Maggie Rose Celebrates FAME on New Album

Nashville-based rock and soul singer-songwriter Maggie Rose teamed up with Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals to record her latest effort, Have a Seat.

It arrives on Aug. 20 via Starstruck Records. 

In a series of pre-pandemic sessions, Rose recorded live with a lineup that included bassist David Hood of the Swampers (the group of session musicians who played on records from 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, among others. 

Rose just released the album’s first single, the groovy, horn-driven “Do It.”

“The lyrics began pouring out as we were fueled by our convictions,” says Rose in a statement. “I remember jotting down lyrics as fast as I could and singing loudly and confidently before having really settled on a structure because where it was going simply felt right. When we brought it into the studio a few months later and Sarah Tomek’s drums locked in with David Hood’s driving bass, Karita Law and Shanay Johnson echoed the chorus lyrics back in harmony — the whole band Ben Tanner helped me assemble was kicking — it felt like a celebration.” 

Rose says the songs have political undertones.

“These songs were written during a contentious time,” 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.” 

Prior to the pandemic, Rose had picked up some serious traction. She toured with Heart and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, hit the road as direct support for Kelly Clarkson, and shared the Cayamo Cruise bill with Emmylou Harris and Jason Isbell. For Rose, the experience of recording in Muscle Shoals signified the start of a new era in her musical evolution.

“Working with musicians of that caliber and knowing they were giving my music so much attention definitely made me thrive,” she says. “I felt so safe going deep into the emotional places within the songs, and I think you can feel that love and camaraderie when you listen to the record.”

I’ve worked in this industry for over a decade, and I feel like I’ve finally carved out a lane that’s genre-bending and all my own. I had to really fight to find that space for myself, and this record is my way of staking my claim.

In January of this year, Rose debuted her new podcast, Salute the Songbird with Osiris Media. The interview-based podcast invites listeners into Rose’s world as an “independent artist in a male-dominated music industry.” On Feb. 14, Rose hosted a special Valentine’s Day live concert and taping of her podcast, featuring singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook. The event was livestreamed on Nugs.net and broadcast on AAA Station of the Year, Lightning 100. The full event is available to view now on Rose’s Youtube channel.

Photo by Ford Fairchild