Split Stones Explained

Split Stones
Cover:Maggie Rogers Split Stones.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Maggie Rogers
Genre:Pop
Label:
Producer:
  • Rogers
  • Seltzer
  • Schadt
Prev Title:On + Off
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:Fallingwater
Next Year:2018

"Split Stones" is a song by American singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers. It was written and produced by Rogers, Andrew Seltzer and Doug Schadt. The song was released on September 20, 2017, through Debay Sounds and Capitol Records.

Background

Rogers has performed the song live on tour and the festival circuit in the summer.[1] [2] She collaborated with The North Face to promote the single, in conjunction with the release of the Ventrix jacket.[3] [4] Fans are able to unlock the song through a digital experience using their mobile devices.[5] [6] [7] She explained the inspiration behind the song in a commercial for the advertising campaign: "I took the first sound samples for 'Split Stones' on a month-long backpacking trip in Oregon during the summer of 2013; I've been collecting samples and piecing the song together in bedroom studios and trails ever since. I'm super excited about combining the two things I love-technology and the environment-to create a way that people can hear the song, but also feel a little bit a part of the action and process that inspired it."[8] Rogers wrote in a handwritten note she shared on social media that "Split Stones" is "a parting gift" and "a song I made in college and have held onto for a while – one I've had so much fun playing live this year for all of you. This is me saying goodbye for a little while. Here's to the end of the beginning and the start of everything else."[9] [10]

Critical reception

Sarah Montgomery of The Fader referred "Split Stones" to a "dance-y, pop song" that "takes samples from outdoor excursions and is inspired by nature in the same way 'Alaska' was".[11] Lisa Nguyen of Paste called it an "invigorating track" and felt it "offers encouraging lyrics, using the singer's melodically husky voice and rhythmic instrumentals as a vehicle".[12] Chris DeVille of Stereogum wrote that the song features "an electronic backbeat that wallops with more force than usual", and opined that "the chorus sounds very big and is really pretty".[13] Caitlin White of Uproxx noted that she "fell for [the song] immediately" after unlocking it through the marketing campaign.[14] Eve Barlow of Pitchfork wrote: "Despite its organic origins, it is more of a dance number, and is structured like a house track, even though it doesn't really sound anything like one."[15]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[16]

Notes and References

  1. News: Lindsay. Howard. Hear Maggie Rogers' Dazzling New Single 'Split Stones'. September 24, 2017. Variance. September 20, 2017.
  2. News: Sam. Murphy. Maggie Rogers Says "Goodbye For A Little While" With New Song 'Split Stones'. September 24, 2017. The Interns. September 21, 2017.
  3. News: Jeffrey. Yau. Maggie Rogers Reveals That She's Taking A Break, Releases Goodbye Track In "Split Stones". September 24, 2017. Your EDM. September 21, 2017.
  4. News: Jonathan. Desabris. The North Face Partners with a Viral Singing Sensation for their New Video. September 24, 2017. Teton Gravity Research. September 21, 2017.
  5. News: Ben. Dandridge-Lemco. Maggie Rogers Debuts New Single "Split Stones" In North Face Ad. September 24, 2017. The Fader. September 19, 2017.
  6. News: Kraig. Becker. The North Face's new Ventrix jacket is built to vent heat and moisture. September 24, 2017. Digital Trends. September 18, 2017.
  7. News: Shirley. Brady. The North Face Sponsors Exclusive Release by Maggie Rogers. September 24, 2017. Brandchannel. September 19, 2017.
  8. News: Lisa. Nguyen. Unlock Maggie Rogers's New Single "Split Stones" Through a North Face Ad Campaign. September 24, 2017. Paste. September 19, 2017.
  9. News: Jamie. Milton. Maggie Rogers shares "parting gift" 'Split Stones', hinting at a break. September 24, 2017. DIY. September 21, 2017.
  10. News: Joe. Reeve. Listen to Maggie Rogers' new single "Split Stones". September 24, 2017. HUH.. September 21, 2017.
  11. News: Sarah. Montgomery. Maggie Rogers Shares Her Parting Gift "Split Stones". September 24, 2017. The Fader. September 20, 2017.
  12. News: Lisa. Nguyen. Maggie Rogers Releases the Invigorating Single "Split Stones" as "a Parting Gift". September 24, 2017. Paste. September 20, 2017.
  13. News: Chris. DeVille. Maggie Rogers – "Split Stones". September 24, 2017. Stereogum. September 21, 2017.
  14. News: Caitlin. White. Maggie Rogers Used The Release Of 'Split Stones' To Revolutionize The Premiere Process. September 24, 2017. Uproxx. September 22, 2017.
  15. News: Eve. Barlow. "Split Stones" by Maggie Rogers. September 24, 2017. Pitchfork. September 20, 2017.
  16. Web site: Split Stones / Maggie Rogers TIDAL. Tidal. September 24, 2017.