If you don’t know of her, you should really reconsider your listening choices. 19-year old Nashville based singer / songwriter Mags Duval is the real deal who’s ready to take the music world by storm. She has some great songs under her belt including “Pink Cadillac” and her new hit single “Plain Jane”.
You may as well just call everything she puts out infectious with an attitude. That’s exactly who Duval is and continues to prove herself on every song release. Every release samples her upcoming EP (out later this year). Each marks her artistic growth as an artist and proves that she just might be the next poster child for Alt-pop.
We had the chance to catch up with Mags as we spoke about “Plain Jane”, Nashville, and life experiences. Read below to find out more about the spunky newcomer and make sure to stream “Plain Jane” now on Apple Music.
BEYOND THE STAGE: You’re a pop artist who’s stationed in Nashville. What made you choose Nashville over other cities? How has your sound developed since being in Nashville?
MAGS DUVAL: I chose Nashville because I started pursuing my music career around age 13 and my parents weren’t comfortable with the idea of me traveling to New York or LA. I’m thankful I started in Nashville though because this town definitely shaped the kind of songwriter I am – I care a lot about lyrics and telling stories through my music.
BTS: What is your musical upbringing like?
MD: My parents listened to a lot of ‘70s pop such as Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, James Taylor etc. I have older brothers as well and they listened to a lot of ‘90s hip-hop/ rap.
BTS: What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in life in regards to music?
MD: To unapologetically be yourself. If you try to chase trends or what seems popular, you’ll lose focus and your music won’t feel authentic anymore.
BTS: Your songs are incredible, and we are obsessed with “Plain Jane.” What was the writing process like for that song?
MD: Awe, thank you so much! That means the world. It came from real-life experience, as do most of my songs. A guy friend of mine that I was into suddenly got a girlfriend (that wasn’t me) and my friends gave her the nickname “Plain Jane” to make me feel better about the situation. That instantly sparked the song idea for me.
BTS: What do you love most about alt-pop?
MD: I love the freedom in the genre to not have to be “bubble gum pop” and use darker sounds.
BTS: Which one of your songs do you believe describes your life right now? Why?
MD: Probably ‘Stay Lonely’ haha because I am in a place where I don’t want to commit to a relationship, but I still want someone to talk to at times. It’s a very brutally honest song haha
BTS: What’s on your bucket list as an artist? What are some huge milestones you want to achieve?
MD: The biggest thing to me is sharing my own life experiences through my songs in order to meet people in theirs. There’s nothing that fulfills me more than knowing someone found their own stories in my lyrics. Huge milestone would definitely be to play Madison Square Garden one day!
BTS: Can we expect an EP soon?
MD: I’m releasing songs every 8-10 weeks right now and will eventually compile those into an EP!
BTS: What do you think separates you from most artists nowadays? How do you want to reach your fans?
MD: I just write what comes to me naturally. Sometimes at 3AM in my bedroom, sometimes with other collaborators. I want to make my fans feel less alone in the world with the things we are all feeling and going through, but sometimes those things are hard to talk about. I want to be a voice for them.
BTS: Who’s inspired you the most throughout your career?
MD: There are so many woman I admire in this industry – both on the music and business side. I’ve been lucky to have had many amazing role-models! Carole King’s career is hugely inspiring to me. She had a successful solo artist career as well as writing songs for other artists which is something I also want to do.
BTS: How did you come up with your stage name?
MD: I knew I wanted to go by Mags – it’s my nickname and what my closest friends and family call me. I want to have that kind of relationship with my fans where they go straight to calling me by my nickname. My music is the most intimate way anyone can come to know me, so it seemed fitting! Duval is my grandpa’s middle name. I liked the way the two sound together- it kind of has an old Hollywood film-star mystique to it.
BTS: What’s next for you and the rest of 2017?
MD: Like I mentioned earlier, we’ll be releasing songs every 8-10 weeks and then I’ll probably be playing some shows in the fall!
Admin at Beyond The Stage Magazine
Beyond The Stage Magazine is a digital music publication based out of the United States. With more than 25 issues, the publication has covered artists like Noah Cyrus, Logan Henderson and more.
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