Interview with margø

Jarod Smith

Sep 20, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember – growing up my parents constantly had their classic rock records and CD’s playing around the house, and I grew to have such a passion for rock music. I’ve always loved writing and from a young age always wanted to become a songwriter, but it wasn’t until high school that I got really involved in bands and playing live music. From the first moment I got up on stage to play the high school talent show with a band I knew I was hooked and continued to chase that dream until it led me here! If I didn’t get into music, I would probably be doing something in biology and conservation – I studied biology and marine biology in university and actually lived on a marine research base for a while! I also worked as a manager at a wildlife rehabilitation centre – so if not music I’d love to be doing something combining conservation and wildlife rescue.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

This sounds incredibly lame but I love to walk – I try to wake up early every morning and walk for at least an hour! I feel like some of my best creative moments happen when I’m out in nature – I try to journal on my walks and use those journal entries to inspire my songwriting! I also love to stand up paddle board, rock climb, longboard, bike – really any summer activity, you name it!

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been in a few different bands before this project, and those are definitely where I learned how to write music. However, I’ve been releasing music with my solo project margø for just over 3 years now! I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and lessons I’ve had in different bands throughout the years because they all led me to where I am today.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I’m currently based out of Edmonton, Canada! I’ve been here my whole life – and I’m very grateful that this city is where I had my start in music. I have an incredible support system and have always felt so fortunate to have my friends and family be there for me throughout every milestone, high, and low of my career – I don’t know if I could have done it without all of them.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

I love playing live shows – it’s easily one of my most favourite parts of being a musician. Recently, I’ve been very fortunate to play the We Found New Music showcase in Los Angeles – I’ve wanted to play in that showcase for a VERY long time so those shows were a huuuuuge milestone for me.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

My most recent show in LA was at a venue called Black Rose – I would say that was definitely near the top of my list of favourite places I’ve played! For venues I want to play at – there’s a venue in Milwaukee called the Rave/Eagle Club that is probably one of the most incredible venues I’ve ever seen and I definitely want to play there someday.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

This is TOUGH but if I ever played a concert or festival on the same lineup as Sting or Paul McCartney I would probably simply pass away.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

For someone just getting into music – I would say to be patient and work to build your catalogue and your experience up as much as you can. Having something always ready to show for goes a long way, and it’s incredibly cliché but truly never give up because you’re always just one song away from writing a hit. If I could give advice to my younger self I would remind myself to be a lot more patient and to stop comparing my career to others. I was exactly where I needed to be and am still exactly where I’m meant to be!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I love all of my songs, however In Between will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first song I ever released and that will always be incredibly special to me, and it was a much needed emotional release to write those lyrics. It’s a reminder that I always have been good enough – a message still relevant to my self worth today.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

My favourite song to play is DEFINITELY “fool” – that one is so high energy and I absolutely love belting the chorus. I would say that “play pretend” or “the other side” get requested the most – they’re both so fun to play so it always makes me happy to see others resonating with and looking forward to hear my music.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

My creative process is always incredibly chaotic – I don’t think I’ve ever written two songs the same way. I will say though – most of the song melodies that I’ve written have come to me while I’ve been out for a walk, doing my makeup, cooking breakfast, etc!

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

Yes! I always try to promote messages of self worth and empowerment – and if my songs help just one person find their inner worth, then I’m doing my job correctly.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I actually just released a song on September 16th called ICE QUEEN, and it’s the first track off of my upcoming fall EP! I don’t think that I’ve mentioned this EP yet so I’m very excited to share this news with you! It will be out mid November and it’s so different from my past releases – I’m so excited for you all to hear these songs!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

You can find me on Instagram, tiktok, twitter, etc as margo4prez! I also have a discord channel, I believe you can join it via one of the story highlights on my insta profile. love hanging out with everyone on my discord and definitely bombard everyone with memes.