Maggie Eckford

It’s just a ‘little happy,’” says Maggie Eckford as she hands over a copy of her sophomore album, Show + Tell. The term comes from the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter’s mother who also refers to things as “little happys,” and it’s certainly fitting for such a charming music creator. One would expect the Mississippi girl – and now Nashville resident – to plunge into the world of country music, but Eckford’s wide-ranging interests have taken her elsewhere.

Rather than abandoning her home state’s roots altogether, Eckford has put her own twist on them with a blend of indie pop and folk that allows her personality to shine through. It’s impossible not to smile in her presence, and the same goes when listening to her upbeat and immediately catchy songs. With two albums to her name, a second place honor in the International Songwriting Competition, and her first New York City show under her belt, Eckford has a lot to be proud of since her first release in 2010. She recently spoke with Playback about her inspirations and why it's important to take a leap of faith for what you love. - ASCAP Playback

. - American Songwriter

. - American Songwriter

For What It’s Worth by Maggie Eckford
(Clare leaves a note on Jake’s truck.)

We tried a few songs to this scene but the quirkiness of Maggie Eckford’s song stood out amongst them all. There were so many directions we could have taken but the beat, tempo and lyrics of this song sold us all. - MUCH MUSIC CANADA

Over two nights, ASCAP Nashville hosted a songwriters showcase featuring Dave Barnes, Jillian Edwards, Jonathan Singleton and Maggie Eckford. Now in its ... - ASCAP

Ever wonder what would happen if a Southern belle relocated to Sydney, Australia to write songs? Look no further than Maggie Eckford (@maggieeckford) and her debut release, For What It’s Worth. Eckford delivers her indie-pop songs with a soft molasses-filled voice that still manages to make you feel like a silhouette in an iPod commercial as you walk down the street. Writing songs since the age of fourteen, Eckford says she draws influences from artists like Ray LaMontagne and Feist to Kings of Leon. Whatever the source, her new brand of infectious folk-tinged pop has garnered the attention of listeners across the globe.

The title track from her debut release is a lo-fi gem; acoustic guitars, minimalist drums, and squirmy synth that will dig into your brain. Another standout track on the album “Couldn’t I See” features banjo and alludes to Eckford’s down-home roots mixed with a powerful pop sensibility. Eckford sings, “Couldn’t I see the strings tied tightly around me?” as an endearing whistling hook moves above the banjo plucks. Another track, “Asleep”, opens up with a slicing guitar hook with British garage rock bop flair that backs Eckford’s sultry vocals, which will likely draw comparisons to Metric frontwoman Emily Haines.

Eckford was busy outside the studio as well, producing a snappy music video for “Asleep” that’s sure to please hipsters everywhere. The video follows her on a bike ride (fixed gear, obviously) errand to pick up some Polaroids from a local corner store and then continues the journey to snap a few shots of a lighted tree in the park. While the video doesn’t break any new boundaries, it does give eager fans the chance to see the pretty face behind all those pretty pop songs.

Eckford has since relocated back to US soil given the rising wave of success of her licensing agreements with Apple and numerous Canadian television series. Considering the glowing reception that For What It’s Worth has received, Eckford has already begun production on a follow-up album that is due out in the spring or summer of next year. Perhaps because of this, Eckford hasn’t listed any shows on her websites for the coming weeks, so the American public will just have to wait patiently. We all hope it’s soon, Maggie. Don’t leave us hanging too long.
- The Wild Honey Pie- Music Blog

All I know is that her name is Maggie Eckford.

My friend Nathan Finochio is a genius (aka Alexander Fairchild). You know, he threw together a gorgeous record a few months ago, which further solidifed the fact that everything he touches turns to gold. I was hanging with my new friend Taylor when he put on Eckford’s album, immediatly I loved it. She’s got the soft vocals of Eisley or Now Now Every Children, backed by a simple beat and harmonies.

The track ‘Asleep’ starts off like Lykke Li’s Dance Dance Dance, it’s super stripped down and ridiculously catchy. I anticipate huge things for this girl, and revel in the fact that she is relatively unknown. I’d bet my last m&m (seriously.. eating these things until I get sick) that she absolutely will be of the Bat for Lashes/Lykke Li/Amanda Blank kind very soon. She’s got this versatility that fits into any genre, she’s got soul, country, and dance covered. Let’s just wait for Hypem to take notice, and voila. Remixed by Memory Tapes in no time.

Seriously. Get into this girl. She’s unbelievable.

- Friends With Both Arms- Music Blog