 Credit: Brianne Heiner Utah-based singer-songwriter Cheri Magill celebrates motherhood with her upcoming release, Tour Guide, due May 4th. Produced in Nashville by Cason Cooley (Ingrid Michaelson, Ben Rector), Tour Guide features Magill's heartfelt lyrics in original tracks that shape the universal feelings of motherhood, from quietly reflective to outrageously joyful. Cheri explains, "I felt drawn to write about motherhood because it has stretched me more than any other thing I've been a part of in life. I don't write about it because I believe I'm a perfect mother. I write about it because many times I've struggled and grasped at straws. I've locked myself in a closet, so I could cry and eat chocolates. I've wondered if I was doing it all wrong. But I have also found my heart bursting and doubling in size as I've watched my children grow and teach me how to love unconditionally. I believe that mothers need to feel they aren't alone, and they need to know someone else feels the same way they do. I want this album to be that healing and nurturing power for mothers." Ahead of the album's release, Magill kindly took the time to answer her Essential 8 where she shares the story behind the album's title, and talks songwriting, Richard Marx, and more! With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? When I finished “Tour Guide” I knew it was all done because when I played it for my husband and parents they cried…and so did I. I wanted it to evoke the emotions of a parent watching their child grow up before their eyes and I was happy when that emotion came across for others. Is there a story behind your album’s title? I’ve always said my favorite thing about motherhood is that I get to show my children the world. I love the concept of being their tour guide, so when I stared this album that title just felt right. When/where do you do your best writing? I wrote most of this album at the library and at my church. I would hire a sitter once a week to give me time to write, but I had to leave the house to do so. That meant the library and my church were the only quiet places I could go and since the church has a piano that worked well. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
In the past my music was a combination of all of those, but this album is totally personal experience. However, I think every song is pretty universal for all mothers even though they are personal to me. What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Start writing and performing now. Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Perfect doesn’t really come, but the beauty of life and music is still strongly felt among imperfection. What’s your dream venue and why? I would LOVE to play at the Ryman in Nashville. The place is so gorgeous and the history of the musicians who have played there make it so special. Who would you love to collaborate with? If I could collaborate with anyone I would pick Regina Spektor. I love her vibe and the creativity and energy of her music. Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? The first concert I ever attended was with my family when I was 10. We saw Richard Marx and I remember him singing “Right Here Waiting for You” while he played the piano and I thought it was so cool that I performed that same song while playing the piano at my 6th grade concert….along with a really sweet eighties outfit. Website/Facebook
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |