Maggie Baring gave up piano after Grade 1; she struggled with traditional chords, something many of us can relate to. But that was far from the end of her musical career. Now 23, Maggie is a rising star in the indie pop scene, with her breakout single Jolene amassing over eight million views on TikTok. Maggie has also shot to prominence on stage, regularly performing at historic venues across London. With a growing fanbase and a distinctive voice, she’s quickly becoming one of the UK’s standout emerging artists. Her story is a reminder that formal grades aren’t everything; passion and natural talent have a particular way of shining through.
Maggie’s Origins
Despite originally struggling with traditional chords, Maggie’s musical instincts took off when her cousin taught her to play piano by ear. This intuitive approach allowed her musical talents to shine through. Later, she began learning guitar with the help of classical lessons funded by her parents. But it was pop music that truly ignited her creativity. She eventually asked her teacher, “Can we just play Taylor Swift?”
At 12, following the death of her grandfather, Maggie wrote her first song. ‘It was a cathartic experience,’ she recalls. “Songwriting became an incredible way for me to express myself.”
Maggie’s Rise
Since then, she has steadily built her career. Whilst at Durham University, she grew an adoring student fan base who watched her performances at local pubs. Last year, she moved to London, which she says has been amazing, as it is a “true hub for music in the UK.” Since moving to London, she has achieved a lifelong dream of performing at the Troubadour, an iconic venue on Old Brompton Road that has hosted legends such as Bob Dylan, Adele, and Florence + The Machine. She says she contacted them and they took a chance on her, giving her a Tuesday night show, which sold out. Then a Saturday show, which sold out again. They’ve now given her a residency with two more shows this year.
“I love performing live, it’s where I’m at my happiest and feel most alive,” Maggie says. She sees live performances as a vital time to connect with fans, saying, “I like to chat to my audience while I’m on stage. I share so many secrets at my shows. Everyone who comes knows exactly what the songs are about. I don’t share that much on social media, so if you want to know the real meaning, come to a live gig.”
Social Media
While she’s passionate about live performance, Maggie recognises the role social media plays in today’s music industry. Her song Viral explores the growing dependence on digital platforms and the pressure that comes with it. “The music industry is changing so much, for better or worse,” she reflects. “I actually think social media can be a wonderful thing. For example, I have two amazing girls from Poland who found me through Spotify and social media, and now work for my HQ. But for me, building a consistent fanbase is more important than going viral,” she adds.
Maggie’s upcoming EP
Looking ahead, Maggie is preparing for the release of her new EP Ekphrasis, which drops in August. “Each song is based on a female figure from Renaissance art, a famous painting or muse,” she explains. “It’s six songs, and I produced them with my friend Sam Grade. I’m super excited about it.”
From writing songs in her bedroom to playing to packed-out crowds, Maggie Baring’s journey proves that authentic pop music still has the power to connect, with or without a Grade 1 certificate.
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HeadlineAn Interview With Indie Pop Artist Maggie Baring
Short HeadlineMaggie Baring's breakthrough into the UK's Indie Pop scene.
StandfirstMaggie Baring's breakthrough into the UK's Indie Pop scene.
Maggie Baring gave up piano after Grade 1; she struggled with traditional chords, something many of us can relate to. But that was far from the end of her musical career. Now 23, Maggie is a rising star in the indie pop scene, with her breakout single Jolene amassing over eight million views on TikTok. Maggie has also shot to prominence on stage, regularly performing at historic venues across London. With a growing fanbase and a distinctive voice, she’s quickly becoming one of the UK’s standout emerging artists. Her story is a reminder that formal grades aren’t everything; passion and natural talent have a particular way of shining through.
Maggie’s Origins
Despite originally struggling with traditional chords, Maggie’s musical instincts took off when her cousin taught her to play piano by ear. This intuitive approach allowed her musical talents to shine through. Later, she began learning guitar with the help of classical lessons funded by her parents. But it was pop music that truly ignited her creativity. She eventually asked her teacher, “Can we just play Taylor Swift?”
At 12, following the death of her grandfather, Maggie wrote her first song. ‘It was a cathartic experience,’ she recalls. “Songwriting became an incredible way for me to express myself.”
Maggie’s Rise
Since then, she has steadily built her career. Whilst at Durham University, she grew an adoring student fan base who watched her performances at local pubs. Last year, she moved to London, which she says has been amazing, as it is a “true hub for music in the UK.” Since moving to London, she has achieved a lifelong dream of performing at the Troubadour, an iconic venue on Old Brompton Road that has hosted legends such as Bob Dylan, Adele, and Florence + The Machine. She says she contacted them and they took a chance on her, giving her a Tuesday night show, which sold out. Then a Saturday show, which sold out again. They’ve now given her a residency with two more shows this year.
“I love performing live, it’s where I’m at my happiest and feel most alive,” Maggie says. She sees live performances as a vital time to connect with fans, saying, “I like to chat to my audience while I’m on stage. I share so many secrets at my shows. Everyone who comes knows exactly what the songs are about. I don’t share that much on social media, so if you want to know the real meaning, come to a live gig.”
Social Media
While she’s passionate about live performance, Maggie recognises the role social media plays in today’s music industry. Her song Viral explores the growing dependence on digital platforms and the pressure that comes with it. “The music industry is changing so much, for better or worse,” she reflects. “I actually think social media can be a wonderful thing. For example, I have two amazing girls from Poland who found me through Spotify and social media, and now work for my HQ. But for me, building a consistent fanbase is more important than going viral,” she adds.
Maggie’s upcoming EP
Looking ahead, Maggie is preparing for the release of her new EP Ekphrasis, which drops in August. “Each song is based on a female figure from Renaissance art, a famous painting or muse,” she explains. “It’s six songs, and I produced them with my friend Sam Grade. I’m super excited about it.”
From writing songs in her bedroom to playing to packed-out crowds, Maggie Baring’s journey proves that authentic pop music still has the power to connect, with or without a Grade 1 certificate.
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