Maggie Rogers - Now That The Light Is Fading

Maggie Rogers recently released her EP, Now That The Light Is Fading, which gives a naturally ambient feel, even with instrumentation that largely sounds electronically produced. Her light and organic vocals help create a calming atmosphere, but don’t make it gloomy or disheartening. In a discussion she had with Pharrell Williams at NYU, which is available on YouTube and worth giving a listen to, Rogers explains that she’s always made folk music and is very influenced by her love for the outdoors. She even talks about using the natural imagery and samples that she’s collected from hiking. But while studying abroad in Europe, she developed an appreciation and spiritual understanding of dance music. After this experience is when she decided to combine these natural and “unnatural” elements.

“Color Song” is what starts it all off as a shorter and somewhat lulling intro, using some outdoor ambiance to back up layered voices harmonizing a cappella. The rest of the EP consists of more uplifting melodies and cheery beats with Rogers softly singing along so that they’re relaxed enough to make them tunes that you can lightly jam to. “Alaska,” for example, is a song that helps display her appreciation for the natural environment. Not only through the lyrics, but the melody and use of instrumentation also does very well in portraying the freeing feeling of being where you feel most at peace. This soothing, soul-settling EP is the perfect motivation for going out and taking a stroll through the woods on a nice day.

Review also available at: wxac.net

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