Maggie Rogers

American musician (born 1994) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maggie Rogers

Margaret Debay Rogers (born April 25, 1994) is an American singer-songwriter and record producer from Easton, Maryland.[1] After her song "Alaska" was played to artist-in-residence Pharrell Williams during a master class at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 2016, she gained widespread recognition.[2] She has released two independent albums, The Echo (2012) and Blood Ballet (2014), and three studio albums, Heard It in a Past Life (2019), Surrender (2022) and Don't Forget Me (2024). She was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2020.

Quick Facts Born, Education ...
Maggie Rogers
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Rogers in 2019
Born
Margaret Debay Rogers

(1994-04-25) April 25, 1994 (age 30)
Education
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2012–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Labels
Websitemaggierogers.com
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Biography

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Perspective

Early life (1994–2012)

Maggie Rogers grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland along the banks of the Miles River in Easton, Maryland. Her father is a retired Ford Motor Company dealership owner and her mother, a former nurse, is an end-of-life doula.[3] She began playing harp at age seven and loved the music of Gustav Holst and Antonio Vivaldi. Her mother would play neo-soul artists such as Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. By the time she was in middle school, Rogers had added piano and guitar to her repertoire and began songwriting in eighth grade.[4] For high school, she attended The Gunston School before attending and graduating from St. Andrew's School, a boarding school in Middletown, Delaware. At school, she played harp in the orchestra, sang in the choir, joined a jazz band, learned banjo and became interested in folk music, and taught herself how to program. Rogers saw many of her first concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, including Mumford & Sons and the Black Eyed Peas.[5] She also spent many summers at a rural camp in Maine.[6]

The summer after her junior year in high school, Rogers attended a Berklee College of Music program and won the program's songwriting contest, which spurred her to focus on writing.[4] During her high school senior year, she made her television debut at DelmarvaLife and recorded what became her first album, The Echo (2012). Rogers included her demos as part of her application to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, was accepted, and started in 2012.[3]

College years and discovery (2012–2016)

At NYU, Rogers considered a career in music journalism, and in her first year, Rogers interned for music journalist Lizzy Goodman for whom she transcribed and edited hundreds of hours of interviews with major musicians and journalists, which were compiled into Goodman's 2017 book Meet Me in the Bathroom.[7] She formed a band called Del Water Gap with singer-songwriter S. Holden Jaffe.[8] They later split so that each could explore more solo work. Their song "New Song" appears on Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011–2016 (2020).

Rogers released another folk album, Blood Ballet (2014), during her second year at the school. Folk blog EarToTheGround Music explained that the album "...begs for listeners to confront deep personal emotions."[9] Buzzkill Magazine explains that Rogers "really starts to find her folksy feet" with "Little Joys" from Blood Ballet.[10] Rogers studied abroad in France while at NYU and after friends convinced her to go clubbing while they were in Berlin, she discovered a love for dance music. When she returned home, Rogers started distilling elements of dance music into her work.[11][12]

In 2016, after two years of writer's block,[7] Rogers wrote "Alaska", a song she wrote in fifteen minutes about a National Outdoor Leadership School course. She played the song for Pharrell Williams, an artist-in-residence who visited her class to critique student work.[13][14][3] Williams said of the song: "I've never heard anything that sounds like that."[15] A video of a visibly moved Williams listening to the song went viral that June, resulting in millions of views as well as hundreds of thousands of plays of The Echo and Blood Ballet.[3][16] Rogers graduated from New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music in May 2016 with a degree in music engineering and production and English.[17][6][18]

Graduate school (2021–2022)

In September 2021, Rogers tweeted that she had started graduate school at Harvard Divinity School, where she was "studying the spirituality of public gatherings and the ethics of power in pop culture" and to learn "how to keep art sacred".[19][20][21] She graduated in May 2022 with a master's degree in religion and public life, writing a thesis which "examined cultural consciousness, the spirituality of public gathering and the ethics of pop power". Her 2022 studio album, Surrender, was a component of the thesis.[19][22] From December 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024, Rogers was a Religion and Public Life Fellow at Harvard Divinity School. She spent this time expanding the writing and research of her MRPL degree, which explored the relationships of religion, spirituality, and pop culture from her vantage point as a performing artist.[23]

Music career (2016–present)

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Rogers performing live in October 2018
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Rogers performing live at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California, 2019

After the Pharrell video went viral in 2016, several record labels tried to sign Rogers.[3] She signed a recording contract with Capitol Records where "she licenses her music to them through her own imprint, Debay Sounds." As a result, she has more control over her sound and image than many artists at a similar place in their music careers.[7] Rogers' EP, Now That the Light Is Fading, was released on February 17, 2017. She released her major-label debut studio album, Heard It in a Past Life, on January 18, 2019. The album debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200.[24][25] Rogers made her The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon debut on February 15, 2017, Saturday Night Live debut on November 3, 2018, and Today Show debut on July 12, 2019.[26]

