Maggie Rose Speaks Her Mind on New Album

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose just announced she’ll release a trilogy of music videos to accompany her forthcoming album Have a Seat, due out on Aug. 20 via Starstruck Records.

The first clip for the soulful single, “What Are We Fighting For,” was produced by Jared Rauso/Bolo Brothers and directed by Ford Fairchild.

“‘What Are We Fighting For’ is one of three videos, and it takes place after the epic fight at the table has occurred,” Rose says in a press release. “The story as a whole isn’t told in chronological order, and I wanted to present the ending first to tell the viewer, ‘It’s all going to be ok; we survived.’ But, we can still reflect and do better moving forward.”

“These songs were written during a contentious time, and there are undertones to the lyrics that are influenced by the state of our world politics and the politics of the music industry,” she says. “The title Have a Seat is responsorial, placing an emphasis on inclusivity — like, ‘Here, sit down. Let’s try talking to each other.’ One of the most loving things we can do is listen and make others feel heard — give people the space to speak their mind and be themselves. However, there’s also an intended meaning to the title that points to the power in occupying the seat that’s designated to you: I am claiming a seat I believe is rightfully mine, and I want others to do the same.”

Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes produced Have a Seat, Rose’s third album, at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. In a series of pre-pandemic sessions, Rose recorded live with a lineup that includes bassist David Hood of the Swampers (the group of session musicians who played on records by acts such as Aretha Franklin and Etta James) and guitarist Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm), along with her longtime bandmates/collaborators Larry Florman (background vocals/percussion), Alex Haddad (guitars), and Sarah Tomek (drums) of Them Vibes as well as guests such as Marcus King.

On April 28, Rose will host her podcast Salute the Songbirds as a live concert event at City Winery in Nashville, TN. The event, presented by Osiris Media, will feature performances from Elizabeth Cook, Jillette Johnson, Kalie Shorr, Nicole Atkins and Nicki Bluhm. Fans can also tune in to live stream the show via Mandolin A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Women in Music.