Nashville-based rock and soul singer-songwriter Maggie Rose has announced the release of her new album, Have A Seat, available everywhere Friday, August 20th via Starstruck Records. Have A Seat, Rose’s third full-length LP, was produced by Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL.
In a series of pre-pandemic sessions, Rose recorded live with a lineup of heavy-hitters that includes bassist David Hood of the Swampers (the group of session musicians who played on records from legends like Aretha Franklin and Etta James) and guitarist Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm), along with her longtime bandmates/collaborators Larry Florman (background vocals/percussion), Alex Haddad (guitars), and Sarah Tomek (drums) of Them Vibes, in addition to a guest appearance by Marcus King.
To celebrate the announcement, Rose has released the album’s first single, “Do It”, available today on all streaming platforms.
“The lyrics began pouring out as we were fueled by our convictions,” Rose says of the soulful stomp in a press statement. “I remember jotting down lyrics as fast as I could and singing loudly and confidently before having really settled on a structure because where it was going simply felt right.”
She continues, “When we brought it into the studio a few months later and Sarah Tomek’s drums locked in with David Hood’s driving bass, Karita Law and Shanay Johnson echoed the chorus lyrics back in harmony—the whole band Ben Tanner helped me assemble was kicking—it felt like a celebration.” Listen to “Do It” below.
Maggie Rose – “Do It”
[Video: Maggie Rose]
Along with the release of “Do It”, Maggie Rose gave some insight into the timely themes at the album’s core.”These songs were written during a contentious time, and there are undertones to the lyrics that are influenced by the state of our world politics and the politics of the music industry,” she explains. “The title Have a Seat is responsorial, placing an emphasis on inclusivity — like, ‘Here, sit down. Let’s try talking to each other.’ One of the most loving things we can do is listen and make others feel heard — give people the space to speak their mind and be themselves. However, there’s also an intended meaning to the title that points to the power in occupying the seat that’s designated to you: I am claiming a seat I believe is rightfully mine, and I want others to do the same.”
Pre-order your copy of Have A Seat here. While you wait for its release, revisit Maggie’s recent Valentine’s Day concert stream from Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.