Jennifer McQuaid Songwriter at Songbay- one of our most loyal members!

Songbay artist Jennifer McQuaid

On the blog this month, we’re joined by long-time Songbay artist Jennifer McQuaid. She has been with Songbay for many years and still turning out incredible songs!
She is here to share her insights and experiences as an independent musician in the digital age.

Jennifer McQuaid Songwriter at Songbay

Tell us about yourself and your music…

I was born and raised south of Boston, and I’m currently residing in the great state of Maine.

All I can say is I love music. The love has been with me from a very early age. I won’t say my age but let’s just say I have been at this many, many years! I picked up the alto saxophone in third grade. Shortly thereafter, I took up the trumpet. I played trumpet, bass guitar, and started learning the acoustic and electric guitar throughout middle and high school. These days, I also dabble with the keyboard.

Through the course of my musical journey, I have played with some wonderful local bands. I’ve met many talented people. During my younger days, we played mostly covers. We performed in local clubs. I was writing some of my own originals at this time, recording them on a four-track recorder and gradually upgrading through the years to a sixteen-track.

I am a member of ASCAP and a published songwriter. I have been in a few professional studios over the years to record some of my originals. I have performed on a couple of local radio stations and had some of my songs played on local radio – Massachusetts WATD and Maine WMPG.

I recently read an article about my song Popham Beach. To say I was surprised is an understatement. It was quite an honour to have it reviewed by professionals and to receive such positive feedback.

What have you been up to musically over the last ten years?

I have been mostly solo. Writing a lot. A supportive friend suggested I become a street performer. While I was living in Massachusetts, I played on the streets of Boston, including Harvard Square, Central Square, Davis Square, and the Boston Public Gardens.

Then I moved back to Maine. Here, I started writing like never before. Sometimes you have to live life before you can write about it. I took an online course with Cari Cole from NY. I got to co-write a song with Amy Kuney called Still Alive. Amy Kuney has written for some very well-known artists. From there, the collaborations just took off.

I met a fabulous guitarist Dave Joseph from the UK online. We have written many songs together. A lot more people have been contacting me to write with them. Along with Dave Joseph, the fantastic musicians I’ve worked with include Bill Harris, Billy Scrapper, Steve Cummins, Keith James, and Kenneth Mood.

Over the course of your music career, which collaborations have been your favourite?

That’s a hard question because I cherish each and every collaboration I’ve had over the years. That said, I’m currently enjoying my collaborations with Dave Joseph. I enjoy working with anyone that contacts me and we create something beautiful together.

Are you an independent musician?

Yes, I am currently independent. With the internet and access to so many platforms online, you can do it all yourself today. From releasing songs with distributers and digital stores, to social media for promotion and fan engagement.

Who were your musical influences growing up and have these changed over time?

I was fortunate to have grown up in a very special time. There were so many fabulous and talented bands. From seeing the Beatles on TV at an early age to attending many concerts with CCR, Lou Reed, Eagles, Moody Blues, Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, David Bowie, U2 – there’s probably too many to remember! Honestly, they all influenced me. My older brother who passed many years ago was a huge influence on me. He loved music and exposed me to many great artists.

Currently today, I find so many talented musicians and songwriters online. Like myself, they just love to perform and write. I get so much enjoyment out of discovering and listening to them.

Let’s talk business! What are your thoughts on the music industry?

The industry has changed over the years. The power of the record label has shifted more to the artist. Years ago, you had to go to a good studio and pay top dollar to record a couple of tracks, and then hope you get heard by the powers that be. With the internet today, there are so many tools that artists can use to further their career. A lot more responsibility has fallen upon the artist but a lot more opportunity as well.

The record labels still serve a great purpose, but they are looking for artists who have a footprint on social media. It is much easier to put your music out today, but very hard to get noticed. I think there are over a hundred thousand songs uploaded to Spotify daily. There are many people going after the same dream but only a few will be lucky enough to succeed professionally. As they say, the music industry is not for the faint of heart or those who give up easily.

Are you on social media? How important do you consider trends? Do you think it’s essential for musicians to be active online?

Unfortunately, I am. : ) Just kidding. It is necessary today to get your name and music out to the public, and most people are on the internet these days. I think it is important to listen to what is happening today. But equally important is to find yourself and your sound. Don’t try to duplicate what has been done. Be original.

What advice do you have for musicians, especially independent songwriters and lyricists?

My advice would be to keep doing what you love to do. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Most importantly, just keep writing. Keep practicing. Keep putting your music out there. You may not achieve mainstream success, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you put your all into what you do. Even if a few people love what you do, that is success to me.

One of the best things to ever happen to me, happened during a sad time. My friend knew he did not have long to live. He had a special request for me to come to his house and perform for him personally before his time was up. Even though I had to hold back the tears, the smile on his face from me sharing myself and songs with him will always stay with me. That is special.

How do you go about booking gigs/concerts?

I haven’t performed out in some time. I have been on the creative journey for a while. I do perform online every couple of months on Open Mic America. I was contacted by a booking agent last year, but I just wasn’t ready. Once you start performing, then it’s hard to write. That’s why bands need time off the road to write more songs.

When I was performing, I made a demo tape and visited different local clubs and dropped one off with the owner. A lot was by word of mouth. Either from a fellow musician or a friend suggesting I check out a certain venue. I think today where everyone is online, you can contact just about anyone. Of course, you need to have an online presence.

Are you concerned about the impact AI (Artificial Intelligence) could soon have on musicians and the music industry?

I think AI can be both good and bad. Too much and it will take the human element away. I believe there is something unique about the human voice and seeing someone perform live, to hear that live voice is special.

AI can be great when using it for promotion and marketing.

How long have you been using Songbay?

I’ve been here from the start. They were beta testing about twenty years ago. I was one of the first! I have been here ever since.

Have you collaborated through Songbay?

I occasionally look at the lyrics selection as well as listen to the latest uploads. I am always open to collaboration, but I am looking for someone or something that moves me.

I have been lucky to have someone contact me on Songbay to use my song to rerecord it themselves. I made a few dollars and that was nice. I’ve also had a couple people say they downloaded a song or two from Songbay.

Would you recommend Songbay to other musicians? Do you have any advice for using it successfully?

I would absolutely recommend Songbay. The copyright protection feature alone is worth the cost of a subscription. Not to mention the wonderful music, opportunities, and friendship that has come from being a member. It is easy to navigate, and the people are wonderful. So many tools for the artist to explore. Thank you so much!

Thank you to Jennifer for taking the time to talk to us, and for being such a valued Songbay artist!

If you wish to listen to Jennifer’s songs, buy or license her songs, or wish to collaborate with her, you can connect with her here on Songbay:

https://songbay.co/portfolio/69