Photographer: Tom Adam Green
The future looks bright for self-love songstress Margot, who has just shared the personal and freeing single ‘Slow Down’, which speaks on the pressures of the 21st century. The single will feature on Margot’s debut EP Make It Last, which releases on the 9th of October 2020 via Pink Bikini Records. Originally trained as a classical musician, Margot’s musical palette has evolved through the years, inspired by Erykah Badu, H.E.R., Raveena, Ari Lennox, Frank Ocean, and Rihanna to name a few.
While waiting in anticipation of the EP release date, you can unwind with her latest offering below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
Growing up, there would always be music in the house. All genres, from my mum listening to classical opera to Madonna and Britney Spears to my dad listening to Rage Against the Machine or Sarah Vaughan. I was a very curious child and wanted to try everything, but music is the thing that stuck with me. My parents put me in violin classes at 4 years old, and I carried on until I was 15 when I also took up piano. While playing an instrument, I would experience playing with other musicians, being in bands, singing, and harmonizing with my friends. In my mid-teens, I’d write songs and I just fell in love with songwriting and singing and decided to pursue this passion seriously once I graduated high school and moved to Berlin at 17.
Please tell us more about how your latest song/release/project was conceived.
This single, ‘Slow Down’, actually went through a long writing process. Frank Slimm and I started this one in April 2019 while I was still living in Berlin and it got shelved for months while we were working on other projects. When we dug it out again, I couldn’t believe we left it for so long! I drafted up a new set of lyrics and it all fell together in about two days. The song itself is about self-care and self-love, taking time out of the day to look after yourself and enjoy the little things, and to remind myself that the time I spend working on myself is just as important as the time I spend working on my career.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
I like to do whatever feels right, so I try and not think about it too much at the moment by doing one thing or another. Usually, by being as free and open with the process as possible, I can create something that will inevitably have ‘my’ sound. I love to add vocal layers and harmonies, so I like to get those down early in the writing process and then work the instrumental around it from there. And a groovy bass is a must!
How much do you invest in how your music is received upon release? Are you very concerned about how your art is received?
I think my biggest critic will always be myself, but I try and not think about it too much. Something can always be better performed, written, shot, or recorded… but I try and ask myself when it is good enough with my means at that moment. I also love releasing music! I’m always very excited and curious to see what people have to say about it.
What emotions were you going through when producing ‘Slow Down’, and has this track changed your perspective on life?
‘Slow Down’ is so special to me because I’m always very intense with my projects and I like to give my all, maybe too much sometimes. In the moments when I have less going on in my life, I tend to feel sad and my self-esteem takes a hit. This song is a reminder that it is okay not to be at 100% all the time, and it’s okay to do nothing for a little bit and take a step back. It’s only so you can gain momentum and come back rested and better than before!
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
When I shot my music video for my third single ‘Chill, Girl’, my whole family on my mum’s side was there, watching from behind the videographer (Tom Adam Green) because we were shooting one of the scenes in my grandmother’s house. As soon as we started shooting my mum started crying because she thought it was so beautiful and was so proud! Other than that, every time I hear someone singing one of my songs, dancing to them or just listening to them is so memorable to me.
You mentioned ‘Slow Down’ is about self-care and self-love. What are your favourite self-care tips?
Make a list! Write down the things that bother you or that you need to do when you feel overwhelmed. I love journaling as it helps me get out of my head. I also like to make music, call a friend, or just eat candy while watching music videos or series. I’d say do whatever feels good at the moment, go for a run, dye your hair or take a nap but definitely make a list!
Are there any key non-musical influences on your sound and creative process?
I love writing music as if I’m another character, whether it’s as a friend who is going through a tough time in a relationship or a character in a movie. I’m very influenced by the people around me, my family, and my friends.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
‘Slow Down’ is actually the lead single of my EP Make It Last coming out on October 9th! Stay tuned for that!
Famous last words?
Stay safe, wear a mask, love one another and stream the Make It Last EP out October 9th!
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