Kind Words

Singer/Songwriter Mary McGuire Featured at ArtPrize

by Ryan Martin, Jammerzine

Performing for decades between Detroit, Martha’s Vineyard, Boston and Mackinac Island, singer/songwriter Mary McGuire has been accepted to the prestigious ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Vote Code: 56809). For 19 days, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public. The organizers share “It’s unorthodox, highly disruptive, and undeniably intriguing to the art world and the public alike.” A little unorthodox she, McGuire is the recipient of several Detroit Music Awards, most notably as Best Acoustic Artist.

Mary McGuire draws from many influences on new album

by Matt Harmon, Detroit Metro Times

As a whole, Michigan music is about as fractured as a color-by-numbers drawing. There is no singular sound that defines the state, and one could argue that's precisely what makes us such a unique a musical hub, a home for musicians from all walks of life. Mary McGuire exemplifies the ability to roam between genres at will. McGuire, who was born in Oak Park, has spent her life soaking up different styles of music and creating a unique sound by drawing from her inspirations. Her new album, Love Struck, is a charming selection of tunes that are heartfelt and reminiscent of the past — perhaps comparable to Ryan Adams in both those regards.

Interview with Mary McGuire on Her Musical Roadmap

by Tara Low, Guitar Girl Magazine

Singer/Songwriter Mary McGuire has traveled the world, honing her guitar chops along the way, and she’s still “Love Struck” with her Detroit roots.

With the recent release of her new album Love Struck, McGuire fills us in on the inspiration behind the album, the musicians who accompanied her, and how she got to where she is as a musician and artist today.

You knew from an early age that music was in your blood. How old were you when you first picked up the guitar?

I started playing trombone in 5th grade because my neighbor played it and I thought it sounded beautiful. He was in a rock band and I’d see the guys coming over to practice in the basement and they sounded fantastic. So one day on my way home from school, I picked a guitar up out of the garbage, I was about 11 or 12. It didn’t work at all.