EastScene

Interview with: Matthew Mcginn
Interview by: Shannah Lauren

When and how did you start playing music?
I actually got a piano when I was 3 years old, and started taking piano lessons. It actually taught me a lot! And it helped me eventually learn guitar on my own.

I know from experience how piano teachers can be, not good! How was yours?
[laughs] I know what you mean! My piano teacher would actually hit my forearm with a rod if I didn’t have perfect structure. It actually did teach me to keep my hands structured though! [laughs]

What bands influenced you the most growing up?
I had a lot of christian music influence me growing up actually, but I remember when I was in the fifth grade I was going through my “rebelling” stage and started listening to the radio. I remember the first song I liked was “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls , and then just a lot of 90’s rock and definitely Matchbox 20 really influenced me.

You used to be known as Courage Call, why did you switch to be known as Matthew Mcginn?
It was just a lot of drama to the name, a lot of baggage. Especially when it came to the acoustic songs that I would write, it just didn’t make sense to be playing them as Courage Call so I made the switch and it was the right thing to do.

How did your fans take the switch?
I’m actually really glad that everyone took it nice, and had a signal of Courage Call. There was just a lot of weird things happening, especially with labels so it was good to have a fresh start.

You also switched styles a bit, changing from alternative to pop/country sound, what influenced you to make that transition?
Courage Call was supposed to sound like that actually! [laughs] I was the 90’s pop guy, and Pat was the rock guy. I loved being able to do that, but I wanted to write the songs that inspired me the most, which was acoustic songs. It’s what I always wanted to write, and I knew that it was what I needed to do.

How do you find it being an independent solo artist? Is it a lot less restricting?
Absolutely! It’s a learning experience. Having a label and management at one point had taught me a lot, and it builds character. Plus, it feels good being able to do this on my own and any accomplishment that I have I know is because I got myself there.

You just released your new EP, Under A Million Stars, which I thought was brilliant. how was it received by former and newer fans?
So far so good! [laughs] There is people who still love “Change Your Mind” by Courage Call here and there, but I’ve moved forward and I hope that they can accept that. I’m happy with the people who support me and the music that I write, and I love to see a lot of new faces.

As an upcoming artist, what are you planning for the new year?
I plan on making another EP called “Winter”, which are going to be a lot sadder songs. Surely after that, at the beginning of summer I’ll be giving out my free EP, because I feel that I can reach more people that way. The plan of every month is to give away a free song, which actually I’m hoping to have one done by Valentines Day.

As your own booking agent and manager, do you find it difficult to balance the two?
Sometimes! From time to time it can be a problem financially, because honestly it costs a lot to make music. At the same time, I learned a lot when it came to having all of that before, because instead you get to decide what it sounds like, and your opinions don’t get deleted. Instead of it being a business thing, I’m living my dream.

You interact with your fans a lot on via MySpace, in terms of videos of your songs and just released a free song for fans to download which is very unique. Do you feel it as important to be on a personal level with your fans?
The fact that I can make music and CD’s is a blessing, and if there is someone on the end supporting what I do then I let them know how much I appreciate them.

Now being 2010, should the fans keep an eye out for any touring or new music?
Little of both! I’ll be doing a College Tour in the South East actually. Then, 98% most of the month of March I will be doing a national run, hitting smaller venues and the South West. I hope to go out again in summer, but I plan on being on tour at the end of summer and all of the fall. To say the least, lots of touring!