At age twenty-one, Maggie McClure has been performing at various venues, theatres, festivals, clubs and in-store events for the last 7 years. While she has the poise of a seasoned veteran, like many her age still grapples with the usual relationship issues and balancing acts of her peers. "I write about everyday life experiences from dealing with the break-up of a boyfriend, to parents, to relationships with friends."
As her new CD simply titled "Maggie McClure" gains international attention, Maggie humbly passes part of the credit to an all-star crew. The project was recorded at Spaceway Studios south of Dallas under the direction of producer extraordinaire Will Hunt Ryan Cabrera, Apt Core, with a band consisting of Cabrera''s guitarist Steve Miller and Shane Barnard of the duo Shane and Shane. "The recording experience was amazing and the studio itself was really relaxed and very comfortable. Everyone was so easygoing and we passed around so many ideas that turned out to be really interesting and a ton of fun."
The results have netted impressive reactions from fans and industry alike. Recently Maggie was named a Semi-Finalist in the 2007 Mountain Stage New Song Contest in Austin, TX, one of the nation’s premier showcases of performing songwriters. The short list of those who have made their national debut during this competition’s finals include REM, the Barenaked Ladies, Ryan Welch, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, and Alison Krauss. Oklahoma City''s 98.9 KYIS FM has twice featured key album cuts "Out of My Mind" and "Fall Into Me", while a slew of concert and in-store appearances have steadily built her grassroots dynamic. In addition, the region''s FOX 25 affiliate KOKH chose Maggie for their special series ''Name in Lights'', which features up-and-coming Oklahoma artists that ran in conjunction with American Idol. Even fellow artists have been echoing encouragement and offering advice, including Michael W. Smith, Bo Bice, Amy Grant and Vince Gill.
"Growing up I was always enamored with artists and the experiences that went along with the position, which I''m just starting to see first hand," she recounts of her rise thus far. "Concerts in particular have always been huge and I remember being so anxious when I was younger, wanting to be up there so badly! I have had the chance to attend so many great shows and meet many amazing artists that have just been so helpful and supportive. I have also been artistically influenced and inspired listening to Carole King, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Carlton, and Michelle Branch who have all left a mark on my music."
Like those lauded influences, McClure''s music is very relationally charged. In her song "Out of My Mind", she describes the leftover hurt and frustration from a relationship that''s been over for some time, but has yet to be forgotten. "What''s It Like" also builds upon that topic as it wonders how an ex''s new relationship is progressing compared to the past. Other notable cuts include "Life", "Believe", "I Wonder Why" and "Never Let You Down" a Beatlesque tune - which are all about relationships that could refer to a spouse, friend or a spiritual intimacy.
In the spring of 2007 Maggie met with MTV regarding her music video, “ What’s It Like”, and Maggie became MTV-U’s featured artist video during the week of June 18th 2007. She then was offered, and signed a contract with the MTV Networks who immediately used her song "Out of My Mind" on their hit show, ''The Hills''. Soon to follow were contract offers from California companies DMX and Spafax, which offer satellite programming to airlines and high-end retail stores at malls across the United States. Nokia chose to use Maggie''s songs on their new phones as ringtones, and then Freeplay Music was the next company to jump on the Maggie wave and is now offering her songs to the film and television industries based out of New York City.
Maggie has signed on with Eric Doney. As CEO of the Bay Area law firm Donahue Gallagher Woods, Attorney Eric Doney already had plenty to do. Mr. Doney acts as General Consul for Carlos Santana, Journey, Phish, String Cheese Incident, and now Maggie McClure! Mr. Doney will work closely with Maggie as they strategically guide her to maximize all that lies ahead for this very talented young lady. Then entered AR Worldwide located in Beverly Hills, California. One of the most respected firms in the industry, AR Worldwide Company CEO Sat Bisla heads up Public Relations Radio Promo for Maggie beginning last August .
As momentum continues to build with the new album, Maggie is getting her band ready for forthcoming tour dates while all along pressing forward with honesty, tenacity and an unshakable spiritual centering that intersects with her goal of positively affecting our culture. McClure is clear about her primary goal of wanting to stir others - "We fill our lives with so much that we don''t need, and we can''t take anything with us when we''re gone,” she reflects. "I want to get across to people that they don''t have to hide or hurt through whatever they are going through, but to simply let it go and have a little faith."
With the announcement that Maggie will be the featured Pop artist on My.Coke.com - the future for Maggie McClure looks bright, very bright indeed.
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