"Sweet Light" currently 3 on National AC Radio Chart and being played on MTV ASIA
"Powerful vocal presence....left the audience literally yelling for more" Music Connection
2007 AAM Female Vocalist of the Year
Born from life’s joy’s, trials, tribulations and a genuine authenticity that’s been missing from mainstream music comes the experience of Malea McGuinness’ debut album True Believer. Combining sweet guitar licks, soft beds of piano, and Malea’s clear, gorgeous vocal’s True Believer channels the great rock melodies of the 70’s, while her self penned lyrics offer up a poetic look at modern day life - almost like flipping through the chapters of a novel in between tracks.
“I wanted to write about experiences that had shaped me and my life,†says Malea.
The journey Malea had to make to get here absolutely warrants an album, if not a biography. Having been born in Fort Hood, Texas, she moved to New York to live with her grandparents at the age of 6. She credits her high school music teacher with getting her involved in music and encouraging her to sing. She went on scholarship to the famed Tanglewood Summer Music program, and then on to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, all the while studying at William Esper and with Ron Stetson of the Neighborhood Playhouse. Malea then landed a lead in The King and I on Broadway, while continuing to be featured on television(over 20 national commercials)modeling, and film, all the while working on finishing her degree.
Having such an impressive vocal range and lyrics based on her life in tow, Malea moved to Los Angeles and enlisted the help of producer Scott Hackwith (Iggy Pop, The Ramones) to work on her debut album. The first single off of the album – Deeper – reached 16 on the National AC Radio Chart. Deeper captures the emotions of hope and love, set behind a catchy melody and Malea’s soulful voice catching listeners at every hook.
"I have always been a fan of 60s and 70s rock like The Beatles, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Bread," says Malea. I never get tired of listening to these great songs, and my love for this music definitely influenced how I wrote True Believer.
The second single – Sweet Light - has been climbing the national radio rotation list since it's inception on the charts and currently sits at 3 in the top 20 most played songs in the nation. This song was influenced by Malea’s experience of having a father who was a Green Beret, a grandfather who fought in Iwo Jima, and a response to the men and women fighting in Iraq today. With instantly catchy guitar chords and haunting lyrics, Sweet Light is a perfect example of a track highlighting all of Malea’s inherent talents and musical passion.
Sweet Light will be the first music video off of True Believer to hit networks.
In promotion of her album, Malea currently tours throughout the United States with her 7 piece band. She has played clubs and festivals throughout the nation – including the largest outdoor music festival in world, Summerfest, where she was the first Korean- American lead singer to take the stage throughout the festival’s 40 year history. Based in Los Angeles, her fan base follows her to such hot spots as the Viper Room, the Key Club, and Knitting Factory to watch her perform.
“No matter what has come into my life I have been able to survive because of my love for music,†says Malea. “Music has always, and will always, continue to make everything better for me. It’s a great universal connection no matter where you go.â€
Malea McGuinness's True Believer is available for digital download at the following e-retailers:
