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Maggie Szabo continues to champion the LGBTQIA+ youth community in all that she does – including a smashing new, inspiring single, “Don’t Give Up”. Like any great anthem, though, this song doesn’t exclude itself from any one organization. While her intent of the power pop single is specifically for the transgender youth that suffer from fear and often exclusion from their own families, “Don’t Give Up” is a universal message that listeners are not alone and someone might be feeling the exact same way they are feeling. Szabo once again is brilliant and passionate in spreading a positive and uplifting message.
Those scars are truly worth it, Szabo sings. This line stood out to me because sometimes scars can be both on the inside and the outside. Again, directed at youth, it really hit home that someone would self-harm. My mind immediately went there- and while she doesn’t get too dark with the lyrics, it’s clear that homeless youth, especially trans youth, have a tougher road ahead of them than most. Szabo sings of never giving up on love – and it conjured up the idea that they might not have love from family but they can still find love in a community. It goes without saying, too, to continue to love oneself. I think she illustrates that same idea.
“Don’t Give Up” sparkles with Szabo’s made-for-pop vocals. A prolific singer and songwriter, who can turn on the dime between electronica/dance, to an acoustic, intimate sounding-track. I think her biggest strength not only lies in her adaptability, but in her genuineness. I think she truly gives her heart to her listeners. She’s communicating with them the best way she knows how and there is not a lick of selfishness in “Don’t Give Up”. Joining in on the sonic journey is a backing choir, the Trans Choir of Los Angeles. They come in about the song’s middle and they elevate the song to a more spiritual place. Their presence also unleashes even more goose pimples. “Don’t Give Up” changes a teeny bit of direction – the right amount to give it more vibrancy and an exciting rhythm. All these voices together are pure alchemy, above a moving, beautiful music bed.
Just in time for Pride month (June), “Don’t Give Up” is yet again another empowering song to light the way. Szabo, who now calls Los Angeles home, is originally from Canada. I can’t say enough about how much heart you can hear in her voice. If you’re a fan of Natalie Imbruglia, Natasha Bedingfield and Lauren Daigle, then you will definitely want to add Maggie Szabo to your playlist. She sings with finesse, beauty and determination. All songs mean something – even if it’s about a rubber ducky, a private island or even a cake in the rain – “Don’t Give Up” is really important in that it’s reflective of the need to reach youth that are suffering. Homeless or not – they are part of the global community. Szabo never stops shining her light on that – “Don’t Give Up” is an outstanding, moving track.
by Jennifer Munoz
