We recently connected with Molly Maher and have shared our conversation below.
Molly, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
By always being curious, I’m able to keep my creativity alive. This can manifest in various ways, such as listening to entirely different genres of music, exploring words in different languages, or appreciating diverse rhythms. Engaging in different crafts, like painting, also keeps the creative juices flowing. Taking lessons, especially outside of my usual realm, is incredibly beneficial. For instance, I’ve occasionally taken drum lessons, which surprisingly helped me improve my sense of rhythm and counting skills!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For over 25 years, I’ve been a dedicated friend and contributor to the Twin Cities music scene, working in various capacities including musician, producer, promoter, guitar tech, stage manager, mentor, and curator. My involvement extends to co-founding several key events: the Lakeside Guitar Festival (formerly Lowertown Guitar Festival), the award-winning concert series “Real Phonic Radio Hour,” and the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen, MN. In these roles, I’ve served as a booker, marketer, emcee, and performer.
As a producer, I excel at transforming new projects and ideas from initial concepts into tangible realities. As an advisor and consultant, I develop and implement marketing strategies and ideas for local music venues, promoters, and emerging bands. As a manager I fiercely protect and support my artists.
As a musician and performer, I am an incomparable singer and songwriter with compelling depth and soul. My lyrics, rooted in the deep traditions of Americana music, are both cutting and thought-provoking backed by a killer band!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are perseverance, love of music, and an interest in the skills behind the curtain.
If you’re just getting started in the music business, I strongly suggest learning several skills, such as running sound, even if it’s just eight inputs, putting a show together, or learning another instrument. All these skills will ultimately help you be a better artist. Always remember to show up on time and prepared. If you’re not early you’re late. There’s a difference between practice and rehearsal; show up to your rehearsal well-practiced.
Image Credits
Ilia Stockert, Kimberly Mikla, Dave Caroll,
