was when I knew it would be a song – and I finished it in two hours.

 

Q) You recently shot a video for the new single. What was the inspiration behind creating that video?

 

A) I am so proud of the music video and working with Deanna Elise on the concept was such a great experience. We wanted to have the video be about finding yourself and staying true to who you are, especially as an artist. In the video I’m going on a personal journey of figuring out exactly who I am, the kind of music I want to write, the clothes I want to wear, and how I want to respond to negativity online. It was inspired by things I’ve gone through, but also what all of my friends have been through. When everyone is telling you what to do and who to be, it can be hard to stand up for yourself. We wanted to show that you’re stronger than you think.

 

Q) With a new single, when can we hope for a new album and possibly a tour?

 

A) I have a new album completely finished, which I’m so excited to release! Can’t quite say when that’ll be out, but it’ll be worth the wait. I’ll definitely be touring a lot more this upcoming year, especially since I am on the Artery Global roster now! Super stoked to be working with Chris MacIntosh and having the opportunity to share my music with more people.

 

Q) How do you feel this recent single shows your growth as an artist from all your prior releases?

 

A) This is one of the songs I am proudest of writing because it truly shows how I’ve grown in the last year alone. It is authentically me and I think the most genuine song I’ve ever released. Everything I put out is honest, but I think “Don’t Tell Me” is as vulnerable as it gets.

 

Q) Just as your song “Don’t Tell Me” is one of empowerment to be who you are, who are some of the musical influences you had that empowered you as an artist?

 

A) Oh wow, I have so many influences that have empowered me. Lady Gaga and Julia Michaels are two artists that hold a special place in my heart. Everything they do and write is raw and original and I have so much respect for them. They also are mental health advocates, and the work they do outside of music is really admirable. I hope to be as badass of a role model as they have been to me!

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I come up with the foundation of ideas, but I collaborate with my cowriters and producers when it comes to the final mix. I am definitely not skilled as a producer and one of my favorite parts of the recording process is working together and learning from new perspectives. Alex Downtain and Ben Humkey at Homegrown Studios truly brought this song to life and it wouldn’t be the same without their help.

 

Q) Which song of yours is your favorite to perform live?

 

A) “Don’t Tell Me” is my favorite song to perform live right now! I start it playing the piano and towards the end jump up and just sing the song. I wanted the live performance of it to match the level of intensity of the track and so I’m all over the place at the end. It’s a freeing feeling to play this one live and hear people singing along.

 

Q) Out of all your live performances, what was one of your favorite moments on stage?

 

A) One of my favorite moments was singing with my friends in Sleep On It onstage. If you haven’t listened to their music, you gotta check them out. Not only are they talented, but they are some of the sweetest guys in the scene. After I posted a few covers of their songs, they invited me to sing with them last year in Atlanta to a packed house! It meant so much to be asked and there was so much electricity between the band and myself onstage. That moment was yet another reminder of why I perform and why I want to continue moving forward with my career.

 

Q) If I were to take a peek at your music collection, what would I be surprised to find you listening to?

 

A) Hmm…I love everything from musical theatre, to pop/punk, to early 2000s pop! You may be surprised that I jam out to Bon Jovi and Queen from time to time, they are two of my favorite throwbacks. In the same playlist, I could also be jamming to Hilary Duff and the Jonas Brothers! It really depends on my mood.

 

Q) If given the opportunity to work with anyone, who would be your dream collaboration?

 

A) My dream collaboration would definitely be with the Jonas Brothers or All Time Low. Those are definitely my two favorite bands of all time and I would probably combust if either of them wanted to work with me.

 

Q) What advice would you give to those looking to break into the music business?

 

A) My biggest piece of advice is to know your worth and stay true to what you want to do. Create a team of people that loves and supports you and make sure you’re following your gut and your heart. A lot of people get taken advantage of, and so the key is to make sure you have a great support system and are doing what you love. That’s all that matters.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of your music?

 

A) Thank you so much for supporting me and my music. It is surreal to hear that “Don’t Tell Me” has inspired so many of you and I’m so excited for you to hear what’s next. You guys inspire me every day.