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One word that describes singer-songwriter Malea McGuinness is ‘gifted’.
McGuinness is flexible and versatile with her music, able to play at large music festivals and small, off-the-map clubs. She can switch from a soft ballad to a high-spirited anthem song without the music feeling false. Her music is simplicity working at its finest.
Mostly off the mainstream-radar, McGuinness has been highly successful, having released her third album “Sweet” this past September. McGuinness has shared and toured the stage with musical acts B.B King, John Mayer and Kenny Loggins.
McGuinness got her start with the musical world when she was involved in a Broadway revival of “The King and I.”
“It was a dream come true … at the same time I was a nervous wreck,” McGuinness reflected. “You have no other life. It was a bit of a long and winding road to becoming a singer-songwriter.”
McGuinness’ sound is unique in that she can smoothly and effectively cross over genres. McGuinness has been pegged as a country-pop-rock singer, evident in her singing style. There’s a polished Janis Joplin vibe to her vocals and a warm country-twang feel to her music. Said McGuinness about her sound, “I like all kinds of music and I think it all seep[ed] in somehow.”
The Los Angeles-based artist’s lyrics touch upon deep qualities of humanity: self-discovery, the value of life and of course, love. Since her first album “True Believer,” McGuinness has evolved as a storyteller, relying on the personal to share her insight.
“I hope [my fans] know that when they are down they are not alone, when they feel crazy they are not alone,” McGuinness said about her messages in her music. She wants listeners to know that everything will be all right.
If that isn’t enough to see McGuinness live, she is also an artist who cares.
McGuinness uses her fall tour to promote animal rights. Her “Save a Life, Adopt a Pet Tour” is meant to raise awareness about salvation efforts for pets.
According to her website, McGuinness, who got involved with animal rescue charities in L.A., donates a portion of profits from CD sales to animal charities and The Humane Society.
“I really loved working with the animals and learned firsthand a lot of the issues they are dealing with,” she said.
Malea McGuinness will be playing at StageOne of the Fairfield Theater Company. Tickets are $22, doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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