LIPA Music student to perform on new Channel 4 series Your Song

LIPA music student Maggie Wakeling will be appearing on Channel 4’s Your Song this Sunday, 26 April at 9pm.

Hosted by Alison Hammond, Paloma Faith and Sam Ryder, Your Song is a new programme that travels across the country to give extraordinary people the opportunity to perform the song that tells their story, and give the nation’s hidden voices the audience they deserve.

Maggie, who performs under the stage name MAGGIE MAE, was selected to perform at the London edition of the show. We spoke to Maggie about the experience.

How did the opportunity to be on Your Song come about?

I first found out about the show through the Liverpool Arts Bars, they were hosting an open mic that I went along to. It was very lowkey (even though there were so many people there) and I chose to bring along my keyboard to play an original song. After my performance I was approached by a producer from Love Productions, who were the creators behind the show, strongly encouraging me to apply with my original song as it had moved her so much. I went through a couple of audition rounds before being lucky enough to be selected for the London episode which I am so grateful for! If I hadn’t taken the opportunity to perform at that open mic, none of this would have happened.

Tell us about your performance on the show, what did you chose to sing and why?

The premise of Your Song is to sing the song that tells your story, whether that be connected to a defining moment or a fond memory. I chose to sing an original song, The Cure, as it is deeply personal to me and my favourite part of songwriting is the ability to take our most vulnerable moments and share them in such a beautiful way. I wrote The Cure when a family member was diagnosed with dementia and the song explores the feeling of losing your identity which I think is something relatable to people on so many levels, so I really hope people are able to find some connection in my performance.

What was it like being on a high-profile TV show for the first time?

Working on a brand new high-profile show like Your Song was so incredible, and still quite hard to believe! I had the privilege to meet some amazing musicians, Sam Ryder and Paloma Faith, and their advice and words of encouragement are some that I will never forget. I was very nervous as TV and talking to cameras were not things I had ever experienced before however it quickly became comfortable especially as the team were so friendly.

You’ll be performing here at LIPA for 2ube Xtra soon, what can people expect from that show?

My 2ube Xtra performance will be on Wednesday 29th April at 6pm. I could not be more excited! You can expect the same emotional vulnerability that you will see on Your Song, plus some edgier, alternative-pop tracks that will make you want to dance. The performance is the result of three years of hard work, and I’ve been really lucky to collaborate with other courses on set pieces and costume too so you can expect an amazing show. I hope to see you there!

This episode of Your Song will be airing this Sunday, 26 April at 9pm, and will be available to watch on demand afterwards.

MAGGIE MAE will be performing at 2ube Xtra on Wednesday 29th April at 6pm, with free tickets available.