Malea McGuinness

Artist Information

Biography

About Malea

At the intersection of rural roads and glittering boulevards, Malea McGuinness — singer, songwriter, and storyteller — arrives with Sweet, a fully realized suite of songs performed her band with a Grammy-winning producer behind the board. It is a vibrant backdrop for the sound and soul of a compelling artist.

Live audiences certainly get it. With her commanding stage presence and expressive voice, Malea McGuinness can captivate 10,000 listeners at Summer Fest in Milwaukee opening for The Counting Crows, and for other marquee artists like Shawn Colvin, Kenny Wayne Shepard and Kenny Loggins, who she joined for an extensive tour. It was esteemed Los Angeles-based producer-engineer-mixer Jim Scott who suggested tracking Malea live with her touring band. “We had 10 days of recording, “she says. “But Jim knows how to bring the best in every musician.”

The melange of sounds reveals a profound reverence for the fabled Laurel Canyon era of Los Angeles country-rock that Malea updates with a decidely modern perspective. Among her co-writers is Nashville bard Gary Burr, an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

A dreamy pedal steel introduces “Miss Moonlight,” a gorgeously melodic ode that frames a self-fulfilled woman dancing in the heavens. “Sweet,” the title track, is a wondrous affirmation of the powers of love. “Something To Believe In,” speaks to the tough realities in modern day America according to the artist. “People are having a difficult time — these lyrics come from when I was too. Art and music are here to uplift others.”

Malea is also committed to helping the four-legged members of our world through her live performances, where she donates a portion of proceeds from CD sales to animal charities and The Humane Societies across the country.

Born in Ft. Hood, Texas to a Korean mother and a Green Beret father, Malea’s early life was spent relocating and readjusting. Says Malea, “Childhood molds you. It gives you something to prove your whole life. We are all at different timelines and stages.” For Malea, it was a spotlight that led from her grandparent’s home the day after high school graduation to preeminent music colleges to a Broadway role in a revival of The King & I with Lou Diamond Phillips. Reinventing herself as a songwriter in Los Angeles, she began channeling her intuition, ambitions and celestial alchemy into songs.

"Sweet", Malea McGuinesses’ third release, follows her debut, True Believer, and the follow-up, Close As Air. Supported by national tour dates, both secured broad exposure across satellite and terrestrial radio.

With Malea’s new record, it is all there: the declaration of self-discovery, the sacred value of life, and the power to love and to be loved: Real life stories, authentic songs, dues paid. The artistry is polished with grit, grace and gratitude. The result is ever so Sweet.

Instrumentation

Band Members
1. Malea McGuinness - Vocals, Guitar and Keyboards
2. Justin Reinhardt-keyboards
3. Anthony King-guitar
4. Nick Rosen-bass
5. Mike Bennett-drums
Also plays acoustically with the band-Nick on upright bass, Malea and Anthony on guitars

Discography

Album "SWEET" 9/2011
"Always Something To Believe In" currently National AAA Radio & Hot AC

Album,"Close as Air" 3/22/2010
"Moving On" #9 on AC Chart
"Spinning" currently National AAA Radio, Video: MTV, FUSE

Album, "True Believer" (itunes / digital distribution)
"Deeper" National AC Top 40 Charted #16
"Sweet Light" National AC Top 40 Charted #3

Official Website

http://www.maleamusic.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Malea Videos

Audio

• Spinning
  Listen  
• Close As Air
  Listen  
• Always Something To Believe In
  Listen  
• True Believer
  Listen  
• Miss Moonlight
  Listen  
• Sweet
  Listen  
• Miss Moonlight
  Listen  
• Stars
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Spinning
• Close As Air
• Tonight
• Memories
• Always Something To Believe In
• True Believer
• Miss Moonlight
• Sweet
• Stars

Video

Always Something (To Believe In)

Malea--Stars-Opening For Kenny Loggins

Malea--Stars-Opening For Kenny Loggins

Photo Gallery

Press

• Live Performance Review [+ Show ]
  

  Malea McGuinness The Viper Room West Hollywood Contact: Artist Hotline, 323-556-7077 Web:...Malea McGuinness
  The Viper Room
  West Hollywood
  
  Contact: Artist Hotline, 323-556-7077
  
  Web: MySpace.com/maleamcg
  
  The Players: Malea McGuinness, lead vocals, guitar; Rick Battson, lead guitar; Damon Lord, rhythm guitar; Matt Heyerly, bass; Justin Reinhardt, keys; Chuck Sparks, drums; Nichelle, backup vocals.
  
  
  
  
  Material: Malea McGuinness’ music is a powerful blend of folk and rock with a mid-90’s brand of pop-sensibility (think the Eagles/Creedence Clearwater Revival meets Lillith Fair). Songs like “Brave in Your Arms” possess a thick and powerful rock crunch, while slower tunes like “Dreamer” allow McGuinness to showcase her powerful vocal presence. Her songs possess enough modern pop appeal for radio, but also carry a sense of nostalgia that catches the immediate attention of older audience members.
  
  Musicianship: McGuinness’ voice has a unique range that allows her to sweetly glide through slower ballads while also being able to cut through the mix on louder rock numbers. Rick Battson’s lead guitar really shines on heavier songs such as “Brave in Your Arms,” while keyboardist Justin Reinhardt does a superb job complementing the vocal melody without ever overplaying.
  
  Performance: McGuinness delivered a powerful set of original songs to an enthusiastic audience. As an ex-Broadway actress McGuinness’ true talent was clearest when she set her acoustic guitar aside and devoted full attention to leading the band. Although at times it seemed like her interaction with the audience was minimal, the chemistry between her band members was incredibly prominent. They spent the whole set smiling and looked like they were having a genuinely good time. The set closed with a song called “Spinning” that left the audience literally yelling for more.
  
  Summary: Malea McGuinness is a promising, up-and-coming artist with a polished sound and excellent presence. Her special brand of folk-rock is catchy and well suited for radio, as well as film and television. Her single “Deeper” is already being added to radio playlists.
  
  ––Ben Marazzi
  
  

• Malea is a Hit
  

  "McGuinness has been connecting with audiences everywhere in a huge way"

• Malea Rocks [+ Show ]
  

  "This LA based folk-rock singer-songwriter is very appealing at...and recalls Sheryl Crow and Ste..."This LA based folk-rock singer-songwriter is very appealing at...and recalls Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks...

• Rising the Charts [+ Show ]
  

  "Malea McGuinness, whose jangling pop delight "Sweet Light"-the second single from her highly acclai..."Malea McGuinness, whose jangling pop delight "Sweet Light"-the second single from her highly acclaimed debut album True Believer-catapulted this week from #14 to #3 on the FMQB AC40 chart... (she) leapfrogged over some of today's hottest artists and a handful of rock legends."

• Kenny Loggins covers all the bases in Anaheim [+ Show ]
  

  Malea McGuinness, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who pleased the audience with easy-on-the-ea...Malea McGuinness, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who pleased the audience with easy-on-the-ears music recalling some of the best female singers of the '70s, '80s and '90s. McGuinness' far-reaching voice at times evoked Rosanne Cash, while her songs captured the freewheeling spirit of early Sheryl Crow and Paula Cole.

Setlist

1. falling
2. Stars
3. Moving On
4. Close As Air
5. No More
6. Birthday song
7. Time will Show
8. Tonight
9. spinning
10. Where Does Love Go
11. Spinning

(Plenty of Covers if needed)

Sets can vary from 35 - 75 minutes

Basic Requirements

Calendar