Dan Maguire Talks Single, His Voice And More

I was invited to join a band in college, at the first practice, I was asked about influences and what songs I would want to cover. I gave my ideas and then added that I’d like us to write songs too. We all seemed to be thinking the same thing, no one disagreed. So, over time we became an original band

It was with that band in college that I took the first step writing songs. I pretty much mimicked what I heard in songs I liked, and we all shared ideas with each other. That’s how it started.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memories are driving around with my Mom when I was really little and she was always listening to soft 70’s pop.

Your single ‘Maeve’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?

A while ago, my family went through a tragedy. When I sat down to write this song in the middle of the devastation and loss, I thought, “I want to add something hopeful to what I am experiencing. I want to have an active role in shaping where this experience goes, and what its memory feels like.”

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I recorded this song at Evil Twin Recording in Rockford, IL. I produced it myself.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

This song is off my first record called Travelin’ Light. I had planned a full band production, but as I got closer to scheduling studio time, I thought. “I want to keep these songs as close to the relationship between their purest representation and my guitar as I can. So, at the last minute, I decided I would record them with only me, my guitar and my friend Abbey.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

 

No, I just used my Martin acoustic, and two vocals: mine and Abbey’s.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

 

It wasn’t. This one happened pretty quickly. I had this guitar part I really liked, and it’s D Major which I thought would be a perfect counterbalance to the heaviness of the content.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Summer Moon is happiest. This is a love song on a warm summer night.

I don’t really have an angry song. I do have a song about a friend realizing he made a bad decision in a relationship. So, regret and self-condemnation. It’s called Over You Too.

Reflective is Maeve.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

 

Everybody is fighting a silent battle I know nothing about, so be kind. I hope my music contributes to this understanding of life.

Also, many of us tend to worry things may not work out, or go well. I hope people hear my music and at some unconscious level think, “Maybe everything’s gonna be ok.”

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

 

I always use my Martin acoustic. I have gotten so comfortable with this instrument. I love everything about it.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Tulsa, OK: The center of the Universe

 

How do you look after your voice?

I try to practice vocal hygiene as well as possible: Stay hydrated, avoid straining, rest my voice when needed, 10 minutes of exercises a day, 30 minutes of warm ups an hour or so before performing and focus on breathing.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

This is one of the most difficult questions I have ever been asked about my music.

Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen. It’s already made into a series, but this one came to mind. It’s a great book, funny series and it takes place somewhere warm. I’d really enjoy hanging out with my guitar, with this book in mind and coming up with songs.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Main influences from the beginning until today: Eric Clapton, Steve Ray Vaughan, JJ Cale, Chris Cornell and Kimbra.

I recommend Kimbra. People who know me might be surprised she is so influential because her music is very different from mine. But, I have watched her do solo acoustic versions of her songs and she is incredible.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

No live dates in the UK or Europe right now. But, it would mean a lot to me if by some miracle I were able to do a circuit in Ireland. Maybe that will happen someday.

Do you have any future music releases planned for 2025?

I do. I’m working on a new record titled Magnolia. Should be done early in 2025.

 

What makes Dan Maguire happy and what makes you unhappy?

My family, music, running, being outside and unscripted make me happy. Schedules, overly practical and being inside make me unhappy.