MAGGIE- your artist interview

Tell us about yourself and your music

I was born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to Australia with my daughter and son on a Spouse visa after surviving domestic violence in my country of birth. Will be turning 60 next year.
My insatiable thirst for knowledge led me to study Migration Law, Marriage, and Justice of the Peace courses here in Australia on top of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology which I completed in the Philippines before moving to Australia.
Studying helped me combat my emotional pains, cultural shock, homesickness, and anxiety.
When I finally got rid of anxiety and depression last 2 October 2019, I was able to write my first song called Exit Now – describing my experience when I was depressed.
The second song Love@Waltz is for my husband; Human, my 3rd composition is for all of humanity and Physical Distancing in English and in the Filipino language. The message of Physical Distancing is ambiguous.
My songs convey vital messages and are vintage-sounding.

Talk to us more about your latest release

Physical Distancing is a pandemic-related terminology so I gave it a twist- a hopeful message and danceable beat with vintage charm.

What inspired you to write this release?

My belief that Physical Distancing could lessen the possibility of getting infected by COVID 19; my observation that youngsters could avoid teenage pregnancy if they practice Physical Distancing and my conviction that adults who could break a family should also practice Physical Distancing, inspired me to write this song.

Describe the writing and recording process

It took me 3 days to write, edit, and rewrite the English version of Physical Distancing. But the Filipino version took me an hour to write while I was playing scrabble with my husband. The 2 hours studio time that I booked with our local recording studio was just enough.

Any plans to release a video?

Any plans to hit the road?

Not at this stage.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

Matured singer/songwriter. My songs convey pragmatic, hopeful and positive messages with a soothing melody and vintage appeal. I would love to represent the senior citizens in the music arena.

Who have you been listening to lately?

No one. I do not want to be influenced by any artist.

Who are your biggest influences?

My parents gave me unconditional love and those who abused me. My life’s experience, values, beliefs, and advocacy to help build a better world through music.