Musicspot: Magghy Ji - I Want it All

Margherita Di Giovanni (Magghy Ji) wrote this one in the middle of real-life change, and turned it into a sunlit, funky-pop “windows down” ride: vocals up front, guitar + piano driving, and a bouncy break that’s built to make you move.

What was the starting point for this single?

Everything started last summer, when I strongly felt the need to put my thoughts down and give them a concrete shape, after a period of personal and professional changes that are still ongoing. I felt the need to affirm positivity and well-being, without judgment and without regrets.

What was the sonic target for this single?

From a sonic perspective, my goal was to create a track with a strong funky component and a pop groove, something that conveys a typical summer vibe, a song you’d listen to while driving.

Which 2–3 sounds define the single’s identity?

Definitely the vocals, the guitar, and the piano.

Where is your favorite sound-design moment?

The break section, starting at 1:47. It’s the true funky moment of the track, very bouncy and elastic, and it breaks away from the song’s more classic structure. This section is further emphasized by the lyrics and word choices, which help create a strong pumping effect.

How did you approach kick/bass on this single?

Honestly, this track is a bit different from my usual approach. I typically avoid heavy saturation in the low end, especially on the bass. However, given the initial sound I had in mind: groovy, funky, with what I’d describe as Hip-Hop inspired, I decided to push it a bit more. The goal was to make the listener physically move with the song, something I strongly associate with the kick/bass interaction.

What’s the best “ear candy” moment?

Even though I’m not a guitarist, the guitar is an instrument that really fascinates me, and I always try to include it in my productions or enhance it in the tracks I mix, usually through my own effects and modulation chains. In this song, the guitar riff at the very end (2:59) is my favorite ear candy moment.

How did you test translation across systems for this single?

My main reference is headphones, everything starts there. Then, especially to check vocal levels, I rely on speakers. The final test is always the car. If it makes me want to sing along, then it works for me.

If this single is a scene, what is happening in it?

As I mentioned earlier, I imagine a late summer afternoon: driving in a car, orange light just before sunset, windows down, wind messing up your hair, the sea in the background, and people singing calmly and freely.

You can listen to I Want It All by Magghy on the SoundGym Charts, and you can also follow Magghy on her mixing engineer Website!