Q&A With Maggie Andrew
Maggie Andrew has had one heck of a year. From winning her first ECMA this spring to releasing her debut EP, DAY JOB and recently being named the winner of CBC’s Searchlight. We caught up with Maggie ahead of her performance at Sommo Festival to chat about her success and it’s clear she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Maggie, since we saw you last time at the ECMAS, you’ve had a series of amazing things happen. Can you tell us what has happened since the spring?
I won my very first ECMA, and then I got to play at Trafalgar Square for a Canada Day celebration on behalf of the Canadian government, which was insane and then obviously, I’ve been looking forward to Sommo festival the whole time. Two weeks ago, I became the CBC Searchlight winner for 2024, which has been insane, and it still hasn't sunk in yet. I'm just going day by day, and it's absolutely incredible.
That’s so amazing - congratulations! How does it feel to be recognized for all your hard work?
It feels insane every day. I'm just like, what is happening? What do I need to do today? And I've just kind of been trying to focus on every day as it comes because there's a lot of stuff going on, and I'm just trying to take it one day at a time. It feels amazing and incredible, and I just really want to soak in the whole opportunity and make the most out of everything. So that's why I'm just trying to be super in the moment with everything and make sure I'm grateful. And I feel like I'm really in tune with what's happening.
You also dropped your debut album, DAY JOB, since we last caught up. What has it been like to have that out in the world?
I did win Searchlight with one of the songs on that album, so that felt really, really incredible. And the reaction from my audience and people online has been pretty crazy. Just knowing that people are listening to my songs. I have physical copies of my CDs, which is crazy. I was a kid buying CDs at Walmart, and they don't sell CDs there anymore. So, every day that I just get to hold my album in my hands, I feel like it's real, and this is really happening. I’m just so grateful for everything that's been going on.
And a big part of the album is about quitting your day job and focusing on your art. You have millions of streams and thousands of followers on your social channels - how does that feel?
Honestly, it feels pretty normal, like my whole life as a human being and who I am. I feel regular, you know. I don't feel any different than I do every other day of my life. So as long as things feel authentic to me and it's, you know, numbers don't really matter, as long as you feel happy and it brings you joy. I’m excited to get out of bed every day because I get to make music and do what I love, and that's kind of the best part about it all - just being around and enjoying what has come with the success that I've worked hard for. I continue to work hard because, you know, I’m not where I want to be yet, but I'm on my way, and it's awesome.
What can people expect from your set at Sommo?
To have the most fun that they've ever had in their entire life? We've been rehearsing really hard. I feel like we've just been having the most fun. It will be a full-band performance, with some crazy guitar solos here and there. I have a new song on the set, which is coming out tomorrow night. I’m really excited about that one. I think we're just going to have fun and enjoy the island, and it's going to be amazing.
Now that you’re here at the festival - who are you looking forward to seeing?
A couple of people… Goldie [Boutilier] - I love her so much, and she's been doing incredible. Adam Baldwin and The Jenny Wren - I’m super stoked to see them and Noah Kahan... I have to say it. I know everyone here is excited to see him, but it's about to be officially the season of the sticks tonight, and I can't wait. It's my first summer festival, and I'm bubbling with excitement.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I'm going to the JUNO Masterclass next week as a result of winning CBC Searchlight, and my song About Us is in the CBC Top 20, so if people want to vote for that, that would be awesome. Other than that, I'm playing in Saskatoon at BreakOut West on September 27 and September 28, and then I'm writing for the rest of the year, making new music and getting ready for 2025.
