Maddie Regent reminisces a bygone childhood, one that feels both idyllic and nostalgic, in her new single “Schoolbags.”
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Maddie Regent continues to explore a new era of her music with “Schoolbags,” a mournful song about how time has changed the experience of childhood. Following the release of her previous single “See me,” Regent shows off her talent for creating vivid worlds that connect the past to the present.
Clear schoolbags and iPads
“I didn’t want to write an angry song, so I wrote it from a place of grief,” Regent says.
“Schoolbags'” profound lyrics and ethereal production call to mind an older version of childhood, one that Regent herself feels she won’t be able to share with her own children. While the song’s lyrics juxtapose images of violence with childish comforts, the most haunting part might be its extended outro, the discordant guitar and piano soundtracking a fading memory.
There are days I want it back
But they don’t have what I had
Now it’s clear schoolbags and iPads
And all this sad sad sad
The title is in reference to a recent policy implemented in some schools that requires students to wear clear backpacks to facilitate security checks. Intended to be a response to rising cases of school violence, the policy has been criticized for depriving students of privacy and individuality.
More about Maddie
Originally from Toronto, Maddie Regent has been writing songs since she was 12 years old. Her creativity fueled many elaborate plays for her family, though she only seriously began pursuing music in college, when she collaborated with other writers and producers.
She has since moved to Los Angeles and released two EPs-–MISS REGENT (2021) and Girl of Your Dreams (2023)-–and a full-length album, On the phone with my mom (2025). Her earnest vocals and fearless songwriting have garnered attention from tastemakers like Ones To Watch, Atwood Magazine, and EARMILK.
“Schoolbags” is available to stream on all platforms. Follow Maddie Regent on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud.
Press Release
