Magi Merlin is back with enthralling new single POPSTAR

Following the release of her cover of IDLES’ POP POP POP, which was praised on social media by Joe Talbot, the band’s lead singer, Magi Merlin now returns with POPSTAR, a fierce, declarative single which carries her intent to reframe fame as responsibility. This new song comes out a few days after a European tour opening for Yaya Bey.

Co-produced with Funkywhat, POPSTAR sees Magi Merlin expand on her unique, catchy-yet-singular sound while doubling down on the role she wants to play as an artist. After writing this song and thinking about it with intention, I think I can see the true responsibility of a popstar, says Magi. It is to be a messenger, to influence and to inspire change in the people listening. I don't think the point is to single-handedly change the world; it's to remind all of us that we can, if we do it together.

POPSTAR has generated international acclaim before its release; the song has aired several times on BBC Radio 6 Music in the last few weeks, notably on Huw Stephens' show and New Music Fix.

About Magi Merlin

Magi Merlin [pronounced Mahd-j-eye] calls her sound ‘Broken R&B’, but really, it’s whatever she feels like breaking down and rebuilding in the studio. From indie pop and ’90s house to R&B, hip-hop and jazz, it’s a collage where the glue often is a masterful use of harmonies and a clever juxtaposition of lyrical lightness and depth. In addition to being a writer, composer and co-producer, she also takes the lead on art direction, aiming to use her keenness for fashion and storytelling to build a visual universe that’s as intentional, infectious and self-defined as her sound.

With her 2022 EP Gone Girl, the Montreal-based artist gained praise from outlets including Bandcamp Daily, The FADER, The Line of Best Fit, and Nylon, which led to touring with Noga Erez and a LATAM date with Omar Apollo. Ever since, Merlin has kept busy, working on new music, releasing singles and a smaller surprise project: A Weird Little Dog, which dropped as she began a US tour supporting saxophonist Nubya Garcia. She then reworked IDLES’ POP POP POP, flipping it into a club banger that she performed live for Glamcult TV. She’s made continuous festival appearances at Osheaga, Festival d’été de Québec (opening for Ty Dolla $ign), Treefort, Reeperbahn, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, while simultaneously making her acting debut in Mile End Kicks (with Barbie Ferreira, Devon Bostick and Juliette Gariépy). She continues to unveil her work as a creative powerhouse, one layer at a time, every move pointing toward a larger body of work soon to be released to the world.

Follow Magi Merlin: Instagram / TikTok / YouTube / Bandcamp

Tour dates