EXCLUSIVE: Kevin McGuire Talks Radio PLay, Creating in Quarantine, and New Music

The month of May was in particular a huge breakout four weeks for Scottish country singer/songwriter Kevin McGuire. His cover of Maren Morris’ global hit ’80s Mercedes’ earned him rave reviews and resulted in major radio airplay across the US and in the UK, whilst his original single ‘On Time’ has already been getting air time in Nashville just days after its official release.

There’s no denying that McGuire is a special talent and he is well on his way to becoming globally recognised as the standout male voice within the ever-growing UK country scene. Post lockdown you can expect even more success from the multi-talented performer as he looks set to completely take over the Brit market.

Here we talk exclusively to Kevin McGuire to find out more about his cover releases, radio play, creating in quarantine and new music:

You’ve been sharing covers lately via social media, do you plan on sharing an EP at some point?

Hmm, a covers EP? Probably not at the moment! BUT – I’m in the mindset now of releasing as much music as I can and trying to keep a consistent flow. A covers EP could be a really cool idea though, so don’t write it off!

You’ve been gaining a lot of attention from your Maren Morris rendition in particular, how have you found the response?

It’s been incredible! I’ve been so determined to make sure this lockdown period didn’t pass me by and wanted to make and release as much music as possible, and I’m a huge fan of that song so it just felt like a good time to do my own version of it, put it out, and hope people liked it. Never in a million years did I think I’d be getting regular radio play on it, it’s been incredible!

This year has seen you having major radio airplay, how are you finding this extra exposure?

The support has been incredible from radio, I can’t thank the stations and presenters enough for what they’re doing for me! Radio play at any level is so difficult and I never take a single spin for granted. It’s not only great for getting me out to a wider audience but gives me so much inner confidence and belief to keep doing what I’m doing.

What other covers can we expect from you in the future?

Now THAT would be telling, ha! I have a few lined-up, but am also open to suggestions, so please let me know if you have any!

Whilst in isolation, have you also been working on original material?

I sure have, every single day! I’m fortunate that I have a great home set up, so I can keep recording. New music is ready to go and my new single ‘On Time’ was with ya May 29th! (Hope ya like it!)

How are you finding the writing sessions during quarantine?

They’re actually OK. I mean, I miss the bounce you get off of writing with someone in the same room, for sure, but I write a lot online with my producer in the South of England, and some writers in Nashville anyway so that part’s not really changed!

Can we expect to have a full-length album off you at some stage?

Definitely! It’s never been about the lack of songs, more about the right timing. Working hard to make sure the time comes as soon as possible. That’s all I can say for now!

How are you finding this isolation period is affecting your creative output?

I’d say it’s affected it in a positive way! I’m creating every single day with my team, with no other social activities to worry about. I get that it sucks I can’t get into rehearsals and jam out with my band etc, but there are other ways to be creative. I probably would never have made that video for ’80s Mercedes’ had we not been in isolation. It really forced me to think outside the box and creatively utilise every little thing I had at my disposal. It’s so easy to make excuses during a time like this and I’ve seen other artists do it but that’s just not me. Previously I would have told myself there’s no way I can make a music video from home, but I did, so there’s a lesson learned!

Looking ahead, what can we expect from you post lockdown?

LOADS of music! And hopefully a bigger progression in my career. In terms of shows etc, it’s obviously really difficult to say because nobody knows when they’ll be back up and running. We just have to take one day at a time, and make the best we can with that day!

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