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Band Website: www.maggiemcclure.com; www.myspace.com/maggiemcclure

The idea of making music for Maggie McClure is more than just an inventive outlet or means to express her inner emotions. Though she certainly invests wholeheartedly into each selection crafted, lyrical and sonic architecture is weaved into the very fabric of her daily existence that dates back to a mere five years old. Indeed the bug to be creative is instinctual, leading the troubadour on an incredible journey of instrumental experimentation, artistic growth and a firm sense of empowerment, despite the dips in the road along the way.



At twenty-years-old, McClure has seen her fair share but still seeks to explore. As someone who’s been performing at various venues, theatres, festivals, clubs and in-store events for six years and released the independent album What’s It Like in 2005, she’s certainly earned the term veteran, but just like many her age, still grapples with the usual relationship issues and balancing acts of her peers.



“There’s a lot going on at this stage of my life, but writing down a thought in song helps get everything out on paper and helps you keep your sanity,” the Oklahoma bred singer/songwriter/piano player muses. “I talk about everyday life experiences from dealing with the break-up of a boyfriend, to parents, to relationships with friends.” Spend a matter of moments with McClure and she is clearly one of the forerunners in the current movement of those who aren’t afraid to say what they believe or dial down their arrangements just to hit a radio target. Though the burgeoning tunesmith is certainly deserving of those compliments, she humbly passes part of the credit to an all-star crew of collaborators that were pieced together through a series of mutual friends after searching for just the right match. The ten-track 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 acclaimed duo Shane and Shane.



“The recording experience was amazing and the studio itself was really relaxed and very comfortable,” McClure relates of the latest sessions. “It wasn’t a strict working environment where it’s all about the money, because music is the sole purpose and goal here. Everyone was so easygoing and we passed around so many ideas that turned out to be really interesting and a ton of fun.”



Besides being a blast, the results have netted impressive reactions from fans and industry alike. For instance, Oklahoma City’s 98.9 KYIS FM has twice featured key album cuts like “Out of My Mind” and “Fall Into Me” during its heralded “Homegrown” series, 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 and ran in conjunction with the start of 2006’s American Idol. Even fellow artists have been echoing encouragement and offering advice, including Michael W. Smith, Bo Bice, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and even Hanson.



“Growing up I was always enamored with artists and the experiences that went along with the position, which I’m 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 shows and meet many amazing artists that have just been so helpful and supportive. I’ve also been influenced and inspired listening to Carole King, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Carlton, and Michelle Branch who’ve 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,” which are all about relationships that could refer to a spouse, boyfriend, friend or a spiritual intimacy.



Though there have been so many positive elements on McClure’s career track, she readily admits the challenge of juggling an insane promotional schedule with the pursuit of a Music/Business major at the prestigious Oklahoma City University. While the classes are geared exactly towards her level of interest within the industry and have reinforced her formal musical training, sometimes the commitment level can appear overwhelming.



“I was preparing for the beginning stages of the album during last spring’s finals and it was crazy because I didn’t fell like I had enough time to write,” she recalls. “I was scattering down ideas here and there, but didn’t wind up really getting down to business until summer, which is when the majority of the music was finished and recorded. It’s all about time management and being able to keep everything in perspective, which is always tricky but worth it in the long run.”



Even more important than scoring straight A’s at school, building momentum with the new album and getting her band ready for forthcoming tour dates, McClure is clear about her primary goal of wanting to stir others. She could care less about marketplace labeling or what type of box people inevitably try to place all performers in, instead pressing forward with honesty, tenacity and an unshakable spiritual centering that intersects with the goal of positively affecting culture.



“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.”


Sarah McLaughlin, Alicia Keys, Michelle Branch, Bonnie Raitt, Vanessa Carlton, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Maroon 5, Dave Barnes, Nichole Nordeman, Carole King