Rising country artist Brittany Maggs stops by THEAUSSIEWORD.COM.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Growing up I absolutely adored the Disney channel, specifically Hannah Montana. I loved the way she was such a down to earth girl but was a completely superstar. Her music to this day is something I always listen to and reference in my current music. I think because I grew up watching shows of young girls singing and doing what they love it made me just want it for myself. When I was about 10 I started posting covers to YouTube and realised just how much I really loved music. Fast forward to about 13 I signed up for any and every singing contest I could get into just so that I could sing to a crowd of people, even if it were only 10 people …
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
With how unpredictable life is, when I make music I’m not trying to find the “next hit” I’m just writing from my heart and mind and hoping that other people love it as much as I do. In terms of motivation I would honestly say it’s just me always wanting to better myself. I love looking back 5 years ago and seeing the journey so far.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I can’t wait to sell out my own headline show and have my family and friends in the crowd. I just hope to always be authentic and myself and release my own music that tells my story.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Lots of new music coming! I’m hoping to get a tour of my own soon but for now keep an eye on my social media in order to see when I do release tour dates!
Over the next couple of months I am just excited to show people who I really am and why I fell in love with country music in the first place.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest single When It Was Easy was written during the middle of NSW’s biggest lockdown during the Covid period. I was sitting with my partner, Alex and we were just laughing about how a couple years earlier all we used to stress about was how we would get to the next party, or something small like that. Whereas now we are actually forced to sit back and at times I just wish I could be 18-19 again when things just were that little bit simpler. My music is best described as Hannah Montana meets Kelsea Ballerini meets Maren Morris. It has Pop elements but if you stripped it back to just a guitar and a vocal you would still have a great country song.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I keep lots of notes in the notes app on my phone, I just randomly get thoughts or sentences pop into my head and I write them down. sometimes I will elaborate on them and write more lyrics to them and sometimes I will just leave them there until I’m in a writing session. In a writing session I normally go in with an idea and then will build the track from just a guitar and a vocal.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
What you hear is what you get. I like to think I’m vulnerable with my music so I think whatever I’m singing about is the truth
Success, what is the secret to it?
A good team behind you. If the people on your team don’t believe in you 100% then I think it’ll be a long hard road. Success to me is having those with you who have been there the whole time and getting to share it with them.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I loved playing Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2022. That was for sure a highlight because the crowd was so big and everyone was so beyond supportive and kind and it was one of my first performances so it just made me all that more excited for future performances.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I think anybody who has ever been told no, or that they aren’t good enough but still kept going and is still in the industry is super inspiring. They know they have a talent and something to show and they won’t stop till they get their yes.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes I’ve been writing a bunch of new music so hopefully that will be releasing early next year.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
I still see myself performing and releasing music regularly. Hopefully on a larger scale and getting to play all over the world.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite is for sure performing live and seeing everyone face to face react to my music. My least is probably how hard it can be to go “viral” or get that support from people. I sometimes feel as though people don’t support the smaller acts as much.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Casey Barnes, Abby Christo, Kaylee Bell, Travis Collins. So many more, I just love how many new acts keep coming through and releasing new music!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think it’s definitely different but I see it as such an advantage to really push your music to a broader audience. Now with one post you can reach all over the world and push your music so much more. I do think it leaves it open for negativity as everyone thinks they can say whatever they feel like on social media but that’s just apart of the job now.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
My YouTube plays a massive role in helping me show my music to a broader audience so I think that if i keep using YouTube and social media I will be able to reach the international market.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I haven’t yet but I cannot wait too! I would love to collab with Kaylee Bell or Kelsea Ballerini.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just keep pushing and just because you get a no from someone doesn’t always mean it’ll be a no, just try someone else. And always believe in yourself!
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I wouldn’t be anywhere if it weren’t for the people who have supported me and listened to my music. I appreciate you all more than you could know and I can’t wait to scream my songs in a stadium with you all one day ❤️ Best way to contact me is on Instagram! I read and reply to everything on there x
Any last words?
Go stream When It Was Easy’ now ! 🫶🏼🤍💭
Website: www.brittanymaggs.com
Facebook: @brittanymaggsmusic
Twitter: @brittanymaggs_
Instagram: @brittanymaggs