In April 2019, Rogers covered the Taylor Swift song "Tim McGraw" as a Spotify Single.[27] On November 1, 2019, she guested with Dead & Company, a rock band consisting of former Grateful Dead members, performing cover versions of the latter's "Friend of the Devil" and the Band's "The Weight" at Madison Square Garden in New York.[28] Also in November 2019, Rogers earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the 62nd Grammy Awards.[29] Rogers performed during the 2020 Democratic National Convention, appearing remotely from Scarborough, Maine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She was introduced by Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and 2020 United States Senate election in Maine candidate Sara Gideon.[30]

On November 13, 2020, Rogers collaborated with Phoebe Bridgers on a cover version of the Goo Goo Dolls' 1998 single "Iris", which Bridgers said she would make if Donald Trump lost the 2020 United States elections.[31][32] The song was released as a one-day exclusive on Bandcamp and was downloaded 28,000 times at a pay what you want cost, with all proceeds going to Fair Fight Action.[33][34] Despite only being available for purchase for one day, the song debuted at number one on the Digital Songs chart and No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it both artists' first entry on the latter chart.[35] The song also charted in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland.[36][37][38]

On December 18, 2020, Rogers released Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011–2016 via her label Debay Sounds. The album is a compilation of songs she wrote and recorded in the previous ten years of her recording career. Some of the songs are from her first two independently released albums: The Echo (2012) and Blood Ballet (2014). Other songs are from her previously unreleased 2016 rock EP and a band she was previously in with Holden Jaffe, Del Water Gap. The album was released along with a deluxe version in which Rogers provides an auditory commentary talking through each stage of her music career that the songs in that section reflect.[39] Her second studio album, Surrender, was released on July 29, 2022. It includes the singles "That's Where I Am", "Want Want", and "Horses". The track "Shatter" features Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine providing additional vocals and playing tambourine, and "I've Got a Friend" features Clairo and Claud speaking.[40]

On January 27, 2023, Rogers collaborated with American country star Zach Bryan on the single “Dawns”.[41] The single peaked at 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.[42] On June 24, 2023, Rogers played Glastonbury Festival, in Somerset, UK.[43] On August 5, 2023, Rogers played at Lollapalooza, in Chicago, Illinois. On January 24, 2024, Rogers announced the February 8, 2024, release of "Don't Forget Me" as the first single of her third album. On April 12, 2024, Rogers released her third album, Don't Forget Me. The album was written over five days in December 2022 and January 2023. Rogers said of the album, "Some of these stories on this album are mine. And for the first time really, some of them are not. The moments that are mine feel like memories—glimpses from college, details from when I was 18, 22, 28 (I'm 29 now). In writing the album sequentially, at some point a character emerged."[44]

Influences

Rogers cites Carrie Brownstein, Patti Smith, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, and Björk as her musical inspirations,[2] while prominent singers Brandi Carlile and Sharon Van Etten — whom she calls her "musical big sisters" — have become mentors.[45][46]

Performances

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Tours

Headliner

Opening act

Festivals

Rogers has performed at festivals including:[49]

Personal life

Summarize
Perspective

Rogers has stated that she has synesthesia, a benign condition where two or more senses are perceived at once. In her case, she is able to perceive colors as a response to hearing music.[50] Rogers says that she is spiritual, but not necessarily religious.[51] In October 2019, Rogers purchased a 1,034 square-foot home in Los Angeles for $1.29 million.[52]

Activism and philanthropy

Her song "Give a Little" was penned on the same day the National School Walkout demanded congressional action on gun control. She was inspired by the activism of students across the nation, and wrote "Give a Little" about empathy and unity.[53] Rogers has donated proceeds from certain merchandise and shows to the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. She has raised funds by charging pay what you want for certain song downloads, including a cover of the Goo Goo Dolls' Iris with Phoebe Bridgers, with all proceeds going to charities such as the pro-choice Brigid Alliance and Fair Fight Action, which supports suffrage.[54] She has stated that she is "proudly, loudly and distinctly pro-choice".[55][56]

Rogers performed at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.[57] In a post on Twitter that night, she endorsed Sara Gideon, who introduced her performance, in the 2020 United States Senate election in Maine.[58] While on her Don't Forget Me Tour, Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed June 16, 2024, as Maggie Rogers Day in the state, citing her work registering voters, championing women's reproductive rights, and fighting for fair concert ticket pricing.[5] Rogers endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, and performed for her at a rally in Ann Arbor.[59][60]

Discography

Studio albums

More information Title, Album details ...
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
US
[61]
AUS
[62]
BEL
(FL)

[63]
CAN
[64]
GER
[65]
IRE
[66]
NL
[67]
SCO
[68]
SWI
[69]
UK
[70]
Heard It in a Past Life 2892103095184925
Surrender
  • Released: July 29, 2022
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming, cassette
123913277627336
Don't Forget Me
  • Released: April 12, 2024
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming
481981012
"—" denotes an album that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
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Independent albums

