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’S TOP 10 TRACKS:

VIOLENT SOHO – ‘Viceroy’ – has a similar vibe to Violent Soho’s other rocker ‘Covered In Chrome’ with its chunky, unapologetic punk sound. My favourite part of the song is the push and pull rhythm featured in the main riff.

THE PIXES – ‘Graveyard Hill’ – This is a 2019 release from the Pixies yet it feels the same as their gorgeously grimy older albums proving that this is a band that lives and breathes their own sound.

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB – ‘Spook’ – I love the dark, haunting nature of this track with the sultry vocals and raw blues influenced guitar riffs it is a great track to pump you up for a show

CLIPPING – ‘Nothing Is Safe’ – I don’t usually listen to rap or hip-hop but the imagery in the lyrics of this intense yet minimalistic track hooked me in.

BIFFY CLYRO – ‘Little Hospitals’ – This is my favourite song by one of my favourite bands! I was enamored by the driving guitar riffs and sporadic modulation in the bridge, such a great rock song.

THE DIRTY NIL – ‘Bathed In light’ – This is a raucous punk rock song that I can imagine being bashed out in a packed, beer soaked club.

JAMIE T – ‘Sheila’ – Again, not my usual genre but this song grabbed me with its lyrical story and working class vibe. The video clip is also great and well worth a watch.

VANT – ‘Parking Lot’ – I first got into these guys with their single ‘Do You Know Me’ which was followed by this catchy rousing rocker. Melodic yet explosive.

FEEDER – ‘Buck Rogers’ – I love the evocative one-word chorus, it reminds me of Blur and Violent Soho. This is a great song to play while driving.

T-REX – ‘Get It On’ – You can’t help but groove to this sexy rock n roll classic. This is a great song to jam at open mic nights with new musicians as it is simple and will have the audience singing along.