Music
Maggie Szabo Releases Pride Anthem for Trans Youth, “Don’t Give Up”
Prolific songwriter and pop powerhouse, Maggie Szabo, has released her popular Pride anthem, “Don’t Give Up” on DSPs for the first time. This beautifully 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, catching the attention of many, including Billboard and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. Szabo was then invited to film a live performance of the song with the Chorus for LA Pride. It went on to be featured by The Advocate, praised by the Huffington Post, PopDust, and is still performed live on stage at Pride events. Video proceeds are donated to the Ali Forney Center, supporting homeless, LGBTQIA+ youth. May 20, 2022, is the first time the audio has been available on all platforms.
“We should all be treated equally and with love, no matter our gender identity, who we love, where we come from, and what we look like,” said Szabo. “Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed many situations where that’s just not the case, and that’s where the inspiration for ‘Don’t Give Up’ came from. Since writing the song, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to perform it with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles at countless fundraisers, Prides, and various events around southern California. Too many stories have been shared with me where transgender youth are being discarded by their family and forced to live on the street. It’s really opened my eyes – even more – about the importance of awareness for the Trans community.”
Szabo has dedicated her career to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, using her music and online platform to conquer social injustice and fight for equity. Her single “Rebuild,” released in June 2021, was featured by Yahoo! and named a 2021 Pride Jam by Queerty. The music video was directed by a trans woman (Alexa Best), stars a trans woman (Dr. Kathryn Davis), and follows Kathryn’s struggles, from losing her job and being forced to detransition, to her nearly fatal emergency surgery, which was her wakeup call.
Originally from Canada, Szabo’s hit single ‘My Oh My’ was named Stingray Radio’s “Trending Track” in Oct. 2021 and hit the Canada Hot AC Chart at #27 (alongside Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, and Adele), taking over radio throughout Canada.
In addition to releasing her own music, Szabo is a choice songwriter in the industry, writing with and for the best. Her latest hit,“SloMo”, written by Szabo, Leroy Sanchez, Keith Harris, Ibere Fortes, and Arjen Thonen, came in third at the internationally known Eurovision Song Contest, May 10-14, 2022. Maggie is also a co-writer on the “Welcome to Eden” soundtrack (#2 Netflix show in the U.S.).
If you think this is your first time hearing of Szabo, you’ve likely heard her music in notable films and on TV networks such as E!, Disney, ABC, NBC, and Netflix.
Keep Up with Maggie Szabo: Website - Tik Tok - Instagram - Youtube - Spotify – Facebook - Twitter – Soundcloud
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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
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“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
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