SONG OF THE WEEK

This week we present Maggie Brown and "Forty Dollars." Maggie is a semi local artist, she lives in Mississippi but plays around here enough to be considered local. Maggie is one of my favorite artists, even though I have yet to be able to see her live, everytime she is playing near me something comes up preventing me from seeing her. Still I think she has a great sound and should be heard on the radio.

Maggie Brown

Today’s voice to hear may be one of the more obscure of all the singers I have talked about so far. Her name is Maggie Brown and she was born in the same small Louisiana town as Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, Ferriday. She has one album out and lives in a small town in Mississippi and bartends to add income to her life as a musician. She is also an English teacher with two kids.

She owes the start of her singing career to her Mom, who was quite a character in her own right. To read more of her early life and her Mom go to her webpage and read her bio. It’s a fascinating story.

Anyone who has a MySpace page knows what a pain it is to get dozens of “friend” requests from people who are really just trying to sell you something, the porn sites and the thousand-and-one musicians that you’ve never heard of and never want to hear of. That’s how I first learned of Maggie Brown. I got a “friend” request from her MySpace page and decided to check it out. She has made it worth all the other worthless friend requests I have had to plod through. I couldn’t believe how good she is.

I dare anyone to listen to “Forty Dollars” and not be instantly hooked. Her voice carries such a lived in, been there, done that, but I’ve survived and can sing about it sound that it just reaches out and grabs ahold of me. Her music has an edge of country with enough guitars in it to slide into that rock category.

To get her CD you’ll have to go to her site and order it. But you’ll be glad you did. She sings stories of life and living, hope and despair. I haven’t been this excited about a new singer in a long time. She’s that good.

I haven’t had a chance to see her live yet, though she performs not far from where I live in Mandeville quite often. So far her scheduled dates have always been bad for me, but I plan to change that soon and check her out live. I just have this feeling that she’ll be just as good in person as she is on vinyl. (Well, actually not on vinyl anymore, but I’m not sure what those cds are made out of.)

I’m hoping that she’s working on a new album, it’s been at least a year since her first one. I want to hear more music from this woman.

Interview: Maggie Brown

It's been awhile since we started this feature and so far have only featured one artist, but all that's about to change. I've already got more than a couple interviews backlogged and have more promised to come. Today we feature local artist Maggie Brown.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes! I share a home town (Ferriday, LA) with Jerry Lee Lewis. My parents took me to his concert in the local high school gym when I was 5. Until then, the only live music I had experienced was in Baptist church. Needless to say--this was a lot different. I remember having goose bumps from head to toe. And deep down realizing that "real" music had a profound effect on me

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

I listen to all kinds of music. Right now--Miranda Lambert....Audioslave...Benjy Davis Project...Delbert McClinton... Buddy Miller. It changes week to week. Old stuff and new stuff.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Hard to pick a favorite moment. I believe that all our experiences lead us to the next... There were moments recording my record that were immeasurable... but most of my favorite moments are from playing live. Connecting with people is so important as an artist.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

How could I not belive that music can change the world? I know a certain song can transform me at a given moment when I hear it. It can make my day meaningful, or remind me of someone from long ago. Mostly listening to music reminds me that's there is more to life than what is going on in my personal world. I think that's what we all need-to think on a grander scale then everyday life.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

This interview is a great example of how technology has affected the music industry. I have never been fortunate enough to travel as much as I would like to with my music. People from all over the world have reached out to me. And for example...I have always beaten myself up over not having a "successful" music career. After listening to xm radio for a few days, I realized that there are great artists out there who never taste stardom. That alone gives me peace about music. And I'm happy that anyone is listening to my stuff. That, for me, has become success.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Ha Ha...I've been known more for performing without shoes than with them! I can narrow it down to 2 pair: my cowboy boots, and my platform go-go boots. Those are definitely me, in one way or another.