The next big thing: Clare Maguire

By ADRIAN THRILLS FOR MAILONLINE
Updated:

Bluesy: Clare Maguire already counts Jay-Z as a fan of her dramatic songs

Bluesy: Clare Maguire already counts Jay-Z as a fan of her dramatic songs

WHO IS SHE?

A 23-year-old singer from ­Birmingham with a bluesy voice. Clare Maguire’s dramatic songs recall Alison Moyet, Annie ­Lennox and Bonnie Tyler.

WHY THE FUSS?

Maguire's music is a perfect mix of artistic credibility and mainstream appeal. She also has fans in high places. She met producer Rick Rubin in Los Angeles and Jay-Z told her she had star quality — he could see it in her eyes.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

She wrote her first song at seven. ‘My voice was always the loudest in the room,’ she says. ‘I loved performing at family parties. At school, I’d get up on the desk and sing. The teachers thought I was mad, but it’s how I connect.’

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

Clare left school at 17 and worked in a shop until she had saved enough money to move to London. She focused on her writing and made connections via MySpace, signing to Universal Music at 20. She then spent three years honing her craft.

Despite being offered songs by Jarvis Cocker and Plan B (‘all very flattering’), she wanted to find her own way, hooking up with British producer Fraser T. Smith to record forthcoming album Light After Dark.

WHERE CAN I HEAR MORE?

A single, The Last Dance, is out on February 20. Light After Dark follows eight days later. Clare plays three London shows this month. She then supports Hurts on a UK tour. For more details, visit claremaguire.co.uk.



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