Q&A Scene: Bobby Maguire

Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?

My new single is called Moving to the City and it is from my debut self titled album which is set for release 29^th November. The single is a fun, peppy track with a retro feel while the lyrics weave about themes of loss and the beginning of a journey. I like to use that technique when I am writing a song which might have a sadder lyrical theme I offset that with more upbeat, brighter music. I am really excited for the album to come out because it is a really diverse collection of songs I have spent years honing. It’s a roller-coaster ranging from pop to punk, a touch of reggae and a lot of indie rock!

How would you describe your sound in food form and why?

Definitely a casserole because it’s full of lots of different things and you just can’t quite put your finger on what it is you are really eating.

Which of your songs resonate most strongly and why?

My favourite song from the album is the fourth track ‘Game’ which I wrote about the grinding competition that our modern world encourages where we never feel whole or enough because someone is always ‘keeping score’ for us.

Tell us a quick, on the road, anecdote.

If you don’t pull over now I am going to piss out the window.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw most of my inspiration for my songs by studying people, especially when I’m performing at gigs where you can see the whole room and the different dynamics and exchanges. If you play a David Attenborough recording while observing people in a bar it’s almost exactly like a nature documentary, try it, it’s fun.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

‘Videotape’ by Radiohead I love it – it is so hauntingly beautiful.

What’s next for you?

For the album release we will be filming a live show at Elixir Bar before releasing a music video for the heaviest song on the record ‘Fight the Fear’ which will be another fun clip this time with me getting beat up in a boxing ring.
The band and I will then be gigging like crazing, promoting the album with shows initially focusing on QLD before branching out especially over festival season, so watch this space. 

What’s your scene?

Music bars. I love going to open mic nights, having a few drinks while listening and speaking with a whole bunch of different artists about what they’re up to. It keeps things interesting for me.

BOBBY MAGUIRE SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO for MOVING TO THE CITY AHEAD OF DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM – OUT NOVEMBER 29

Queensland-based singer songwriter Bobby Maguire has today 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 today, November 5.  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, set for release on November 29.  To celebrate the release, Bobby will be playing a very special, intimate hometown album launch show at Elixir Bar in Cairns on November 29.

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.”

Bobby Maguire will be celebrating the release of his new single and debut album with an intimate show at Elixir Bar in his hometown of Cairns on November 29.  Giving a taste of what to expect from the exclusive show, Bobby enthuses, “I’m pumped! It has been a long time coming and I can’t wait to showcase these songs with my new band.” As well as performing with the band, Bobby also plays solo acoustic shows featuring live guitar looping and re-compositions of his songs.

Moving to the City is out today, November 5, and the self-titled album is set for release on November 29.

Pre-order album: Bobby Maguire

BOBBY MAGUIRE ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW

FRI 29 NOV | ELIXIR BAR, CAIRNS QLD | 18+ Tickets from