More information Title, Album details ...
Title Album details
The Echo
  • Released: May 18, 2012[74]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
Blood Ballet
  • Released: July 2, 2014[75]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
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Compilation albums

More information Title, Details ...
List of compilation albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak positions
US
Sales

[76]
Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011–2016
  • Released: December 18, 2020[77]
  • Label: Debay Sounds
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
72
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Extended plays

More information Title, Details ...
List of EPs, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak positions
US
Heat

[78]
US
Rock

[79]
US
Sales

[76]
Now That the Light Is Fading
  • Release date: February 17, 2017[25]
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Format: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming
43999
Spotify Singles
  • Release date: December 12, 2018
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Format: Streaming
Mixtape 001: Dawn
  • Release date: February 23, 2022
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Format: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming
Mixtape 002: Dusk
  • Release date: March 2, 2022
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Format: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming
Mixtape 003: Night Drive
  • Release date: March 10, 2022
  • Label: Debay Sounds, Capitol
  • Format: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming
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Singles

As lead artist

More information Title, Year ...
List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak positions Certifications Album
US
DL

[80]
US
Adult

[81]
US
Rock

[82]
AUS
Hit.

[83]
BEL
(FL)
Tip

[63]
BEL
(WA)
Tip

[84]
CAN
Rock

[85]
ICE
[86]
NZ
Hot

[87]
UK
Indie

[70]
"Alaska"[A] 2016 181333 Now That the Light Is Fading
"Dog Years" [B]
"On and Off"[A] 2017 44[C]
"Split Stones" Non-album single
"Fallingwater" 2018 [D][E]36 Heard It in a Past Life
"Give a Little" [F]
"Light On" 31[G]4[H]40
"Burning" 2019 [I]32
"Love You for a Long Time"[94] 45[J]442727 Mixtape 002: Dusk
"That's Where I Am"[95] 2022 2835 Surrender
"Want Want"[96] 323636
"Horses"
"Don't Forget Me"[97] 2024 45 Don't Forget Me
"So Sick of Dreaming"[98]
"In the Living Room"[99] [K] Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
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More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak positions Certifications Album
US
[101]
US
Cou.

[102]
US
Rock

[82]
AUS
[103]
CAN
[104]
IRE
[66]
NZ
Hot

[105]
WW
[106]
"Dawns"
(Zach Bryan featuring Maggie Rogers)
2023 421146447361599 Non-album single
"Any Way" (L'Impératrice featuring Maggie Rogers) 2024 Pulsar
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Promotional singles

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak positions Album
US
[109]
US
Alt

[110]
US
Rock

[82]
AUS
DL

[111]
CAN
DL

[112]
EU
[113]
NZ
Hot

[114]
SCO
[115]
UK
DL

[116]
WW
[106]
"Iris" (with Phoebe Bridgers) 2020 575525516423122 Non-album single
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Other charted songs

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak positions Album
US
Rock

[82]
NZ
Hot

[117]
"Anywhere with You" 2022 44 Surrender
"The Kill" 2024 3435 Don't Forget Me
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Music videos

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Director
"Alaska"[118] 2016 Zia Anger
"Dog Years"[119]
"On + Off"[120] 2017
"Split Stones"[121] Maggie Rogers
"Back in My Body" (Documentary)[122] Brendan Hall & Fraser Jones
"Fallingwater"[123] 2018 Zia Anger
"Give a Little"[124] Maggie Rogers and Alan Del Rio Ortiz
"Light On"[125] 2019 Olivia Bee
"Past Life" (Documentary)[126] 2020 Fraser Jones
"That's Where I Am"[127] 2022 Warren Fu, Maggie Rogers, and Michael Scanlon
"Want Want"[128] Warren Fu
"Horses"[129] Maggie Rogers and Michael Scanlon
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Notes

  1. This song also appears on Rogers' debut studio album Heard It in a Past Life.
  2. "Dog Years" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.[63]
  3. "On and Off" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.[63]
  4. "Fallingwater" did not enter the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart but peaked at number 11 on the Alternative Digital Song Sales chart.[91]
  5. "Fallingwater" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.[63]
  6. "Give a Little" did not enter the Flanders Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.[63]
  7. "Light On" did not enter the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart but did peak at number 35 on the Rock Airplay chart.[92]
  8. "Light On" did not enter the Wallnie Ultratop 50, but charted as an "extra tip" on the Ultratip chart.[84]
  9. "Burning" did not enter the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart but did peak at number 50 on the Rock Airplay chart.
  10. "Love You for a Long Time" did not enter the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart but did peak at number 45 on the Rock Airplay chart.
  11. "In the Living Room" did not enter the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart but did peak at number 28 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart.[100]

    Accolades

    More information Year, Association ...
    Year Association Category Nominated Work Result Ref
    2020 Grammy Awards Best New Artist Herself Nominated [130]
    2023 People's Choice Country Awards Crossover Song of 2023 "Dawns" Nominated [131]
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    References

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