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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Adrie ft. Rulo evokes the groove-soaked rhythmic vibe with her debut single “Bring Back the Light”
Adrie’s thought-provoking vibe, “Bring Back the Light,” establishes a sonically vivid kaleidoscope that encapsulates vitality and skillfully merges energetic Afrobeat rhythms and funk-oriented guitar melodies with the soulful combination of English and Spanish lyrics. The debut single from her upcoming concept album bursts forth as a significant representation of artistic innovation. The audacious collaboration with Chilean artist Rulo, recognized for his proficiency in Latin funk and hip-hop roots, infuses the track with a layer of vibrant authenticity.
The song’s heartbeat is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, establishing a dynamic rhythm that engages listeners from the outset. The funk guitar elements interlace throughout the composition, contributing a timeless energy. Additionally, the bilingual lyrics transition seamlessly between English and Spanish, reflecting Adrie’s diverse cultural heritage. This linguistic interplay underscores the overarching theme of the track: the complex relationship between light and darkness on both societal and personal levels.
Drawing inspiration from the surreal narrative of the television series ‘Twin Peaks,’ Adrie and Rulo explore the equilibrium between fear and hope. The lyrics are imbued with emotional depth, articulating Adrie’s battle with anxiety and her desire to foster positivity. Nevertheless, the overall composition rises above the melancholy theme, characterized by an uplifting rhythm and celebratory tone, encouraging listeners to engage intellectually, contemplate profoundly, and participate physically through dance.
“Bring Back the Light” aims to illuminate these pressing issues and inspire proactive engagement. It is a poignant reminder that even amidst personal or societal challenges, there’s a rhythm in life to celebrate and a spark waiting to be ignited. This represents Adrie at her most creative, and with Rulo’s distinctive flair, the outcome is a dance-floor anthem characterized by both heartfelt and meaningful. Listeners are invited to increase the volume and allow the music to uplift and brighten their spirits.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Adrie’s “Bring Back the Light“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.
“Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, “Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.
Subsequently, the soulful track “Closing In On December“ follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, “Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.
Curley’s versatility is evident in “A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. “Extra Happy Holidays“ delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.
Infusing a touch of country flair, “Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem“ reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with “New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.
Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.
For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP “Big Colored Lights“ on Spotify.
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