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Mags Duval is a study in the magic only contradictions can make. She’s a could-be poet laureate who writes club bangers. She lives distinctly in the moment but is also a welcome throwback to vintage Hollywood glamour, a mix of beguiling sweetness, risky edge, and class. She’s private but candid, pulling from her own life to help others understand theirs.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to have my songs as an outlet for my life, my feelings,” Mags says from her home in Nashville. “To be able to give that to people––to provide an escape, help them feel understood and like they’re not alone. That’s what I want to do with my music.”

Music as a gift she can give to others is a theme 19-year-old Mags returns to again and again in conversation. “When I’m feeling something and don’t think there is a song I can jam out to to get me over it, I think, ‘Okay. I guess I need to write one. Because if I’m feeling this way, chances are there’s someone out there who’s feeling this too.’”

Co-produced by Grammy winner Luke Laird (Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Tim McGraw) and John Hill (Eminem, Shakira, Snoop Lion, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Wu-Tang Clan, Jay Z), Mags’ new music proves it was more than worth the wait. 

“Pop music has always been what I wanted to make––what I’ve always heard in my head,” Mags says. “But pop is such a big genre. I think you have to have more of a sense of self to be a pop artist who stands out now than ever before. It’s hard to create that from nothing and to find the right people to help you bring your vision to life.”

Mags’ sound defies easy categorization: smart storytelling layered over hooks that nod to 90s hip hop and iconic 50’s girl-group harmonies, all from a distinctly empowered female perspective. “I find power in femininity,” she says. “I love to dress up. It’s a huge part of my self-expression.”

When asked what she hopes listeners get out of the new music, Mags is her signature blend of pensive and lighthearted. “I hope people feel that it’s honest. I hope they can dance to it. And I hope they can drive at night to it,” she says, pausing for a moment before adding, “I hope it becomes a part of people’s lives and gets them through things.”

Luke Laird is following