Bobby Maguire Moving To The City Interview

Bobby Maguire Shares New Single and Video

Queensland-based singer songwriter Bobby Maguire has announced his new single Moving to the City, a sweet song written to inspire self-confidence in the young artist before a big life change, out now. The song is also accompanied by a charming clip, and reflects a hilarious, whimsical journey from the country to the city. Moving to the City is the first taste of Bobby Maguire's debut self-titled album.

Moving to the City is a poppy, chirpy track, and it's pretty hard not to smile as the honest, uplifting lyrics play out. It's refreshing to allow this acoustic guitar-driven track to wash over and perhaps reminisce about moving from a childhood home to a college dorm or first sharehouse. It's sentimental, but fun, and exudes enthusiasm and anticipation, as Bobby explains, "Moving to the City was inspired by bands like The Cure and The Kooks, it deals with the loss of a past life as well as growth and a need to move forward with a new chapter. I wrote this song as a form of encouragement for myself to embrace this new journey."


The clip for Moving to the City is delightful in its lofi nature, and a truly funny watch, particularly to anyone who has been a victim to the often-disastrous search for the right rental property. Entirely self-made, with the help of good friends and family, the clip has a lovable, quirky edge, and showcases a comedic side to this talented young artist. Speaking on the making of the clip, Bobby says, "The video clip is raw and fun, it doesn't take itself too seriously in order to reflect the sunny, lively feel of the song. It features me playing multiple characters and was shot with a minimal budget, and the aim of the clip is to connect with the audience on a down-to-earth level, so that they don't get lost in gloss and feel more connected to the song."

Bobby's debut self-titled album is a heartwarming, painstakingly curated collection of brilliant, sharp songwriting. Upbeat, yet emotive, listeners will be buoyed by the sweet lyricism in Black Dog and Get What You Take, and compelled to the dancefloor by tracks Ifs and Maybes and Outta My Head. Recorded with Cairns-based Kris Hutchinson, with a sound evocative of Thirsty Merc and Bernard Fanning, the album is a coming of age story, as Bobby describes, "The album follows my musical journey so far, beginning with uplifting tracks Moving to the City and Home which I began writing when I was fifteen. As the album progresses, a more punk rock feel emerges through songs Fight the Fear, Game and The Messenger which mirror battles with identity, dependence and anger. Introspection is also woven through the album with songs like Black Dog which speaks of mental health issues from a friend's perspective, as well as Get What You Take which is about accountability for your actions, as well as self acceptance and love." Sharing more insight into the recording process, he says, " Before production began I already had ten self produced demos with all the instruments and arrangements finalised. These complete demos helped me secure a Regional Arts Development Fund grant, which enabled me to begin recording with Kris Hutchinson. Kris had great advice, amazing patience and even played bass on a few tracks."

Interview with Bobby Maguire

Question: What inspired the track Moving To The City?

Bobby Maguire: I began writing Moving to the City when I was preparing to leave home for university after high-school. I wrote it to boost my confidence to take the next step and begin my adult life. The music was inspired by bands like The Cure and The Stokes.


Question: How do you hope the song inspires self-confidence in young artists?

Bobby Maguire: I would like to think that it inspires confidence or even just a positive outlook. It is a really happy and upbeat track musically which speaks of being brave and moving forward, accepting the past is gone and there is only one way to go from there.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Bobby Maguire: I find motivation can strike from random places at any time. The trick for me is being prepared so that when this inspiration strikes you can capture it and utilize the moment. I have a lot of notebooks and pens lying around the place and my recording gear is always set up ready to track demo ideas.

Question: What was it like filming the video clip for Moving To The City?

Bobby Maguire: Filming the music clip was a hilarious DIY shamble of costumes and silliness with my brother Jayden and my friend Skye helping to film and act in it for me. I had no budget and borrowed all the cameras and lights, it was filmed at Elixir Music Bar, Cairns where I will be launching my album.


Question: Can you tell us about your debut self-titled album?

Bobby Maguire: My album is very diverse and features bits and pieces of different genres I have put together over the years like a musical mosaic. It somewhat documents my growth over the last decade from receiving that first guitar, love, loss, mistakes and lessons learned. I like to explore various facets of what it is to belong and feel whole with a positive tinge encouraging strength and ownership over life. I truly hope that people will relate to what I am saying.


Question: How does it feel to be compared to The Whitlams?

Bobby Maguire: Surprised. I have never really listened to any of their songs I'll have to check them out.


Question: How would you describe your music?

Bobby Maguire: A dynamic blend of rock and brit-pop with a elements of punk and synth. The album is a roller-coaster of genres and themes which all explore different territories while also remaining consistent with my sound.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Bobby Maguire: I very much prefer performing live to recording. I just feel more free on stage and far less clinical compared to in the studio where I am basically just trying not to screw up my own songs.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Bobby Maguire: My favourite song to perform is my track 'Fight the Fear' it is an upbeat punk rocker inspired by Violent Soho and Nirvana. It really goes off when I play it live with the band.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Bobby Maguire: Currently I am really into Violent Soho and The Black Keys.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Bobby Maguire: When I was fourteen I had a chest operation that stopped me riding motorbikes and playing football. It was then that my father bought me my first electric guitar and within a year I had formed a band, recorded some singles and had performed in front of thousands of people at large festivals. From then I knew that music was my calling and I dove headfirst into my career.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Bobby Maguire: I would love to collaborate with Simon Neil from Scottish band Biffy Clyro.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Bobby Maguire: Normally I will wake up at 7am and start responding to emails for a few hours before chasing up invoices and doing social media posts and APRA Live Performance Return reports. I will then go out and get any printing items or pick up music gear I need and make sure I am ready for that night's gig. I will pack my car and drive to the gig, load in, set up. Have a beer and then start my first set.

I'll play for three to four hours then pack down and hopefully get out of the venue before midnight. Then I will go and check out what is happening around town and if any of my mates are playing shows. Home by 2am…ish. Alarm goes off at 7am, do it all again.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Bobby Maguire: www.facebook.com/bobbymaguiremusic/
@bobbymaguiremusic/
https://twitter.com/bobbymaguiremus
http://bobbymaguire.com/
YouTube


Interview by Brooke Hunter