Your new single “Gravity Kiss” is the epitome of bubblegum pop, and I am obsessed! What was the inspiration for this new track?
Mallaigh: Thanks so much! Glad to hear you're "a little bit obsessed"! ;) I was really inspired by pop icons like Carly Rae Jepsen, and the unbridled joy of some tracks off Taylor Swift's Lover album. I wanted to create a song that channelled that rush of emotion and happiness that you get with songs by those artists.
When did you start making your own music? And have you always had a passion for music since you were younger, or did it come about later?
Mallaigh: I started getting serious about creating original music about a year ago. I had released a song for fun in January of 2021, and then around the springtime of that year was when I sat down and started making music for release. I've always had a passion for music in various forms since I was a kid -- I was 7 when I started doing musical theatre, and it wasn't until I was older, about age 18, that I started learning guitar. I must thank my best friend, Kat Johnson, for encouraging me to make original music when we met in college.
What is your favorite thing about performing live? Do you have a favorite performance of yours?
Mallaigh: I love the connection I form with an audience when I perform live -- something about the real-time reaction of an audience is so special and heartwarming as an artist. And it's cool to see how some songs consistently connect well with an audience. I find that my song "Second Avenue" usually gets a good reaction at a live performance, so I always try to play that one whenever I do perform live. And recently, I chose an unreleased song to play live only -- so you'll have to catch a show of mine to see this 'secret song'! My favorite performance so far is probably my most recent one that I did on April 23rd at Brooklyn Music Kitchen. I had a few friends come out to see that one and the supportive environment was really nice. Two of my pals came out to the front and performed a little duo dance for my final song -- rumors are circulating that they may do so again.
If you could be the opening act for any artist, who would you pick and why?
Mallaigh: I would absolutely love to open for Annie DiRusso! Her music is so incredible and she has inspired a lot of my own songwriting. I think it would be such a dream come true if I ever got to open for her.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music and performing?
Mallaigh: When I'm not making music and performing, you can probably find me binge-listening to Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, watching a new show (I just finished re-watching Devs on Hulu which is so good), or taking pictures of my cat Fitz when he does literally anything. I'm also determined this summer to learn how to ride a bike, so I'll be taking up that hobby. Not sure how I made it to 22 without that skill.
If you could give younger Mallaigh some advice, what would you tell her?
Mallaigh: When I started making music, I was constantly comparing my progress to that of my musical heroes, and holding myself to impossibly high standards. I've now come to learn that the progress an audience sees an artist make is usually a highlight reel -- and everyone goes through their own struggles and makes progress at their own pace. So I would tell younger Mallaigh to not be so hard on herself and to enjoy the journey as it unfolds, and that it is more than okay to allow yourself to celebrate all the little moments.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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