Ten years of "Alaska": Maggie Rogers on going viral and singing for 200,000 protestors

On the 10th anniversary of her viral breakout moment with 'Alaska,' musician Maggie Rogers reflects on the transformative power of sudden fame, the importance of creative rest, and the role of art in activism. In a live conversation at Chelsea Studios with NYU students, she shares how the song—written in just three days as a senior project—launched her career, yet felt like an experiment rather than her truest artistic self. Rogers discusses the emotional complexity of overnight success, the pressure of pop stardom, and her decision to slow down, tour extensively on an EP, and prioritize long-form artistic expression over viral trends. She emphasizes that great art will always find its audience, even if the path is no longer the same as in 2016. Now, she channels her energy into activism, performing at massive protests like the No Kings rally in Minneapolis, where she joined Joan Baez and the Resistance Choir, turning song and dance into acts of resistance. Her new foundation supports music education and healthcare access, and she continues to explore creative expression through writing, meditation, and deep dives into mythology and film. Rogers frames rest not as idleness but as essential nourishment for creativity, and she advocates for a life of balance, connection, and intentional living.