What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is my real name: Dale Maguire. I’m from Limerick, Ireland.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
I used to go by U4EA (pronounced euphoria) when I was a teenager, but as I got older, I felt that name didn’t represent my music. I was pulling back the curtain more, being more vulnerable and honest, so I felt like using my real name better suited the music I make now.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
At first, rap was my way of dealing with my emotions. I was down a lot and needed a way to express that and also distract myself from it. Now, my goal is to be the best in Ireland and bring international eyes to the Irish rap scene.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
For ‘The Cackle of the Olive Oil’, I got in a pianist to play the keys. This is my first song out that has live instruments recorded specifically for the song. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but in the end, I was really happy with what Conor (the pianist) added to the song.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I want every album I make to convey a different and unique message. For this album (‘Drip Drop Splash!’) that’s about to come out, it’s about dealing with pressure and change. The album deals with me having to move back home after my renting situation didn’t work out, my falling out with my best friend, and people I know emigrating and leaving the country for good. This poses a question: should I also leave Ireland behind? You’ll have to listen to the album when it’s out next month to find out what I decided in the end.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Ever since I started rapping, I made music with my friend (who produces beats) at his house. For this song and album, I went to a proper studio with a new producer. It was a completely different experience for me, and I struggled a lot with my vocal delivery in the new environment with a new person. Eventually, I did get more comfortable and sorted my vocal delivery out, but it was like learning to rap all over again.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Lupe Fiasco. A lot of the concept/story songs I’m making at the moment are very Lupe Fiasco-inspired. I’d love to see what kind of song we could cook up together—maybe something with two characters debating a topic that relates to us both, similar to his song ‘Ms. Mural’.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
My goal for the end of this year is to release my album ‘Drip Drop Splash!’. ‘The Cackle of the Olive Oil’ is the lead single off of it. After that, I want to start releasing singles consistently, so that’s my goal through 2025. The main thing I want to achieve is to grow an audience who genuinely loves my music.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
There’s another single coming before the album, and it features a rapper called Curtisy. He’s been one of my favourites in Ireland for a while, and he’s doing pretty well, so I was surprised when I reached out with the song and he hopped on it. I can’t wait for people to hear it. That feature was a big step for me.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
I, unfortunately, don’t have access to a microphone at home, so I’d have to go to the studio to record my side of things. If we could find a time that works for both of us, I’d love to hop on the podcast.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Not that I can think of. I’m doing a lot more for this song than I have done in the past for my music, such as submitting to playlists and blogs!
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Here’s the music video for ‘The Cackle of the Olive Oil’: Watch on YouTube.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Here’s my Instagram: @dale360maguire.
