Magdalia – Pedestal (2024)
Despite her young years, singer-songwriter Magdalia has the knowledge of generations. She captures the innocence of youthful indulgence and naivety; however, simultaneously, her stories explore the mature, sophisticated, less “oh, this is carefree and awesome” grittiness of any subject. This does not mean her tales are depressing and tragic, she’s honest and it doesn’t always end in tears. In her previous song ‘Hold It Up’, she tackles melancholy fragility but leads to the brightness of self-acceptance. In ‘Fault Lines’ she took up the Shakespearean tragedy where Romeo and Juliet’s romance is doomed, but a slight of resilience also rears its head. The latest addition to Magdalia’s discography is the single ‘Pedestal’.
Poet Edmund Spenser claimed that “…he that strives to touch the stars, oft stumbles at a straw”, and Magdalia brings this 16th-century quote to the 21st century. In a world of perfectionism, expectation and demand for social acceptance, living in 2024 is incredibly stressful for almost everyone; ‘Pedestal’ channels the devastating effects of perfectionism. Instead of bringing joy, comfort and happiness, the fear of an inevitable fall based on lies and deceit is overwhelming.
Following her folk-pop single ‘Hold It Up’, Magdalia dips into a tender pop ballad with ‘Pedestal’. Recorded and produced with Liv Volpe, the single is a simplistic combination of acoustic piano, light percussion and Magdalia’s rich vocals… or at least that is how it begins. As the song progresses, interspersed strings enhance a sense of haunting pre-empting a heavier, harder, more forceful sound. Interestingly, while you find yourself bowled over by the intensity of ‘Pedestal’, the melody retains few instruments – it’s just the power and heartfelt intimacy that hits you between the eyes while tugging at your heartstrings.
Noting the kaleidoscopic nature of simplistic melodies, Magdalia illustrates the strength of sophisticated composition and a raw potency to push her message in its most vulnerable state. I find it intriguing how the opening and end adopt a minimalistic soundscape, but the middle is a full rush of sound; a perfect alignment of stepping onto the pedestal, realising the desperation and complexity of perfection, and then stepping out with relief and despair.
Sincere, sentimental and reflective, Magdalia is a polished artist set for greatness.
Find out more about Magdalia on her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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