When we first spoke to Maple Glider in 2021, we called her one to watch. Two years later and the Australian artist has surpassed all expectations on her thoughtful, intricate sophomore album, I Get Into Trouble, out today. The record comes from a place of radical honesty, exploring her religious upbringing, sexuality and consent. There are moments on this album that moved us to tears, moments that made us laugh, and moments that made us dance. It's one of our favourite projects of 2023 so far. We spoke to Maple Glider about this next chapter below:

‍This album is so beautiful and feels like it really encapsulates a pivotal time in your life. How do you feel knowing the world is about to hear it? What do you hope people take from this album?

Thank you so much. I feel great that people are going to hear it. There were a lot of intense emotions that went into making this record and I feel kind of released from those now. I’m more comfortable with the songs and the things that the album has to say. I hope that people who relate to the content gain a sense of comfort, a feeling of safety in experiencing their emotions and a lightness in it all too.

When we spoke to you in 2021 about your debut album, you said that you had become more comfortable as a musician. Now, how do you think you have evolved as an artist - sonically, or perhaps in your songwriting - on your sophomore album?‍

Oh honestly it’s so hard to self-critique haha. Some of these songs were already written at the time the first album was released so in many ways I feel like it’s both a continuation and an overlap. I think I was a bit more open during the process of choosing songs and recording, and I think that my confidence in what I am doing has definitely grown. I know there are still so many places I have left to explore and I just feel like there are so many possibilities for me musically at this point, which is very exciting. I’m grateful to still hold this energy for creating.

You’ve said that songwriting helps you to “deal with things and understand things better”. What do you think you learnt about yourself on a personal level through making this record?

I’ve really allowed myself to be angry and imperfect. I’ve had to learn to be gentler with myself and accept my personal best, because there were times during the making of this record that felt really difficult. There is so much longing on the record, so much sadness for what isn’t, or for something or someone I feel like I’m losing or have lost or should let go of. I’m curious to see if that continues for me in my writing.

You explore themes of religion and sexual consent on this album, personal experiences that are also so universal. Were these songs hard for you to write or necessary for you to let go of?‍

Both. They weren’t necessarily difficult to write, but they were difficult to listen back to. Eventually I became curious enough about them that I tested playing them live in certain settings that I felt comfortable in. Recording was a whole thing though! I was quite emotional, and I definitely had a bit of fear and anxiety at the prospect of releasing them. I’m so happy I did. I feel lighter.

It sounds as though you wrote and recorded this album in special places, you note "kitchen tables, backyards. Do you have a fond memory or anecdote from creating this album that no one knows about yet

I wrote Two Years during one of my favourite ever shared house experiences. I lived with four friends, but most of it was during the beginning of lockdown. We danced a lot around the kitchen table, ate many delicious meals together and would have little nights where we’d have presentations on a topic we’d researched or share music with each other. I’d often write in all different parts of the house and backyard. I’d always finish songs after having sat on the front porch for a little while. The piano I wrote this song on was given as a gift by chance to my friend, collaborator and housemate at the time Bridgette Winten, and so I wrote most of the song in her room when she was hanging around.

You worked with Tom Iansek and Jim Rindfleish again. What do they bring out of you - or solidify in your sound - that creates such a prosperous collaboration?

I really respect them both as musicians and I think collectively we share a strong vision for Maple Glider. Mostly, we just enjoy ourselves. I feel completely comfortable to be myself. I’m not a master musician, in fact I can be awkward at asking for things, and I don’t necessarily feel like I always have the right language or skills to achieve my vision. Tom and Jim are both so patient, they listen and they’re willing to work through things. I think it’s been really important for me to work with people that I trust creatively.

We love all these songs. Hard question but which song are you most excited for people to hear?

Ohh thank you. Hmm that’s so difficult! I’ve loved performing Don’t Kiss Me with the band. The response has been awesome and has felt very life-affirming. I’m also so proud for people to hear ‘You’re Gonna Be A Daddy’. That song has already had a positive effect on my life personally, so I share it with a feeling of lightness and gratitude.

The artists you were listening to during the making of this project are great, it’s so nice to see/hear who was soundtracking your world. Right now, who are you listening to and excited about in music?

Oh my favourite record this year has been ‘I Am The River, The River Is Me’ by Jen Cloher. Just incredible. I really respect them, the music they create and their approach to the industry. I’ve also been loving ‘Why Does The Earth Give Us People To Love’ by Kara Jackson. Also the new records from Becca Mancari, Blondshell, Miya Folick, Leah Senior, RVG, Juice Webster, Bumpy, Olivia Dean, Winten, Cleo Sol, Mitski, Hannah Mckittrick and Samia. And heaps of Dolly Parton. Always. I could go on.

Aside from music, what is something that has been inspiring you recently?

I’ve been working on a regenerative farm for two women that I’m very inspired by and it just feels very good for the soul, so that’s been very fulfilling. Spending time outside and with animals makes life better.

What’s next?

I’m going to tour this album as much as I can - aha! I’ll be playing some shows in Aus then I’ll be in the US for a couple of dates and then back home for sun. Hopefully lots of swimming. Ideally some camping. And I wanna see my niece! She’s growing up so fast. Guess I’ll write an album too somehow, somewhere.

Listen to Maple Glider HERE.

@mapleglider