Indie rock singer-songwriter Mary Margaret Cozart shares the music video for her single “Maggie’s World” today. Over the past six years, Cozart has self-released music and performed locally between Athens and Savannah, but this single release marks a return to her hometown of Atlanta.
That’s not to say that Cozart, and the track itself, aren’t deeply tied to the Athens music scene. Cozart stays active locally as a member of Your Ex’s Pets, and “Maggie’s World” was recorded in an Athens studio with Ben Hackett (New Madrid, BennyHonda SuperShifter) and McKendrick Bearden (Heffner, Grand Vapids). Having ties to multiple cities has afforded Cozart a different perspective and opportunities.
“When I lived in Savannah, I realized how much I missed the warmth of the Athens community, and I came to appreciate how Atlanta has privileged access to so much more live music. Being based in Atlanta means I can engage in relationships with the friends and musical collaborators I cherish in Athens, as well as expand upon my Atlanta hometown roots and take inspiration from the city’s energy,” says Cozart.
The track “Maggie’s World” is an introspective dive into invasive memories from one’s youth that reflect on ideas of identity, ultimately delivering what Cozart refers to as a “hopeful yet fierce coming-of-age song.” The whimsical nature of the music video really captures what nurturing your inner child looks like.
“‘Maggie’s World’ is about claiming confidence as I have grown up, reconciling embarrassing memories and coming to enjoy solitude. The video shows me embracing ironic behavior at a public park that might seem nonsensical or silly to passersby and might have been embarrassing to me when I was younger… like eating a bowl of cereal midday on a bench, using an umbrella without rain and running when there’s no reason to run except for the fun of it. The concept of Maggie’s world is an ideal place where people mind their own business, so I also wear sunglasses throughout the video to symbolize a deflection of public judgment,” says Cozart.
Mary’s real world is a collaborative one, and Cozart shares that one of the most rewarding parts of moving back from Savannah has been being invited to join Your Ex’s Pets.
“I’ve learned a lot from Jack Hales’ band leadership and arrangements for harmonies and guitar, and being active weekly with the band has given a lot of symbiotic momentum to my music. Your Ex’s Pets and I are embarking on a small tour after AthFest, when some of my YEP bandmates will play along with my music to open the shows. It’s a really sweet arrangement, and I’m so grateful,” says Cozart.
During AthFest, Cozart will be performing during the Friday night Club Crawl at 8:45 p.m. at The Globe. Your Ex’s Pets will perform at 11 p.m. on Saturday at Hendershot’s. For more info about the Club Crawl, see athfest.com, and for more info about Cozart’s music and releases, visit marymargaretcozart.com.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
