Margot MacDonald
WALLS
(MarMac Music)
Since her debut album "TORN", the beautiful Margot MacDonald, with the voice colour of Paula Cole, has gone a long way and finally found her own style on her second album "WALLS". She starts with a powerful and melodic opener named "Freewheelin'", goes on with a calm and emotional side, and she gives proof of her Rock and Roll roots by covering convincingly two classics like Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" and "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones. Margot MacDonald gets to the point with 11 songs (including a so-called hidden track) and breaks down her walls so it's time for a big record company to knock at her door.
(4/5)
Dennis Rowehl
DEAL WANTED!
MARGOT MACDONALD
They are young, they are great, they are ambitious, they know how to rock and have got almost everything … but a DEAL … not yet.
There are lots of bands with the dream of becoming a Rock Star out there but to start a musical career successfully it’s more than just hanging out in the rehearsal room. It’s hard work and a long way of performing live on stage, writing the right songs, spending much time by connecting the right people and working for the money to record a great album in professional studios.
AUTONA presents a new rubric where musically great and constantly hard working bands get the chance to enlarge their network and fan base and of course finally to get a great record deal.
This month we should call it: MAJOR DEAL WANTED because Margot MacDonald from Washington DC already released two official albums on her own label. The current album “Walls” is a big step into the right direction and with an individual voice and her own songs she's ready for more.
Autona: I really like your new album "Walls" and it's definitely more elaborated and individual than your debut album "Torn". You operate without a label, so do you have sponsors who support you by recording and pressing two professional albums and by producing a high quality video?
Margot: Thank you! I feel I’m starting to head in a direction that’s more my own. I have a great band and my producer, Marco Delmar, was wonderful in helping me direct the sound of "Walls". I funded both albums independently through loans and part-time jobs so I have a lot invested! But the recording process has been an important part of my artistic development. The "Liberty" video was shot before I came out with "Torn" and was funded by a non-profit organization.
Autona: Do you coordinate your press work and bookings on your own or do you have professional assistance by a media agency or a management?
Margot: For the most part I still handle my own bookings and media. But I do have a mentor helping out with the big picture.
Autona: How do you distribute your current album at the moment?
Margot: My new album is available through my website, CD Baby, iTunes, and other online vendors. There have been some discussions about distribution so I hope it will find its way into stores as well.
Autona: You said you'd like to come over to Europe for live shows. Have you ever been in Germany and how important is the European market?
Margot: I’d love to come over to Europe to play some live shows! The European market has shown to be appreciative of my sound. I have not been to Germany but I do have some European roots. My mother is French. And I’m now working with Freddie Cannon who started Carrere Records UK. So, with those ties in mind, we’re hoping to find sponsorship for a European tour.
Autona: To be signed by a record label doesn't mean to be successful. You know that you can also have success without being signed ... if you do it yourself. If a label offers a deal what do you need that this deal makes sense?
Margot: I feel that with the right connections it is very possible to be successful as an independent artist. Many people who sign to record labels go nowhere and end up in debt. It’s a sad truth. So that is why I am proceeding on this front with caution. There are many things I would like to see in a possible record contract, but a big one is artistic freedom. If the right deal comes around that would be great. If not, I will continue to work as an independent artist.
Autona: You played a cover version on Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant song" with a special character. Did you send an mp3-file of your version to Robert Plant or Jimmy Page?
Margot: It’s a fun song to cover and is such a show stopper. I love it! But I haven’t sent it to any Led Zeppelin members though, mainly because I never thought of doing so. Hmmm … do you have their email address?
Autona: How many shows have you already played to support your new album?
Margot: I’ve been playing out quite a bit since coming out with “Walls”. I love performing so it’s been great!
© 2009 by Dennis Rowehl
AUTONA Interview