JJ McGuigan

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

JJ McGuigan: I grew up in Wichita KS, and have lived here for the majority of my life. I decided to become a songwriter when I knew I could reach people with my songs the same way that music reached me in my darkest times.  If I had to put an age on it I would say around 22.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

JJ: I think sharing music online is a great thing and a great way to get your music out there.  I do give my music away for free as well as sell it on iTunes and Amazon and such. I think when you’re at the early stages of getting exposure, giving your music out for free is a good thing because what you want more than anything is exposure.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

JJ: The bottom line is don’t get discouraged.  Your music can be great but it may take a while for people to really hear it as such so just give yourself some time and things will start happening.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

JJ: I do make mistakes and the best way I handle that is to just know that people aren’t looking for a technically perfect performance.  They are wanting to connect. So a technical mistake is not so bad.  I would say the only real mistake one can make is not trying to connect with the audience when they are performing.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

JJ: I actually don’t tour, being a songwriter my goal is to have already well established bands performing my songs on tour.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

JJ: Inspiration can come from anywhere, but lately I watch a lot of emotional type documentaries of real life and the struggles and triumphs that go along with that.  When I write I always try to capture the essence of what I’m trying to say first before worrying about how I’m saying it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

JJ: I do have a website and I use facebook, twitter, and some smaller platforms to get my songs out there.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

JJ: I would say most embarrassing for me would be the rough demos I record into my phone when inspiration strikes.  Some are good and some are definitely not.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

JJ: I would build a studio out of a small house I would buy. I would spend time learning about the engineering side of music which is something I think is fascinating to me.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

JJ: The two main software types I work with are Logic Pro X and Pro Tools.  But I’m not really looking at upgrading any equipment but trying to upgrade my knowledge of it.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

JJ: Social Media is a big way I promote my material. I also rely on word of mouth and think that is the best way.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

JJ: I would want to perform at Intrust Bank Arena in my hometown simply because that would be sentimental to me.  I would choose to perform with the band Live.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

JJ: I am working on another EP which is halfway done in the writing process.  I am working with Brian Elwick on this one and anything in the near future as well.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

JJ: Being a full time basketball coach or an author.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

JJ: The first album I bought was Live’s “Throwing Copper” I was amazed at that album and still am.  I remember being 13 and just playing it over and over again.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

JJ: Just trying to keep things simple and have things in perspective is a key.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

JJ:  Another EP and possibly a full band tour!