Mike Maguire
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada | INDIE
Music
Press
not a big fan of earnest, sensitive singer songwriters, or pop music in general, however, new record label L.A. Studio Productions introduced two of their new artists to Lethbridge at the Sterndale Bennett Theatre, Jan. 13.
As most people know Mark Nivet from New West Theatre and seemed to know opening act Mike Maguire, the 100 seat event was pretty close to sold out.
Maguire’s boisterous fans packed the Sterndale-Bennett Theatre, cheering “I love you Mike,” as he played the earstwhile sensitive singer-songwriter schtick to a tee. He told stories in between all of his songs which were all about relationships past, and fingerpicked some impressive guitar lines throughout.
He has a pleasant voice, reminiscent of Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas.
He played the music from his CD “Things Unsaid” note for note, and had the appreciative crowd laughing at his stage patter and affable stage presence.
He spoke of his songwriting, saying he writes songs so people can interpret them the way they like and talked of his travels to Cambodia and his work as a counsellor, all of which inspire him to write.
While the songs do tend to sound very similar and have a similar theme, there were some standouts like “ Fall From Grace,” which he said was inspired by his grandmother and “Losing Control,” which reminded me of Todd Snider he said it was inspired by a “crazy bitch.”
He ended his set by playing a new song on the piano, saying he started playing piano at five at his parents’ encouragement, though he said he didn’t enjoy going to lessons. But he thanked his parents, family and co-workers for their support as well as L.A. Records’ Brad Lang for believing in him.
- Richard Amery L.A. Beat
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Mike started writing songs at the age of 15, after going to a Matchbox 20 concert in a little arena in Calgary. Soon after Mike picked up the guitar and has been playing and writing ever since. Mike remembers being in piano lessons since the age of 7. Although he wasn't too fond of it at the time, his mom made him stick with it, and now he couldn't be happier. Mike's wide range of instrumentation allows him to create his own music as he hears it in his head. Mike has also done a lot of backpacking throughout the years, and has gained irreplaceable knowledge and insight. Mike has been inspired by people and cultures throughout the world. "I've always tried to immerse myself into the thick of things...hopin to hell I'd learn something, or at least make it out alive..."
Mike started to write songs as a way to organize his life.
" I'm not a depressing person, but that's when I find it easiest to write. When things are goin good in my life, I don't feel the need to write songs to tell everyone how happy I am. I write songs when I need to get things off my chest. If I can spill it out on paper, and be able to leave it on the paper, the rest of the time I'm able to be ok with things.
"When I write music, I write a lot of things. I've probably written 50 songs, but only 11 of them moved me and made it onto the album. I try to think that if a song moves and inspires me... then it could probably do the same for someone else."
"Things Unsaid" is an album that encompasses a wide range of emotions. It dares to shed light on our darkest secrets, and things that we would never normally say. It explores relationships, loss, vulnerability, insecurity and living life to the fullest.
"I started to write this album acoustically, and my producer (Brad Lang) and I kept hearing other instruments. Soon it turned into a full production album. It was so neat to see the music take shape, and see it all come together. I've also had the opportunity to work with and learn from such talented studio musicians."
Mike feels that the best thing about music is that it is so universal and can be used in such profound ways.
"I feel that a song can mean and touch me in a totally different way than it touches someone else, but the validity of it never changes. To me writing music is about perception and where you're at in your life. I don't think that any song has one specific meaning to it. Take it as you want....When we look at perception it changes with age and experience. At this point in my life I'm young, naive and definitely don't have it all figured out. Give me 20 years and I'll write the same situation totally differently."
"I've had the opportunity in my life to get through some pretty traumatic experiences with the help of my friends and family. Unfortunately, I've also watched people fall and through my travels, witnessed mankind at its worst.
"Working with teens has helped me put life into perspective and see how cruel and unfair life can be... but there is a resiliency in people that shows up at the most unexpected moments... that is the inspiration to me and us all...
The New Album from Mike Maguire is available now through the following locations around the world through CDBABY and iTunes.
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