Combining the roots of jazz, Americana, and rock n' roll, Dan Maguire has created his own tapestry of music that charms listeners. His upbringing within a musical family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, led him on a path of sonic curiosity.
Having experimented with various genres and having lived in various locales, this led him to curate a sound of his own, and eventually landed him in Rockford, Illinois. Maguire has developed a reputation for his lively guitar playing and thoughtful lyrics, which can be heard on his most recent album, 2023's Travelin' Light.
Throughout his music-making journey, Maguire's primary goal has been to create a reassuring atmosphere amidst the seemingly ever-worsening uncertainties and anxieties of present day. He has since returned to the studio, working on his upcoming album. Magnolia, which is slated for release later this year.
We got to chat with Maguire about all of this and more.
What are three things people should know about Dan Maguire?
1. I'm the luckiest person I have ever known. I have a wonderful family, and they're all healthy and I'm healthy, I have really great friends and I get to make music. And, my wife Rebecca is a fantastic cook.
2. I love my birthday, it's November 23. Every year on November 23, I let as many people as possible know it's my birthday. As long as I'm here, I get to see the people who are important to me, and I get to do the things I like to do. Plus, getting old is better than dying young.
3. Some things I like: invitations, everyone likes to be invited, palm trees: they only live where it's warm, guitars: Fender and Martin. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And, there is always time for one lightning beer. Yes, there is.
What is your first musical memory?
My mom singing, either singing to me or singing in church. She had a beautiful voice, and she gave me mine.
I see you have a new album arriving this spring. What can you tell us about it, and do you plan to release any singles to give fans a sneak peak?
Yes, I do, it's titled Magnolia. A magnolia is a beautiful tree with large dark green leaves. It never loses the leaves. When it flowers, the flowers are a very pretty white and smell like lemon. With this album, the songs will all be recorded with a full band. My last album was me, my guitar and my friend Abbey. Yes, I will release singles.
Are there any messages you might be trying to convey with this upcoming album, or possibly common threads or themes?
As I've aged, I try to make this statement part of how I engage the world: "Everyone is fighting a silent battle you know nothing about, so be kind." That is the construct. Specific themes are love and redemption. I really wanna get life right, but it can be very difficult.
How do you know when an album is finished, and did you find yourself making any last-minute adjustments?
Oh man, I can overthink making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (that's twice). I trust the people I'm recording with, so I ask opinions. And then, I let it go and it is time to release it to the world.
Where was it recorded, and who helped this project come to life with you?
It was recorded at Evil Twin Recording in Rockford, IL. This studio is owned by my friend Scott Ford. And again, everyone involved helped it come to life. I give very little direction to Scott or the musicians. Typically, I'll say some variation of less is more. Everyone is seasoned and talented and knows what to do. I don't want to interfere with their artistic process.
Is there a song or two on the album that means the most to you for one reason or another?
Yes, "Honeybee." This is about my daughter, Lily. My family is 90% of the inspiration for my songs.
If you could perform at any venue and open for any current living artist, who would it be and why?
I think opening for Kimbra at a small intimate venue like Thalia Hall in Chicago if she did an unplugged set. I think she is incredible. I haven't seen her live yet, but I will. Watching videos of her solo, or with a band she is remarkable.
What is the most rewarding part of being a musician and songwriter?
When a song works. When I play it in front of people, and they like it. To produce something I like after all the practice and writing and reworking and rehearsing is a wonderful experience. But then, to play it in front of people and find out it resonates with them. That is incredibly rewarding.
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