Believer

Sean Magwire, a native of Angola, Indiana, grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. His father, a gifted singer-songwriter, filled their home with melodies that ignited Sean’s passion for music at a young age. Inspired by legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Sean picked up the guitar at age 14. But it was Coldplay’s “Yellow”, released the following year, that truly convinced him he could create his own songs.

During high school, Sean's songwriting was a closely guarded secret, shared only with family and friends in intimate living room performances. It wasn't until he moved to Nebraska for college that he found the courage to bring his music into the world. Immersed in the vibrant Omaha and Lincoln music scenes, Sean began to develop his own unique style of storytelling.

Sean's free spirit led him to travel extensively across the country, living and performing in multiple states before he finally settled in Chicago. From 2012 to 2016, he was the main songwriter and band leader of the award-winning Chicago folk act, The Lulabelles. His song "Between the Cracks" won the Grand Prize for Folk in the 2015 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Love brought Sean to Massachusetts, where he quickly found a home in the Northeast music community. Balancing his roles as a school adjustment counselor, dedicated singer-songwriter, and father, Sean discovered his true purpose: connecting deeply with others through his music. For Sean, songwriting is a way to interpret and process the world, offering his listeners a chance for self-reflection.

The pandemic brought new challenges and opportunities. Sean's third solo album, Songs for Wednesday, was written and recorded remotely with friends worldwide, inspired by weekly Facebook live streams he hosted to stay connected with his audience. These weekly hangs allowed Sean the chance to write and workshop songs as well as offer support and levity during a time of such uncertainty. The album's song “Erase this Day” won both the Grand Prize and Lennon Award (Song of the Year) for Folk in the 2022 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.  

In 2023, Sean's talent was further recognized on a national scale as he became a finalist in the esteemed Troubadour Contest at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Al Johnson Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival. Sean also placed third in the Rocky Mountain Songwriting Contest and performed at the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival.

Currently, Sean is working on a new solo album set for release in Spring 2025. This album delves into the highs and lows of human experience, weaving relatable stories of everyday life. The first two singles, “Long Straight Line” and “Not Ready Yet” are available on all major streaming platforms. Sean has also recently teamed up with acclaimed musicians Steve & Tommy Combs to perform select dates as the Sean Magwire Trio.

Sean’s music has been featured on prestigious platforms like WGBH’s All Things Considered, The Boston Globe, PBS, NPR, and in the feature film Fly Old Birds: Escape to the Ark. He has performed at renowned festivals across the country, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Whitefish Songwriter Festival, Red Lodge Songwriting Festival, Wildflower Music & Arts Fest, Black Bear Americana Festival, and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

Since 2016, Sean has lived in Massachusetts with his wife, Kristyn, and their two beautiful children, continuing to share his music and connect with audiences around the world.

Believer

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