#21: Writing Songs, Sharing Music, and Playing Video Games with Maggie Gently
Maggie Gently is the solo project of Maggie Grabmeier, formerly of The Total Bettys, and she just dropped her new EP, Good Cry. Maggie shared that the songwriting and recording process as a solo artist differed a bit from writing as a band, but the end result is an honest, introspective look at losing a relationship with a friend. Or, as Maggie eloquently puts it: “Five songs of sadness.”
But we’ve got plenty of happy times on this episode, too. Maggie talks about the joys of making music, from artists that inspired her to the power of the local music scene. As a queer woman, Maggie’s identity is important to her, and she shares a valuable lesson on surrounding yourself with good people who won’t tear you down based on who you are.
And of course, since we’ve all been social distancing, we have a few good quarantine video game recommendations.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Maggie discusses her new EP Good Cry, which is about a painful friend relationship ending. (1:04)
Maggie’s songwriting process, including why writing for her solo work as Maggie Gently presented new challenges and opportunities from her pop punk band, The Total Bettys. (2:42)
Why the time from finishing the album to the actual release date was one of the most anxious, nerve-wracking experiences, and Maggie’s game plan for promoting music. (7:49)
How the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing has changed Maggie’s album release strategy, including virtual concerts on Instagram Live and YouTube, and how she’s learning from other musicians putting on their own quarantine shows. (9:38)
Why having a comfortable sofa is a critical addition to any home—and why visitors might judge you on the quality of your couch. (11:12)
Music marketing strategies Maggie has tried and found successful, including creative promotion and the importance of having a team to help guide her along the way. Some of her top tips include Spotify playlists, doing interviews, and (hint hint) appearing on podcasts. (12:55)
An inside look at some of the Spotify tactics and techniques that have worked for Maggie. (15:55)
The first time Maggie ever heard her music on the radio. It wasn’t quite the scene from That Thing You Do!, but it’s still pretty wonderful. (17:40)
A look at Maggie’s CD case when she was a kid, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, The Spice Girls, and Brandi. Plus the albums that influenced Maggie in a major way, like Avril Lavigne—a punk rock woman that changed the game—and hearing emo music for the first time. I also have to give a shout out to Lucky Boys Confusion, a fantastic pop punk band from Chicago. (20:02)
The worst gig Maggie ever played—which was also one of the first shows she played with The Total Bettys—and why it’s an impactful lesson on being smart about the company you keep and who you associate it. (24:28)
Joey Journalist Alert! We look back at riding the cable cars in San Francisco and why it’s a delightful (albeit somewhat touristy) activity. (29:10)
Maggie’s advice for how to support upcoming new artists through building a community of musicians and supporting your local music scene, from small venues to local radio stations and music blogs. (30:49)
Maggie and I discuss our top video games that we’ve been playing during this time of social distancing and dive into some of the weirdest Pokemon, plus our favorites of all-time. (33:50)
What’s Next with Maggie Gently?
Check out Maggie’s music at Brave Cove Records, Spotify, and Bandcamp, and visit her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
If you’re a fan of Good People, Cool Things, I would love your support. Feel free to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. That helps even more people discover these wonderful guests.
You can also support the show by checking out the new Good People, Cool Things merch store. Thanks for listening!