Magdalia
In the rich tapestry of the music world, where notes weave stories & melodies dance through the soul, Australian singer-songwriter Magdalia shines as a beacon of inspiration. From her humble beginnings as a young girl exploring the depths of her vocal talents to her current role as a mentor & collaborator, Magdalia's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music.
Magdalia, known as Brodie O’Halloran offstage, joined Pario recently to share some insights into her artistic evolution & her recent collaboration, Hold It Up, which she created with her student, Mayzie Chew.
The genesis of Magdalia's musical odyssey began in the embrace of her mother's encouragement, as she embarked on singing lessons at the tender age of 8. "I found that I was able to express myself & be the person that I wanted to be through music," she revealed. Although Magdalia’s songwriting journey took a more circuitous route through university & musical theatre, her heart never strayed far from the melodies that shaped her soul.
Reflecting on her influences, Magdalia painted a vivid picture of her musical upbringing, where the likes of Delta Goodrem & Taylor Swift formed the backdrop of her youth. But as her musical palette expanded, so too did her admiration for artists like Florence & The Machine, Ethel Cain, & Mary Lambert, whose raw emotion & unbridled creativity ignited a fire within Magdalia’s own artistry.
Yet, Magdalia's path was not without its challenges. During our conversation, she spoke candidly of her struggles with burnout following a tumultuous experience with music as a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) subject in high school.
"I was very burnt out," she confessed, her vulnerability adding depth to her narrative. "I was like, ‘I don't want to perform. I don't want to sing’."When asked to expand on what it was about doing music as a VCE subject that burnt her out Magdalia said, “With the VCE it’s all for a mark, that is very subjective in the end anyway… how you perform is also very dependent on the day that you get there, what's happened to you over the week, on the weather, all of that. Whereas, if you're doing maths, it doesn't really matter what's happened to you beforehand, the answer is the answer.”
While that was a dark period it ultimately fuelled Magdalia’s resolve to reclaim her passion on her terms. A decision that would lead her to a collaboration with her longtime student, Mayzie Chew.
The release of Hold It Up, with Mayzie, represents a triumph in Magdalia’s journey - a testament to her resilience & unwavering dedication to her craft. "It was a beautiful experience," Magdalia gushed, her voice laced with pride & joy. "Mayzie had recorded before but hadn’t gone through the release process. So this time we’re promoting the song, contacting people, posting about it, & she’s learning that there’s more work in the PR part than in the actual recording. So, to be able to guide Mayzie through the recording & release process, nurturing her talent, was incredibly rewarding."
Magdalia's nurturing spirit shone through as she contemplated the future of her partnership with Mayzie Chew. With an air of pride & admiration, Magdalia acknowledged Mayzie's burgeoning talent & expressed her desire to see her student spread her wings & embark on her own musical journey.
"I have been very privileged to hear some of the songs that she's written," Magdalia shares, her voice tinged with anticipation. "She brings them into our lessons all the time. So I would really love to see her release her own stuff without me."
While Magdalia is open to future collaborations, she embraces the idea of Mayzie stepping into the spotlight solo, recognising the untapped potential & creativity that is within her. It's a testament to Magdalia's mentorship & support, fostering an environment where talent can flourish & dreams can take flight.
Looking ahead, Magdalia's gaze is set firmly on the horizon, where the promise of an EP beckons like a distant melody. With determination & creativity coursing through her veins, she invites audiences to join her on this voyage, promising an EP filled with heartfelt melodies & stirring lyrics.
Follow Eugenie's creative journey on social media at: @MagdaliaMusic
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