Interview: glimmers
Interview by Isabel Dowell
There’s really nothing better than being able to wake up everyday and be able to get to work with your best friends. While it’s something we all wish we could do, glimmers has already done it. Then solo artist, Maggie Schneider, was looking for a full band filled with a passion for the craft and a sense of comradery; she looked to Alex Norrell, Alex Downtain, Ari Patwary, and Jeremy Russell for help - thus creating the group we now know as glimmers.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE HARRIS
glimmers officially came together in early 2020, and while we all know what happened shortly there after, these five friends never backed down. Having no idea what was going to happen with their future, they took this time as an opportunity to make music videos, create content, record new music, and do everything possible to grow as a new band. They focused on connecting with other groups and growing their brand resorting to live streams, social media, and more to make the most of this challenging time.
“At that point, we were still performing under my solo name. When the pandemic hit, we started having conversations about changing our name and making us a full band, instead of a solo act with the full band behind me. We played four or five shows in this line up before rebranding to glimmers. It was good because we had the time to be creative and the time to work things out without having to worry about playing shows.” - Maggie Schenider for Tongue Tied Magazine
Moving from solo act to a full group, frontwoman, Maggie Schenider, had to let go of some of her personal branding and control to allow the band to blossom. She was surprised by the easy transition and gives a lot of credit to her bandmates for making the process so smooth. They had been friends for many years and jumping right into glimmers has been the best choice for all of them.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE HARRIS
Coming off a few tours and even recently playing So What?! Music Festival in Dallas, TX, glimmers was able to really meet all of those fans they had gathered over the pandemic. Everyone who had once presented themselves as regular commenters and likes on their music and social media content, were now real people who could share their love for music with this group.
“We spent so much time online and marketing ourselves, but what is so much more impactful and fulfilling is going on stage and afterwards meeting people in person and hearing stories about our songs inspiring them or helping them in a certain way.” - Maggie Schneider for Tongue Tied Magazine
On the topic of music festivals, glimmers recently landed themselves in the third place spot of Sad Summer Fest’s Battle of the Bands contest. Many people see Sad Summer Fest as the sequel to Warped Tour, as its creation came very shortly after Warped Tour’s conclusion and features very similar music and artists. Out of 600 bands, glimmers made it to third place, winning a Journey’s gift card, Sad Summer merchandise, and tickets to a show. While still celebrating the win as a group, Maggie sees this as an opportunity to provide representation to other women who are looking to join the pop-punk music scene. Her experience in glimmers has been very fortunate and - for the most part - has been taken seriously as a front woman to glimmers. For those who are not familiar with the team behind glimmers, they pride themselves on being a majority female. Their manager, publicity team, photographer, and videographer all identify as women. Opening up their music to those of all backgrounds and diversities helps glimmers to get the best work.
“It is my goal in this group to inspire women, but also people of color, and everyone to be themselves and to go after what they want. I’ve been lucky enough to meet people who thank me for inspiring them to write music or who use our music to push them to follow their own dreams.” - Maggie Schneider for Tongue Tied Magazine
Their latest single, “Scared to Lose” is a hopelessly romantic tune, based on being in or wanting to be in a relationship with someone who is very important to you. While you want to express how you feel, you fear making this weird or uncomfortable. Inspired by early 2000 singer/songwriters, glimmers used this single to help define the next stage of their music.
“A big thing that I write about, and something I’ve been through, is that it’s better to express your feelings and to go after what you want and to pursue love than to just be scared of losing it and never trying at all.” - Maggie Schneider for Tongue Tied Magazine
PHOTO CREDIT: SOPHIE HARRIS
The accompanying visual was shot in just a day and embodies a modern Beauty and the Beast storyline. Maggie portrays the female lead in this music video and falls in love through books, surrounded by the books of a library, and finds her own self-worth throughout it all. Drummer, Jeremy Russell, plays the male lead, and helped collaborate on the story together with their videographer, Deanna Elise. It follows a very rom-com, delicate, and falling in love in a library aesthetic.
Moving into their new era of music, thematically, their past releases portray Maggie overcoming relationships and learning about herself, whereas their upcoming music will show how those experiences have shaped her as a person and empower her to move forward as an independent individual. As glimmers, they love to weave a bigger story throughout their music videos - so be on the lookout for more visuals!
“I love visuals, it’s a super fun part of the process for me. Having them all connect highlights the changes through myself and my growing independence through the lyrics.” - Maggie Schneider for Tongue Tied Magazine
Just a few days ago, glimmers announced an August tour with bands, Rarity and Telltale, starting on August 12th, traveling through the east coast, then ending on August 21st. There is even talk of playing the west coast states throughout the end of the year and the beginning of 2023.
“We always joke that the ultimate goal is world domination, but our main goal is to write and release a full-length within the next year. It’s something we really want to do and we’re kind of working towards right now, but it’s all in the early stages. Another goal would be a full U.S. tour or even open for a band, to have the opportunity to be their direct support every night would be fantastic.” - Maggie Schneider for Tongue Tied Magazine
Watch the music video for “Scared to Lose” here:
