By: Staff
Sean Magwire’s latest release, “Not Ready Yet,” is nothing short of a musical triumph, delivering a soul-stirring experience that feels both intimate and grand.
The song begins with a twinkling guitar intro that sets a serene yet unassuming tone. At first, it feels soft and soothing, but soon enough, it becomes clear that you’re about to embark on a journey of profound storytelling and magnetic artistry. Sean Magwire’s Americana-inspired guitar strumming invites you to close your eyes, let go of distractions, and immerse yourself fully in the beauty of his lyrical and vocal performance.
Magwire’s voice is immediately captivating, a perfectly weathered rasp that carries the weight of experience and authenticity. Like an old leather jacket, broken in and uniquely yours, his vocals feel raw yet comforting, rugged yet graceful. There’s a rare quality in his delivery that not only calms the mind but also deeply connects with the heart. The emotional depth of his voice creates a safe space to pause, reflect, and absorb every note and lyric.
We thought the engineering was phenomenal. The sound is pristine, with the vocals standing out effortlessly, making the entire listening experience deeply engaging. The mix and master strike a perfect balance, each instrument is crystal clear and easy to hear while blending together seamlessly, creating a smooth and natural flow. What stood out most was the performance itself, which feels incredibly organic. It’s never overdone or overly engineered, allowing the authentic instrumentation and vocals to shine through and making “Not Ready Yet” a truly immersive and rewarding listen.
The song’s lyrics strike a delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, offering listeners a chance to see their own struggles reflected in its poetic lines. While we often highlight specific lyrics from a song, this one feels impossible to dissect because every word plays an essential role in crafting the larger story. Still, one standout moment resonates profoundly:
“Well the lady at the checkout line told me my card had just declined / And lightly pointed me to the door / She said, ‘Hey sweetie, don’t let it get you down / Ain’t nobody got bread in this town, except the crooks, the bankers, and the whores.’”
This lyric alone paints a vivid picture, but much like showing a 30-second clip from a blockbuster movie, it barely scratches the surface of the song’s emotional scope. The true beauty of “Not Ready Yet” lies in its entirety. It weaves a tapestry of stories, snapshots of life in America that speak to struggle, hope, and the indomitable human spirit.
As the song progresses, the harmonica gently enters the mix, adding a touch of ambient magic that elevates the track’s authenticity. The instrumentation builds gracefully, with guitar rhythms swelling alongside a steady, thunderous beat. It’s a soft crescendo that leads to Magwire’s soaring vocals, which bellow with passion and conviction.
By the end, you’ll feel a wave of catharsis, as though Sean Magwire has not only shared his story but also helped you make sense of your own. If you’re feeling worn down, disheartened, or simply lost, this song serves as both a soothing balm and an uplifting reminder that you’re not alone. The final message lingers, one of resilience, of not giving up, of knowing it’s okay to not be ready yet.
“Not Ready Yet” is a beautifully crafted declaration that solidifies Sean Magwire as a remarkable talent with an undeniable gift for storytelling and performance. His future is undoubtedly bright, and we can’t wait to see what he shares next. For now, we urge you to experience this song in its entirety, it’s not just a listen; it’s a moment worth cherishing.
About this artist:
Sean Magwire is a storyteller at heart, crafting music that resonates deeply with the human experience. Originally from Angola, Indiana, Sean grew up surrounded by melodies and songwriting, inspired by his father’s musical talents. At just 14, he picked up the guitar, finding early inspiration in timeless bands like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. However, it was Coldplay’s “Yellow” that sparked his desire to create music of his own—a moment that set him on a lifelong artistic path.
Over the years, Sean’s journey has taken him across the United States, sharing his songs and connecting with audiences from intimate cafes to renowned music festivals. His time in Chicago was particularly formative, where he served as the lead songwriter and frontman for The Lulabelles, an acclaimed folk outfit that helped refine his lyrical voice. During this period, his song “Between the Cracks” won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, a turning point that affirmed his place as a songwriter to watch.
Sean eventually settled in Massachusetts, where he continues to balance music, family, and a career as a school adjustment counselor. This role, rooted in empathy and connection, has undoubtedly shaped his approach to songwriting. His lyrics reflect an unwavering ability to capture the highs and lows of everyday life with authenticity and grace. Through music, Sean provides not only a voice for his own reflections but also a space for listeners to feel seen and understood.
The pandemic marked a particularly creative period for Sean. In 2020, he launched a series of weekly Facebook live streams that kept him connected with fans across the globe. Out of these moments, his third solo album, Songs for Wednesday, emerged—an inspired collection recorded remotely with friends worldwide. One of its standout tracks, “Erase This Day,” won the Grand Prize and Lennon Award for Folk in the 2022 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, further cementing Sean’s reputation as a powerhouse lyricist.
Sean’s growing accolades include performances at prestigious events such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, where he was a finalist in the Troubadour Contest, and the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, where he earned recognition in the Al Johnson Songwriter Contest. Additional honors include a third-place finish at the Rocky Mountain Songwriting Contest and standout performances at the Whitefish Songwriter Festival and Red Lodge Songwriter Festival.
Looking ahead, Sean Magwire shows no signs of slowing down. He’s preparing for the release of a new solo album in early 2025, a collection of songs that promises to explore relatable, heartfelt stories of resilience, hope, and human connection. The album’s first single, “Long Straight Line,” is already available across streaming platforms, showcasing his knack for weaving poignant narratives into soul-stirring melodies.
Sean’s live performances are equally compelling. Whether performing solo or with his talented collaborators, Steve and Tommy Combs, as the Sean Magwire Trio, his shows are a testament to his natural ability to forge deep connections with listeners. His music has earned recognition on major platforms such as PBS, NPR, WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, and even the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark.
Now residing in Massachusetts with his wife, Kristyn, and their two children, Sean continues to create music that bridges the gap between personal introspection and shared experience. With a growing legacy of awards, festival performances, and deeply meaningful songs, Sean Magwire’s voice stands out as one that captures the beauty and struggle of everyday life—an artist who doesn’t just perform, but connects.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share “Not Ready Yet” by Sean Magwire.
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