Todd McLaughlin

Indie/Folk solo artist Todd McLaughlin has come a long way from his humble beginnings and rather music less childhood to develop into one of the most thoughtful writers and soul-baring performers on the Singer/Songwriter circuit. Inspired by a bout with cancer, he dropped his career and turned to music, resulting in successful tours, awards, and a new album entitled, “True Stories Based on Fictional Events”.
Growing up in a family of computer programmers, Todd was a black sheep. “My parents didn’t own a single album,” he recalls. His first stereo, in Jr. High, opened his ears to the world of music. “I’d sit and listen to the oldies station and be mesmerized by Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake, James Taylor. I’ve never really related to contemporary music, most of the great songwriters have left us long ago.” Eventually, while most of the kids around him received cars for their 16th birthday, Todd received an acoustic guitar and took to it immediately.
After high school Todd went to college and eventually found himself working in Silicon Valley as a computer programmer. “Music was always a hobby for me; it’s not taken seriously in my family. My fate was predetermined.” That’s when his life was turned upside down. “When I got cancer it created a sense of mortality for me. I knew I wanted to leave a legacy more than what I could accomplish in a cubicle.” Unsure about his next step, Todd returned to Southern California, begin writing, and teaching himself fingerstyle guitar. After a friend heard one the songs in progress, he coerced the artist into showcasing his talents.
Todd recounts, “I remember the first time I performed live. I went down to the biggest open mic in Los Angeles and played with my eyes closed. I was nervous as hell. I packed up my stuff and when I left the booking agent chased me out on the street and offered me a show. I had only one or two songs written at the time. I realized then that it was time to write some more songs and start taking music a little more seriously.”
Todd never stopped writing and soon the earnestness and honesty of his songs caught the ear of an ever-increasing audience. Todd states, “I think vanity is the bane of good songwriting. Once you start worrying how you are going to be perceived by your audience, you lose the sincerity that people connect to.” His music connected with some people at LA's pretigious Musician's Institute where he was awarded a scholarship, and upon graduation, the award for Best Student / Recording Project.
Todd McLaughlin’s new album, “True Stories Based on Fictional Events”, is a testimonial of life experience and a unique portrayal of growth that we can all relate to. Purchasing information as well as an updated tour itinerary is available at www.toddmclaughlin.com and www.myspace.com/toddmclaughlin