Interview: Maggie Lindemann

Interview by Ambika Verma

With her new album scheduled to be released tomorrow, Maggie Lindemann has entered a new musical era where she is truly the most authentic version of herself.

Maggie Lindemann is often known as the “Pretty Girl” sensation after creating this viral hit in 2016 that resonated with women everywhere. When asked if there was any specific moment that promoted the creation of “Pretty Girl,” Maggie said it was more so for her to put out a message to the world.

“It wasn’t really a specific moment, but at the time, it was still the beginning of me making music and a lot of people weren’t taking me super seriously in the music space. They would classify me as just an Instagram model or just pretty, and it would drive me crazy, so we wrote ‘Pretty Girl’ about that. It was just what my life was at the moment.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

A few years later, Maggie put out her debut EP, Paranoia, in January 2021 amidst the pandemic. Putting out a debut EP is no easy feat and certainly not without its challenges. I asked how she stayed true to her personal visions for her songs compared to what the expectations might be from say the media, label, or fans.

“I honestly really don’t think about it that much. When I’m making music, I’m just thinking about myself and not about outside opinions. I usually don’t even think about outside opinions until everything is done, like the music video is done and I am about to put it out. I listened to people’s opinions for so long and I am so over it. I just want to do what I want to do.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

This album was huge for Maggie because it was a true representation of her vision as an artist. She originally started off in the pop sphere, but made a very distinct switch to the alternative space. She says the switchover was just her being more true to herself.

“It was really getting out of a label deal. I felt like I was really pushed into the pop world and I have always really wanted to make alternative music. I was just like f***k it — I want to make what I want to make and do the things I want to do. I grew up listening to rock and pop punk and my whole family loves metal and alternative music, so this just felt a lot more natural to me.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

Since 2021 was still during the peak of the pandemic, I asked Maggie how that altered her life.

“Honestly, the pandemic for me was great. I had finished the EP right before the pandemic happened. I did ‘It’s Not Your Fault’ three months before the pandemic and that was the last song I put on the EP. The pandemic for me was a time I really reflected on myself. Career wise, it was obviously very stagnant since I didn’t get to perform or create much, but I finished an EP and put it out at the top of the year. It was a good time to overall reflect.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

That same year, she got to work with her all-time dream collaborator: Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with the Sirens. When asked who else she wanted to work with, she gave a very insightful answer.

“When people ask me this I never know what to say. For me, there’s obviously people I would love to work with but whenever I make a song, I will hear a certain person on it, or I’ll listen to a song and be like ‘oh my god, I love this person’s voice.’ Forever though, it was Kellin, that’s who I wanted to work with and I did, which is crazy. I would love to do something with Bring Me to the Horizon but when I make a song is mostly when I think of someone.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

Fast forward to 2022 and Maggie is back with another EP, SUCKERPUNCH, that we are so excited about. It chronicles a journey of self-discovery. When asked what she hopes her fans take away from the album, she said the album is really up to personal interpretation and reflection.

“I think they [the fans] should listen to each song and come up with their own take away. Each song does have such a different meaning but overall, I’d say take away self-love, self-discovery, and being true to yourself.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine

Lastly, I asked her, since being in New York is such a creative hub, what advice she may have for up and coming artists.

“Keep doing you and stay true to yourself. It sounds so cliche, but seriously stay true to yourself and don't be swayed by people's opinions. Just know no idea is too outlandish — so many people just want to fit into the box and it is so cool when people are outside that box. Do you and don’t listen to other people.” - Maggie Lindemann, for Tongue Tied Magazine.

Maggie just put on a new single, “self sabotage,” last month and her new album comes out tomorrow. Check it out and stay updated with Maggie on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify.

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