Indie-pop singer-songwriter Maddie Regent turns to grief over the loss of childhood innocence on her new single, “Schoolbags,” released Friday.

The track centers on the image of children boarding a school bus with clear backpacks, using the familiar ritual of going to school to reflect on how safety concerns have changed the experience of growing up.

“I didn’t want to write an angry song, so I wrote it from a place of grief,” Regent said. “I grieve my whimsical childhood knowing I might never be able to give that to my own kids.”

Built around Regent’s ethereal vocals and atmospheric production, “Schoolbags” approaches its subject from a somber perspective rather than one of anger. The song contrasts Regent’s memories of a carefree childhood with her concerns about what childhood could look like for future generations.

The release continues a new stretch of music from Regent following her recent single, “See me.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Regent is now based in Los Angeles, where she has developed an indie-pop sound that draws on themes of romance, anxiety, fantasy and heartbreak.

Her interest in storytelling began early. As a child, Regent staged plays for her family and immersed herself in fictional worlds, experiences that later influenced the narrative approach to her songwriting.

Regent began writing songs at age 12 but did not begin seriously pursuing music until college, when she started working with other songwriters and producers.

She made her recording debut in 2021 and has since released the EPs “MISS REGENT” and “Girl of Your Dreams.” Her debut full-length album, “On the phone with my mom,” arrived in 2025.

“Schoolbags” follows “See me” as Regent continues releasing music after her debut album and exploring more personal subjects through her songwriting.