Songwriter Interview – Dan Maguire – Travelin’ Light

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, musician and songwriter Dan Maguire shares what inspired the music on his new album, Travelin’ Light, and his creative process.

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Dan Maguire about his life and career, what inspired him to become a musician, and the work that went into his new album, Travelin’ Light.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I grew up in Tulsa, Ok, the youngest of 6 kids. I watched all my brothers and sisters take piano lessons, and then I would watch them complain about the lessons. When it was my turn, I said “no thanks”, and I think my mom was relieved!

Being the youngest, I was introduced to popular music early on by my brothers and sisters.

I think getting exposed to all their music may have been the most compelling reason I became a musician. I always loved it all! The irony: the same people who influenced me to avoid piano, also inspired me to become a musician.

After Tulsa, I moved to Denver for college. I was in rock and roll bands, and a jazz and classical ensemble for many years. I got married in Denver, and soon after moved to Rockford, IL where I am now. I have a great wife and 3 wonderful kids. I have always tried to give music as much of my free/non-family time as possible.

With my kids being older, I have been able to divert more time and effort to music and things are going pretty well.

When did you first WANT to write music?

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

When did you take a step to start writing music?

It was with that band in college that I took the first step. 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 was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

That college band put together a 3-song demo to get booked. That was in the early 90’s. One song on the demo which I had written was called Train Wreck. It was a song about bad decisions and consequences.

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

I finished a record in 2023 called Travelin’ Light. It is songs I have collected over the years. Some older, some newer. It was time to record these and get them heard. The name of the record comes from a JJ Cale song.

Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with it?

This is a song called You and Me. This is about the beautiful adventure it has been to be my 23 year old daughter’s father.

I just couldn’t find a smooth, musical foundation on the guitar for the chorus. I had lyrics and a melody and struggled with the guitar part. I think I finally worked it out tho!

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my next record which I’m calling Magnolia. Rehearsals for the studio started a few weeks ago, so we are about ready to start recording.

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

I don’t intentionally have a theme, but themes do happen. I start with music, and then I develop lyrics and melodies on top and the themes reveal themselves.

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

My favorite song of mine is Maeve. My family went through a tragedy a while ago. When I sat down to write it in the middle of the sadness and despair, I thought, “I want to create 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.”

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

Yes! I’m constantly inspired by other people’s music. I hear things all the time that I think are great. From any music streaming platform to an open mic.

I have a JJ Cale station, a Kimbra station and a Chris Cornell station I listen to often. And, my 23 year old daughter sends me a lot of music. My daughters have also gotten me into today’s country, people like Tyler Childers and Morgan Wallen. My son is into rap and hip hop, so I hear what’s happening in that world.  

I’ll take songs they send me and see what the algorithms generate next. I love it.

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

I have musician friends that come into the studio to make these records. I try to make this as collaborative a process as possible, because I think music is made from a consensus. It is my project, but for me there is no magic creating music in a vacuum.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar and sing.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I love performing live. I love having an opportunity to show these songs and get feedback. It’s fantastic.

You can go to my site, and check my calendar. I update it all the time. (Site is below)

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

It is! On Spotify. (Link is below)

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

Right now, I cannot make music full time, although I would love to. I have a day job working at a car dealership.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

Yes! My family is very supportive. I am incredibly lucky for that. And, I have really great friends who are just as supportive as my family.

What’s something you never expected about writing music ? What have you learned that surprised you?

Occasionally I will get a response from someone that one of my songs really made an impression on them. I never expected anyone to come and tell me what a certain song meant to them.

From those conversations I have learned I can make a connection with some people through the songs I write. That our life experiences aren’t all that different. That is incredible.

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?

In 2023, I submitted my record Travelin’ Light to The Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Awards and won Album of the Year. I was stunned.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

The biggest event right now is finishing my next record, Magnolia. I’m very excited and it should be done before the end of the year.

And, on my site you can check my calendar for what I have coming up. I am always updating it. (Site is below)

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Write what sounds good and appeals to you and find an open mic to showcase it.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I am very proud of my accomplishments, and yes, it has all been worth the effort. The process of successes and disappointments and soldiering on has been great. I love it. 

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7CxC1GSPaiPW4Sx8oWXdy5?si=7x0azsCvSOuHRvxsSmdOiA

https://www.danmaguiremusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/danmaguiremusic01/

https://www.facebook.com/maguiremusic01

 

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