“smashing the ceiling" was an incredible album to make. magdalen says, "the songs felt completely inspired as i wrote them, as if i were a channel and they were coming from some higher source. I was lucky to be able to work with phenomenally talented musicians like matt, jon, julie, tim, and eyvind, as well as co-producers within the close-knit seattle community. in the studio there was synergy because of the shared musical histories and friendships between many of the players. this music was in many ways a community effort.”

“smashing the ceiling” highlights magdalen’s ethereal and arousing voice on songs such as “mary magdalene” and “change the world.” “several people have asked why i chose to write a song about one of the most controversial figures in biblical history. ’mary magdalene’ is both an autobiographical song about my life as well as a blend of various biblical mythologies about mary magdalene. she is one of the most iconic, provocative, loved, hated, and mysterious women in history and her story has been misinterpreted through the centuries, so i felt it was time to help redefine her story in a more positive light.