Margaux Is An Old Soul

emilytreadgold #11, Features

Margaux is wise beyond her years, she captures the tumultuous times of her youth with the lens of someone who is already looking back on their memories, but she's stays present in them. Her ability to pinpoint that feeling of being so vulnerable but so strong is uncanny. Her latest project, More Brilliant Is The Hand that Throws the Coin, is a poetic masterpiece and we can't wait to see what she does next.

How did you get started in music? 

Margaux: Playing music has been a consistent theme throughout my life. My parents are both very enthusiastic listeners and really prioritized sharing their favorite artists with me growing up. I dabbled in songwriting on guitar throughout early middle school and eventually started seriously pursuing jazz upright bass in high school. When I began studying upright in college I realized that the conservatory environment wasn’t the right fit for me. Since then my goal has been to prioritize songwriting in a way that feels most authentic and meaningful to me. 

More Brilliant Is The Hand that Throws the Coin, is quite the title, can you break it down for me? 

Margaux: This EP deals with a lot of themes around growing up, desire, and what it means to outgrow our past selves. I think there’s a lot of risk-taking that goes into these experiences, and I believe that sometimes it’s the courage behind those risks that’s more striking and beautiful than whatever the end result may be. The hand refers to the actions of bravery required to grow, while the coin speaks to all the possible outcomes. Also, a nod to Fiona Apple’s long album titles. I strive to be bold like her.  

Is there a particular song that feels super-personal to you?

Margaux: All of these songs feel really personal, although Smaller Home might be one that sticks out. I wrote that song about feeling the ambiguity and tension of seeing myself differently amidst familiar and familial surroundings treating me as unchanged during a trip home over winter break. My goal through that song, in particular, was to communicate the nuances I feel in my own experience of facing big identity shifts. 

Is it ever hard to be so openly vulnerable and put your feelings out there?

Margaux: Definitely! Sharing this music has been both extraordinarily sweet and very overwhelming. I really do value privacy and also find a lot of meaning in the hard work that is sharing with total honesty. It’s a huge honor when I hear from people that resonate with the lyrics or music.

What has been one of the biggest challenges for you in your career?

Margaux: I feel like I’m still at the very beginning of my career but I expect challenges ahead! Being in school for jazz was challenging at the time as it wasn’t the right fit, but ultimately helped me clarify my own artistic voice in a way that I’m beyond grateful for.

What’s your best piece of advice for young women?

Margaux: Hold your ground. Young women are heavily cultured to prioritize accommodating others instead of honoring their own needs and desires. Lately, I’ve been practicing acting more assertive, even in very small ways like walking with a stronger sense of direction. I’ve found it helpful to try and embody things like honesty and confidence whenever I can.

Follow Margaux on Instagram and Spotify.

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