Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Bob McQuaid, who discusses his origin in music and more.
Review Fix: How did the project start?
Bob McQuaid: I started gigging as Bobby Mc at 18 years of age playing in pubs and clubs. I did a one man show of swing and jazz tracks. In 2017, I formed my own band Bobby Mc and The Dukes. We went on to play numerous theatre shows and festivals including The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in 2019. I then new the next step was to release my first single which was ‘Try a Little Tenderness’.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
McQuaid: My creative process would be quite scattered and can take a while to complete. At the moment, I’m focusing on my own versions of songs for releases. This will often start with me listening to many different songs of all genres and styles and just picking up a rhythm or melody that I like. This will then progress to me playing it on the piano and starting to get my own feel for it. Then I will bring it to the band or to Mat, my producer, and come up with the arrangement and the track.
For original music which I am also working on, it starts with me just playing random chords on the piano every day until I find myself playing the same progression a few days in a row. I’ll then start to structure it and put lyrics to it.
Review Fix: What’s your standout song? How was it written?
McQuaid: Well I’ve only have one release so I’d have to say ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ haha but I will have another three out by the end of the year. It’s a cover so I didn’t write it but the versions I would’ve listened to of the song that gave me inspiration would be The Commitments’ version and the Otis Redding version.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2021?
McQuaid: My goal is to release 4 singles in total, improve my brand, write some original material and book gigs for 2022.
Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?
McQuaid: I want my music to make people feel something. To me, that is the most important when it comes to performing or writing. It doesn’t matter if that feeling is sadness or happiness or whatever but that when they listen to my music, they have a reaction.
Review Fix: What’s next?
McQuaid: My next single should be coming out around April/May 2021.
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