Riding Down The Waves
- Rosie Mae
- Oct 18, 2019
- 3 min read
Riding down the highway, my feet out the window, and the cool summer breeze flowing through my hair. It's our last chance to take a free-spirited spontaneous road trip. My closest friends jammed packed in a rusty beat up van sing and laugh to our favorite tunes.We have nothing but those classic California hippie vibes and positive energy.
The highway intertwines itself through the tall redwood forests, as the ocean tries to peek through. I stick my head out the window to inhale those deep woodsy smells and a hint of salty ocean air. The sun gleamed through the top of the trees to brighten my face with its warm rays.
Sand surrounded my toes, as we race to big blue to dance in the water, as a free-spirit would. We celebrate. Someone plays their acoustic guitar and another sings sweet melodies. By night, we gaze at the grandness of the earth's beauty from above, while the bonfire's crackling sound and heat warms us from the cool breeze. We enjoy the last night of freedom and sway back and forth to music, like drunk bar folk. His arms wraps around my waist and I am reminded of happiness.
Isn't it great when a song captures your mind into imagination? Or is it just me?
I visualized the scenes above while listening the song, I've Got Nothing Left To Give, by multi-instrumentalist, Rowan McGuire, whom I met at a So Far Sounds event in Sacramento. And on a cool October morning, I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. McGuire.
So Far Sounds hosts shows all over the world to feature local musicians and artists of all kinds. It is such a great way to support, connect, and network with artists. It was at a little Beach Hut Deli, where 25 year-old Rowan McGuire performed. I was completely blow away. His unique voice and vibrato almost had a Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder feel.
The guitar finger-picking was so clean and crisp, it shocked the audience. You didn't want both Rowan and his friend, Jackson Vanover (electric guitarist), to stop their blues folk inspired music.
Raised in Davis, Rowan's father (a vinyl collector and incredibly knowledgeable in music) surrounded him with musicians, who would later play a key role and influence his writings and compositions. Such as, Waylen Jennings, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Danny O Keefe, and Ben Howard.
"...I'm not an old soul at heart. Never really considered myself an old soul. I've just been influenced by older musicians..." -Rowan McGuire
Drums were Rowan's primary instrument and he didn't begin to play guitar until third grade. Even though he always enjoyed the sounds of guitar-picking, it wasn't until college in San Luis Obispo, were he began to write his own instrumental music and attend open mic gigs. There was a period of time, he wrote music for a local country band, which he drummed in. Rowan stated, "Writing for the band was a relief and I enjoyed it. Felt like the stakes were lower. It was easier to compose."
"...When you add lyrics, the song becomes more compelling and personal. You are creating a style." - Rowan McGuire
After graduation the Landscape Architect, he moved to San Francisco. Still invested in music and song writing and performed all over the city at So Far Sounds events. He stated, "It is important to attach people to a song and make it accessible and personal. Balance and find a common ground with writing. It is hard but rewarding when someone says they can relate and really enjoyed it." Rowan McGuire has since made Sacramento home and continues to perform as an alternative folk guitarist with other talented local musicians. With 2 EPs: White Brittle Bones (2017) and Off The Beaten Path (2015), he will release a new song this month called, Sweet Little Love (EP released Spring 2020).
Support local artists and check out music by Rowan McGuire!! Thanks for reading!
XO - R.Mae
Official Website: https://www.rowanmcguire.com/
Instagram: @rowanmcguiremusic
Facebook: @rowanmcguiremusic
Also, YouTube, Spotify, and Soundcloud
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