Today’s Package Deal is based on a recommendation by one of my readers, “Evie,” requesting that I feature local artist Margot MacDonald, who “does a ‘Teardrop’ cover that’s like nothing I’ve ever heard.”
Well Evie, you were right. I had the privilege of hearing Margot sing the 1998 single originally by Massive Attack Monday night when she played “Teardrop” at IOTA, and you’re correct. It’s like nothing I’ve heard—thanks.
Margot is most commonly likened to Amy Lee from Evanescence, but I heard more guttural Ani DiFranco-esque freedom and smooth Imogen Heap, whose utilization of the looping pedal technique Margot repeatedly imitates and respects. When asked about Imogen Heap’s new organic concept on song-composition (“LifeLine,” released March 28, 2011), soliciting the input of her fan’s sound clips to compile a song, excitement spreads across Margot’s face as she answers, “It’s interesting and inspiring, and it’s definitely something I would consider doing.”
Margot MacDonald | Colorblind
Margot admits to having only been using the loop pedal for a year, but her utilization of this tool is polished and moving to watch. The concept of recording sounds and layering them is not a new one, but the art of doing this on-the-spot and live is a style that requires practice and precision.
Although “Teardrop” proved to the crowd that Margot had the skills required to execute successful looping, her new song “Speed of Sound” possessed creativity, drama, and control showcasing what I hope to be a large section of Margot’s future style. Margot has been performing for almost ten years. “I started singing in bars at an early age,” she says with a smile; at almost twenty years old, she’s already a veteran of the music scene. She has the poise and confidence that comes with classical training, and the beauty, talent, and hunger to break into a wide variety of genres and reach diverse audiences. It’s just a matter of where she goes next.
Having confused her with an artist (who also looped) who opened up for Andrew Bird at Sixth & I Synagogue (and for that I am deeply sorry, Margot), she replied, “I wish!” and quickly followed with, “I wonder how they got that gig?” I wondered the same thing, and wished to myself that it had been Margot. “Let’s see what we can do about that, okay?”
