Prolific Canadian songwriter Maggie Szabo has released her popular pride anthem, “Don’t Give Up” on DSPs for the first time. This authentic and heartfelt song is dedicated to transgender youth around the world who live in fear and suffer from rejection and exclusion. The uplifting pop anthem’s music video was originally released in 2017 to a wide reception, and has now been released on all DSPs for streaming.
“Don’t Give Up” opens with grand, expansive choral vocals and airy, atmospheric synths before bouncy percussion is added to give the song an enticing groove. Atop the shimmering instrumentation, Szabo delivers powerful, infectious melodies that demonstrate her sharp songwriting abilities. Crescendoing in an explosive, inspiring chorus that lingers in the listener’s head long after listening, “Don’t Give Up” is an anthemic offering that provides a potent and important message.
The latest from Canadian artist Maggie Szabo, “Don’t Give Up”‘s heartfelt vocals and heavenly instrumentation make for an uplifting, poignant listen.
Tell us about your new song? And what’s the story behind it?
My new song is called “Remind you”. And it’s about reminding the person that you love that you basically, love them. A relationship isn’t always smooth sailings, there are a lot of bumpy roads and this song is me recognizing that, calling myself out on my flaws and saying that I’m happy to have someone who’s able to put up with my mess. It’s basically telling your partner that you’re grateful for having them in your life even with the “less happy” moments in the relationship. It’s a reminder that you’re both in this together and that you won’t let go
What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?
I wouldn’t say the sound portion of the music that I make is the most unique there is. Although I’m working on that. But what makes me stand out I’d say is the story behind each songs. Because my songs are all very personal to me, because they’re inspired by real life events at least for the most part. I provide something genuine and I think that’s what the people that listen to me resonate with. It’s not over the top situations but things that you can relate to if you’ve gone through similar things. Im being me in those songs, the vulnerable me, the happy me the confident me, depending on the songs. Not some made up version just to look cool. I use my music mainly as an outlet for my emotions and so people with the same emotions will relate to it
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
Since I’m just getting started I haven’t had anything major happen yet to be honest but as things are slowly growing and i get to see people connect with my songs is an incomparable feeling. So I’m confident that the moments will come, I’ll just keep working towards them. It’s only been around 6 months
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
I try my best lol, to be honest it’s tough. I work on weekdays and I use almost any free time I get to work on something music related. I’m not the best when it comes to planning things out lot. But somehow it works out for me at least so far it has
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
First thing I’d say is to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Secondly whatever you do treat it as if it was a stranger handing it to you. If you wouldn’t like that song from a stranger then that means go back and work on it. Lastly just start doing it. Practice is the best teacher, keep your eyes and ears open and you’ll learn as you go
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I’d say thank you to the people rocking with me and I’m going to do my best not to ever disappoint them.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
Definitely more music. Mostly singles for now I do want to drop and 𝐸𝑃 at some point but I don’t know when that will be. I also want to try to work with more people. Music videos. And I also want to create more types of content where I can connect with people. I don’t really know how I will do that but that’s definitely something in the plans. We’ll see what the future holds.
Rising Los Angeles singer YaLLa the Melodica has shared a new single called “Are You The One?” This fresh track showcases sharply-crafted, infectious instrumentation and evocative songwriting that pairs retro influences from 80’s pop with refreshingly modern stylings. “Are You The One?” opens with warm, vivid guitars and airy synths, before bouncy drums and electrifying synth bass are brought in to give the song a memorable groove. As Melodica’s vocals float smoothly atop the instrumentation, the listener is drawn into the song’s vibrant, balmy soundscape. Capping the track off with a catchy, atmospheric chorus, “Are You The One?” provides replay value with its graceful sonics.
An apt soundtrack for warm nights as we move towards summer, “Are You The One?” is an infectious, character-rich offering that finds YaLLa the Melodica delivering an evocative and engaging performance. Considering this is only her second release on streaming platforms, “Are You The One?” feels poised and showcases the kind of focus in her songwriting a veteran might possess.
Young Mommy appears at Roundhouse Music with her astonishingly entertaining music video for “Swanky Ma.” This non-explicit rap single is composed of the artists’ clever lyrics, a catchy musical composition, and well-constructed video production. The balance between fun & professionalism is evident in this project. She displays an impressive skill level as a rapper – flawlessly & rhythmically enunciating every word – while maintaining a G-rated profile for her target audience. The proficient female rapper – who has made appearances in ET Canada, Access Hollywood, & Entertainment Tonight – exhibits a fabulous display of creativity & innovation in “Swanky Ma” and is a genuine influence for those seeking a family-friendly level of artistry.
Jacksonville-based artist Rokko Ca$h debuts at Roundhouse Music with his 2021 release, “Selfish.” The Florida musician delivers this uplifting Alternative R&B track that evokes the feeling of fulfillment on a warm summer day. Shown through a series of impressively double-timed vocal patterns atop a bright & cheery production – Rokko Ca$h exhibits a pristine display of artistry & proficiency. The self-taught artist composed this innovative array of sonics which has allowed him to develop an eclectic sound & style – perfect for blasting through the streets of Jacksonville. “Selfish” is indeed a refreshing listen, and we look forward to hearing more from the artist here at Roundhouse Music.
