Margaret Glaspy - “Before We Were Together"

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Courtney Barnett, Torres, Lucy Dacus

Indie rock/folk artist Margaret Glaspy released her breakthrough record Emotions and Math and follow-up EP Born Yesterday since our last check-in four years back, honing her songwriting with hints of power pop and alt rock informing her personal songs of regret, hope, and love. Even with an often minor, moody sound, Glaspy finds ways to make her songs memorable and even catchy at points, aided by the NYC-based singer-songwriter’s rich, slightly gritty vocal tone. She’s been quiet on the touring and recording front, so a slot at SXSW 2020 hopefully means an anticipated sophomore record is on the way soon. (Kevin McStravick)

2016 Review: New York singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy notes influences from Bill Withers, Elliot Smith, Weezer to Joni Mitchell. You hear some of these influences more directly on her newest release on ATO Records, You and I B/W Somebody to Anybody. You and I is an upbeat catchy song about shutting down a clingy partner before an inevitable heartbreaking ending. Somebody to Anybody is a slowed down raw, guitar-driven pop song that finds Glaspy singing “There’s nothin’ wrong with me. It’s just that I don’t wanna be somebody to Anybody, no.” Her honest lyrics shine on the two songs and both show her fierce self-reliant streak. The songs are a nice addition to the more mellow songs that made up her tender 2012 EP If & When.