On The Rise: Maggie Antone
A moreish alt-country artisan with an unwavering authentic heart.
Richmond, VA native Maggie Antone has been carefully establishing herself as a powerful new voice in music since a cover of Tyler Childers' Lady May she posted to TikTok garnered widespread praise, changing her life overnight. That success led to Interpretations, a 7-track covers album released in 2022 on her own label Love Big, the same label that will now house her debut album of original material, Rhinestoned.
A gorgeous mix of catchy melodies, evocative harmonies and raw tenderness across 10 tracks that display the breadth of Maggie's vocal prowess and penchant for honest lyricism, it's no surprise that the artist has caught the attention of many. There's a lot of fun here too, single Johnny Moonshine one of the record's many standouts and an unmissable opportunity for Antone to lean in to the kind of upbeat, foot-stomping infectiousness that is sure to have crowds singing along in their droves. It's also clearly a song that holds a special place in her heart, describing the titular character as "a fictional character that I made up and one day I decided to write a song about him... if he turns out to be a real person I’m convinced he’d be my soulmate."
There is much to admire about Maggie Antone - principally her desire for the music she makes to mean something to someone else. The vulnerability embraced in her songwriting is an open invitation for people to connect, to relate and ground themselves in their feelings. It is the charismatic and storied nature of Antone's song craft that sets her apart as an artist, Rhinestoned the debut befitting not only a whip-smart poet, but country's most enthralling new muse.
We're excited to announce Maggie Antone as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Be sure not to miss Maggie's debut album Rhinestoned on Love Big/Thirty Tigers, arriving August 2024.