The prolific Salt Lake City-based artist Micah Willis debuts at Roundhouse Music with his latest release, “Tell Me.” This evocative single is a pleasant listen with influences deriving from Alternative, Contemporary & Indie R&B. The proficient R&B artist unfolds his songwriting talent & vocal capacity through a captivating series of song structures – disclosing his years of experience in music. As for the track’s production – by incorporating warm guitar licks over lush arpeggiated synthesizer pads – the composition delivers itself with an emotional progression of sounds that reveals Willis’ artistic potential. “Tell Me” is undoubtedly an immaculate display of artistry, and we look forward to hearing more from this artist.
Vancouver artist sendmeyourmoney debuts at Roundhouse Music with her upcoming release “Stripped Away (Remix) feat. Genie String Bass.” This eclectic Indietronica-based single delivers itself with a soothing array of instrumentation & composition. The track introduces a sequence of glitchy-detuned piano before transitioning over to the artists’ dreamy vocals, lush guitar & a prominent live drum kit. It is a well-composed song that you would expect to hear in Spotify’s “Indie Pop” editorial playlist. “Stripped Away” is a dream-like take on the rapidly growing genre, and we look forward to hearing more from this beautiful & talented artist.
TRP.P debuts at Roundhouse Music with their voluptuous single “Way I Like.” The Toronto duo, individually known as Phoenix Pagliacci (Singer) & Truss (Producer), have composed this compelling & sensual R&B composition consisting of ambient pads, captivating bells, & an addicting bassline that can lure listeners to an overwhelming sense of euphoria. Atop the beautiful production by Truss, Pheonix’s voice and storytelling abilities turn this track into an evocative yet irresistibly erotic musical experience. Her remarkable voice truly compliments the message she delivers through the lyrics. At the same time, the flawless delivery from verse to chorus shows the artist’s qualities that can genuinely bring this track to great heights in the Toronto R&B scene & beyond. The beautiful & impressive arrangement of sonics curated by TRP.P is undoubtedly one of the most alluring songs to arise from Toronto – and we look forward to hearing more at Roundhouse Music.
Khamari debuts at Roundhouse Music with his beautiful single, “Doctor, My Eyes.” This song delivers itself through a stunning array of production & evocative lyricism. By incorporating beautiful guitar atop a prominent low-passed snare – Khamari provides listeners with a vivid display of storytelling and narrative. As he addresses issues of self-trauma & the difficulties in coping with addictions/substance abuse – he exhibits his creative potential and level of artistry through a soothing composition. The artist concludes the song with a heartfelt voice & low distortion before hitting a sudden stop – a perfect ending to this captivating song.
UK artists Knucks & Stormzy have made a tremendous impact on the UK Hip Hop scene in the last half-decade. After paving their separate paths in the industry, the two have finally contributed to a long-expected collaboration with their latest single – Die Hard – a nonchalant track that displays their ambitions of transcending into new levels within their careers.
Atop the compelling messages within their lyrics & jazzy influences in the beat selection, the two rappers display chemistry in their sound that can situate them into a position of dominance in the UK Hip Hop scene.
Impressively matching each other’s energy, the artists showcase an immaculate display of storytelling, highlighting the risks and challenges they’re willing to overcome to bring forth a grandiose suit & tie lifestyle into fruition. In the chorus, Knucks cleverly references the 1998 film “Die Hard” with lyrics, ‘I pray to God I’m in the right lane, Goin out a hundred on the highway, Out the sunroof screamin “Yippee Ki yay.” The American cowboy one-liner has been graced as an expression of extreme joy & excitement in classic pop culture. The wordplay evokes the artist’s desire and eagerness to reach his goals and aspirations while assessing the risks of advancing too quickly in the industry. He continues to deliver messages throughout his verses, indicating his awareness for those attempting to skip through their own difficulties by tying themselves to his accomplishments. In conclusion to his verse, he expresses his vigour and resilience through the lyrics ‘mans word, I can never be a mans worker/work the plan, we can never let the plan work us.’ This powerful statement addresses his inclination toward success without succumbing to the pressures of the industry.
After the third chorus, Stormzy makes his gracious appearance in the song – providing the track with his distinct yet laid-back flow. Much like the messages delivered by Knucks – he too exhibits a vivid story of his experience in the music business – calling attention to the ingenuine personalities of others & his willingness to protect all that he’s worked to achieve. The artist implies his disposition to stay oblivious ‘in the hood with geniuses and illiterates’ as he endeavours to succeed in obtaining his big dream.
From a music producer’s perspective – the artists flawlessly convey their message atop the sinister-sounding production. By incorporating prominent live basslines, dark fender rhodes & a sprinkle of jazzy saxophone licks at the end – the sequence and instrumentation act as a perfect backdrop for this evocative single.
Despite the song’s ominous and thrilling outcome, the two highly prolific UK rappers present this inspiring track, revealing their devotion and willingness to excel in their careers. “Die Hard” is undoubtedly an inspiring collaborative effort that leaves room for anticipation.
