Magdalia “Great Expectations”
“Great Expectations” tackles the very human experience that every one of us must confront while Magdalia’s vocals echo in your heart and soul. What happens to the child who was full of promises? In a field of sensuous dark pop atmosphere, the coming-of-age track delves into the struggle of becoming your own person far from the safety nest of childhood and the lost feelings associated with shedding the old layer of who you used to be.
“Great Expectations” was inspired by Magdalia’s own experience and struggle of finding her place in society as a young autistic woman and a former gifted child. She choreographs the lonely and panic feelings as well as the disconnection and loss associated with nostalgia so tastefully in her music. Magdalia’s vocal holds the same haunting, melancholy quality as Lana Del Rey's and Cigarettes After Sex’s. The sensuous storytelling that creates vivid imagery reminds you of Taylor Swift, while her inventive sonic intuition for dark pop and indie soundscape draws a comparison to Florence & The Machine.
“Great Expectations” sees a new sonic palette and the emergence and empowerment of her honest, heartfelt vocal reclaiming its true power. “Great Expectations” is one of vulnerability and authenticity, but at the same time, it’s a leap of faith full of strength and courage. As a songwriter, lyricist, and musician, Magdalia’s thought-provoking lyrics leave a mark in listeners’ hearts while her humble yet captivating melodies are unforgettable.
Check out our interview with Magdalia below and learn more about her artistic journey.
Punk Head: I love the vulnerability in "Great Expectations" and how you tackle coming-of-age topics. What are the things that come naturally to you when creating this single?
Magdalia: I think the feelings I had while writing the song were probably familiar to lots of people! I wrote it online during 2021 while my state was in lockdown because of COVID-19. I was just feeling so frustrated and tired of missing out on things that I’d been looking forward to for so long and I was desperately missing that connection between family and friends. I wouldn’t say that writing songs that are more upbeat comes particularly naturally to me but this one pretty much wrote itself!
PH: What do you like the best about this track?
Magdalia: It’s a new direction and style for me. The past two songs I released were both ballads and I’ve been wanting to try something more upbeat and groovy for a while. I love the beat of the track and how the song is funky but still meaningful.
PH: What has been one of the most significant moments of your musical journey so far?
Magdalia: I actually think that releasing this song is one of my most significant moments because it’s a turning point in the type of music I’m writing. My next song, ‘Tunnel Vision’ which will be released next month, follows the musical style that was created with “Great Expectations.” Writing and releasing this song really motivated me to try some new ideas and push myself out of my comfort zone.
PH: Who are your biggest inspirations?
Magdalia: My two biggest inspirations would have to be Florence & the Machine and Taylor Swift. They are so different but both bring such original ideas to the music world and are really strong female role models. I recently got to see Florence in concert and I was in complete awe of her talent.
PH: What would you like to say to your fans out there?
Magdalia: Just thank you for continuing to listen to and support me and I’m super appreciative of the patience that it took to wait for this song to come out because it definitely took longer than expected!
