MAGNUS FERRELL WANTS YOU TO GO TO THERAPY…"GROOVE THERAPY"
Magnus Ferrell, who was just nominated for Best New Artist at the VMAs, took the time to speak about his new EP Groove Therapy, the influence of jazz in his music, and what this ride has looked like thus far.
Groove Therapy highlights what is great about Magnus: his ability to be authentically himself while connecting to his audience beyond just his lyrics. Here were some of my favorite questions/responses from Magnus about Groove Therapy and life in-between.
Photograph via Sony
Chris - On The Back Edge of the Beat
With your debut EP Groove Therapy having dropped just recently, how would you personally describe it for new fans or those interested in listening to your music? Because I love the title, there's such an implied duality of joyful getting down to fun rhythms, as well going down into the deeper mental psyche all at once.
My sound is R&B with kinda soul. It’s cohesive and authentic. I’m most proud and making music is who I am as a human.
Ashlyn - For The Record Music Blog
Is there any song that feels completely different performing live than it does on the recording?
It is a learning moment between recording a song and performing it live. My goal is for all songs to sound live when recording them. “A Little Fun” is the closest a recording has felt to playing it live. I want to make people feel comfortable with my music.
Cedric - Melodic Magazine
Now that Groove Therapy is finally out, is there a song on there that you understand differently now than when you were first starting your writing process?
“She’s Gonna Break My Heart.” I enjoy the songs where there’s no pressure and the magic happens.
What are 3 items on the official Magnus Ferrell tour rider?
Fruits (watermelon specifically), Coconut Water, and Tequila!
“That’s the biggest thing...just putting your emotion and your feeling and your authenticity into the work you are putting out.”
Mattie - The Music Box
In an industry where so many entertainers are competing for recognition and trying to establish their own identities, what do you believe has been the key to carving out a space that feels uniquely yours?
Everyone has unique personalities and you get better and sharper in your taste as you go along. You can infuse your taste into your work. The timeline of your break can be different, so you need to celebrate the unexpected wins even if it takes longer than you would think.
Kianna - KCR Radio
Since jazz is all about capturing a spontaneous moment, how do you balance that with modern pop production? When working with Gabe Yaron on Groove Therapy, how did you decide when to leave a slightly imperfect, improvised take as-is versus when to refine it into a highly produced track?
Ultimately, you can keep refining each track but at some point, you’re just making different choices on aspects of the song. An example of this is “A Little Fun,” the drums changed a lot. You just need to listen through and be happy and if it feels good, don’t change it.
Makala - KLSU Radio
You're stepping into your own as an artist after growing up in a family immersed in the arts. How did that environment shape your musical identity, and what made you decide it was time to claim your own voice?
There is a nostalgia in all of it since I’ve been around the entertainment industry my entire life, between visiting my dad on sets and watching my Grandpa play [jazz piano] live. I wanted to express myself and be vulnerable in front of people. Sharing moments is engrained in my personality.
“Asleep Talking” earned Song of the Month on SiriusXM The Heat's Future Fire. How did that recognition change things for you as an emerging artist?
Those moments are cool as they’re another indicator to keep going and building on what you have. It’s motivating as well. It’s great to know that I’m having a real impact on real human beings and the recognition means that it’s working.
