Exclusive Interview with Mags Duval

If you haven’t heard of Mags Duval you will soon. The 19-year-old powerhouse behind the alt-pop hit “Plain Jane” is anything but plain. With an infectious energy and bubbly personality, Duval is set to be the next big artist on the scene and we were lucky enough to chat with her about her music and some of her current obsessions.


Who are some of your musical inspirations?

When I was a kid my parents were always listening to Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen. Their songs were really influential in my early songwriting days and still are now.

How would you describe your sound?
Alt-pop with a classic flare and conversational lyric.

What sets you apart from artists who may have a similar sound?

It sounds cliché, but I honestly just stay true to myself. If I’m feeling something and I need to write about it, I just do. I try not to overthink who or what that should sound like, I just write what comes to me naturally.

What is the most difficult part of the songwriting process for you?

Some days the writing process is a breeze, other days songs just don’t come as easily. I would say the most difficult part is deciding on one idea or concept to build off of, but once you know the direction of the song, it’s easier to put the other pieces in place.

What compelled you to write “Plain Jane”?

There was this guy I was really into and I thought he was into me too… so of course, being the romantic that I am, I concocted this whole dream-scenario in my head of us riding off into the sunset together. As fate would have it, he ended up randomly dating some other girl who did not fit into said dream-scenario. I was pretty bummed out, to be honest!

What are some of your current obsessions?

Coffee, always and forever. I have a Sony DSLR digital camera that I’ve been bringing literally everywhere I go- I love taking photos. And this book I’m in the middle of re-reading, Love Is A Mixtape by Rob Sheffield. One of my all-time favorites.

Why did you want to become a singer?

I wanted to become a singer because I write songs. It’s always been about the songwriting for me, singing is my way of telling those stories.

What advice would you give your younger self when it comes to your music career?

Don’t take anything too seriously. Have fun and give yourself grace to make mistakes. Everything makes you who you are and helps you relate in better ways to other people.

What three words would you use to describe “Plain Jane”?
Fun, sassy and a tad sultry.

Want more Mags? You can download “Plain Jane” and more of her music on iTunes and listen to her on Spotify. You can also connect with Mags on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram.

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