Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, trying all types of musical styles looking for a way to get their message across. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. In a time where ITunes and singles overshadow the journey that a full length album should take a listener on, Alberta native Mike Maguire’s new self titled debut album emerges as a full body or work that takes listeners on a journey that everyone can relate to. Mike’s music can be classified as acoustic rock. In 2009 Maguire released his first album "Things Unsaid" which was very acoustically driven. After realising that making music was his main goal, he began to showcase his talent in various venues across Alberta , playing at numerous gigs ensuring that his name and music were being heard by as many people as possible. During this time he was able to play his music and a wide range of relevant covers to crowds upward of 400 people. "I love the way that playing my music live makes me feel. It is a whole new experience and a nice change from playing to my stairwell." Maguire jokes. Maguire’s new self titled Debut Album is set to be released in the Spring of 2013. The concept behind this album "Is really hard to explain or put into words. I guess the best way to explain it is Life as I hear it in my head." Maguire's wide use of instrumentation and sounds that are not heard on other mainstreams albums, make this album stand out from many others. Maguire plays much of the instrumentation on this album. "My producer (Brad Lang) really let me take the reins on the album, and I was able to put a lot of creative style into it, and was able to change it as I saw fit. This ended up in us creating a deep body of work, which sounded nothing like the original" Maguire laughs. After graduating from University, Maguire had an opportunity to travel. Maguire was able to backpack to almost 20 countries. From this experience he was immersed in different cultures and views throughout the world, many of which inspired him to write songs such as "From Where you are" which was written on the Tarmac at a small airport outside Tel Aviv. "Wherever I travelled, I tried to immerse myself in the thick of things, hopin to Hell I'd learn somethin' or at least make it out alive"! Conceptually, from the opening notes of "Words of Weapons", the album's first single, Maguire's relevant writing ability, and sound is strikingly apparent. Songs like "Don't lie to me" and "Wish you were me" give a real and raw insight into "politically incorrect" feelings following a breakup that are real and valid but often left unspoken. Perhaps one of the most honest and intrinsic tracks "Let Go My Soul" is a hard hitting and heavy hearted piano driven ballad Mike wrote after watching several of his family members "fall from grace" while battling with cancer. "I write songs when I need to get something off my chest. It's a way for me to spew it all out in all its rawness. Then I'm able to leave it on the paper, and the rest of the time I can be OK with things." Maguire's ability to hook the listener is presented in "Live it right" and "Take a Chance" which are inspirational and upbeat. The Whiny electric guitar and raspy vocals in "City Lights" showcases Maguire's wide musical range and vocal ability, while the haunting piano in "The move is mine" keep the listener treated throughout the album. The album ends as hard-hitting as it starts with the powerful song "Shine". With intense symphonic musicianship and penetrating lyrics he recall. “I’ve and the opportunity in my life to get through some pretty traumatic experiences with the help of my family and friends. Unfortunately, I’ve also watched people and fall and through my travels have witnessed mankind at its worst.” “Working with teens has helped me put life into perspective and I see how cruel and unfair life can sometimes be. But there is a resiliency in people that shows up at the most unexpected moments.... that is the inspiration, passion and drive behind “Shine” and the rest of the music on the album”. Mike is already writing and polishing tracks for his third album. He will be promoting the album upon its release.