With a debut album releasing in just a couple of weeks, there’s no doubt that 2019 is set to be one of the biggest years in the life of Queensland-based muso Bobby Maguire.
The product of many years of hard work, Bobby Maguire is set to release his self-titled debut on November 29th. A record that’s been long-awaited by many of his fans, it follows the release of singles like ‘Moving To The City’ and 2017’s ‘Breathe’.
With a penchant for combining the sweet, quirky, and clever into his lyrics, and delivering it all in a slick package of indie-rock, Maguire is undoubtedly set to be one artist whose name you’ll be hearing from every angle before long.
To celebrate the release of the new record (which will be complemented by a hometown album launch that same night), we had a chat to Bobby Maguire to learn a little bit more about everything that’s gone into making him the musician he is today.
Check out ‘Moving To The City’ by Bobby Maguire:
How did your artist name come about?
I used to be called Bob Maguire but whenever anyone tried to Google me to check out my music they kept getting Father Bob Maguire, he kept ‘Bob-blocking’ me so I added a ‘by’ to the end for distinction. It was purely practical.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
Nan, my music is like both your gingerbread houses and your sponge cakes. Some compositions are hard and dense while others are light and sweet but always iced with melody and conviction. Also Nan, please ignore the swearing on track three on my new self-titled album, and don’t listen to the very end of track ten.
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
The first single on the album is an upbeat number called ‘Moving To The City’ that I wrote as a form of encouragement to my younger self before leaving home and striking out on my own.
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The retro lead guitar and quirky bass line contrast a more sombre theme of loss, acceptance and change but all in all it is definitely my most ‘poppy’ song.
‘Game’ is my favourite track on the album and is a musically heavy composition featuring driving bass, airy synth melodies and cutting guitar riffs. The lyrics reflect my frustration with the competitive rat race which tends to consume our modern society, a big game in which we are always looking for a greener pasture as we keep score for one another.
The heaviest song on the album is track three, ‘Fight The Fear’ which is a raucous, guitar driven punk rocker that fills the floor and fleshes out my Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins influences. It is easily my favourite song to play live as everyone just goes ballistic.
What do you love about your hometown?
The thing I love about living in Cairns is being so close to the rainforest and the beach but also living in a vibrant city with lots going on. People of all nationalities meeting to have a great time and enjoy life. There is always something happening and I get to perform live music for them all, all the time!
Check out Bobby Maguire’s ‘Breathe’:
Career highlight so far?
It was a great experience opening for The Cat Empire as part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Festival.
Fave non-music hobby?
I very rarely get a break from music but when I do I really like to spend time in and around nature and hanging out with animals. Whether they are wild rock wallabies or my friend’s fat cat I don’t mind.
What’s on your dream rider?
Tequila, Carlton Draft, Pizza, and Gummy Slugs.
Dream music collaboration?
I’d love to write a song with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years time I know that in whatever form, I will still be performing my songs to people all around the world, making new friends and having adventures.
This debut album release is the first page of a whole new chapter of my career and I’ll continue to work hard every day to grasp opportunities, write new music and keep climbing. Watch this space!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘Radar Love’ by Golden Earring, I love that bass line.
What’s on the cards for the future?
Kicking off with the album release show on November 29th my new band and I will be gigging like crazy showcasing the record around Queensland before branching out further south, targeting Sydney and Melbourne including the 2020 festival circuit.
Next year is going to be huge as I continue to write new songs, explore fresh scenes while sharing my music with the world.
Check out Bobby Maguire’s ‘Home’:
Bobby Maguire Album Launch Show
Friday, November 29th
Elixir Bar, Cairns, QLD (18+)
Tickets: TryBooking
