Life & Work with Tevin McGuire

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tevin McGuire.

Hi Tevin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My origins in music are based in the birthplace of jazz: Louisiana. Born, raised, and immersed in so much music is where my love for the art began and grew. Since I was as old as I could remember, I always sang. As the years went on and I became more serious about my craft, I learned to play the piano fluently. In High school, I attended a performing arts school in Jackson, MS (APAC), where I learned the basis and structure of music at its core. High school is also where I learned how to control my voice and abilities better. My choral instructor always told his student that he taught musicians and not just singers.

Naturally, I started living by this as well. My venture into the music industry started at 15 in Jackson as well. My brother and I started a band and did gigs all around town weekend after weekend. Those experiences allotted me the maturity necessary to dive deeper into the business. Later in life, my experiences brought me many places, but I wasn’t really making any significant impact on my career. That was until I started songwriting professionally. Songwriting changed my life forever and for the better. Since I’ve become a full-time songwriter, I’ve been able to work with some of the industries top artist, record labels, and music groups. Although It was a bumpy road, and it took a lot lessons and time to achieve these things, I never gave up. My relentlessness made me want to reach higher heights. I now know and am a product of this fact: hard work and determination will open some amazing doors if you’re patient enough.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for me. My obstacles have been extremely significant. I struggle with chronic sinusitis. Although I have had surgery to try to counteract the effects, it still makes it extremely difficult to feel well enough to sing and record everyday. I have asthma which flairs up with the season and weather changes. Also, last year I got Covid-19. With the presence of my pre-existing conditions, it caused me to almost lose my voice entirely. I almost had to retrain and rebuild my voice again from the basics, which caused my vocal Integrity to decrease significantly. Also, one of the most challenging things for me has been mentally, to write everyday and to be at your best every single day is a challenge. Especially since those in powerful Positions demand that of you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter and I specialize in R&B / Pop music. I am most proud of being able to work alongside and be mentored by some of the top names in the industry. What sets me aside from others is my determination and humility. No one is going to stop me from being great but at the same time, I respect everyone and their craft as well. I’m someone who will clap louder for you than you ever will for me. That’s just who I am.

Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a very scary thing, honestly. I’ve taken quite a few risk in my career and they all have been learning experiences. For example, in my first two attempts to move to Atlanta and really kick-start my career, something catastrophic always happened that prevented the transition. And yet, no matter what, I still bet on myself to be great. I definitely will take a risk if it involves what I love.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tevthepen/

Image Credits
Troy Taylor (TTU) Stevie Mackey