Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Magū comes from a time in high school when a few friends and I were all hanging out and getting high, listening to records. One of them was on the phone naming who all was present and accidentally called me Magoo. My last name is McInnis so it was a funny slip up that stuck. I decided to use it as my artist moniker years later.
Tells us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
I grew up in a musical household. My father played guitar and my mom was a piano teacher. I used to always listen to classical radio when I was falling asleep as a boy. I attempted violin & piano at a young age with no dedication. I also played trumpet in middle school, ironically, to get out of choir. I attribute those years to developing my ear for harmony & melody.
At 14 I bought my first drum set and from there I played in medal core, alternative, rock and indie groups. I’m self taught and have always learned by mimicking others and trying new things on my own.
Eventually I reached a point when I wanted to start writing my own music so I borrowed a keyboard from a friend and started teaching myself chords. Over a few years I wrote a handful of songs I felt were good enough to record my first EP “Change of Heart”. Since then I’ve been writing & performing solo as well as with a plethora of other musicians & songwriters.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
Artrock with jazz & psychedelic sensibilities. Certain songs lean into alternative while others sit in a soulful/classic feel. Some associate certain songs with Mars Volts while others get a Jeff Buckley reference.
What drew you to the genre /instruments you’re playing right now?
I’ve always been drawn to pop & rock music but listening to neo soul artists like Daniel Caesar and Alicia Keys influenced me heavily when I wrote HATERS. While some songs in the works are closely related to Mars Volta, Jeff Buckley & Steely Dan . Instrumentally, piano had always just made the most sense to me for writing & composing. Herbie Hancock has always been one of my greatest influences there.
What inspires you to write music?
Often times I feel lost inspired when I’m sad or heartbroken. There’s something so cathartic about spilling my guts into a song when I’m feeling low. I’ve been leaning into the practice of writing more uplifting songs lately, ones of love & adventure, but there’s always a been a deep well of frustration with the system politically which is where HATERS came from.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
HATERS was born from the covid/blm era when everything was seemingly falling apart. There was unrest, death, injustice and we saw so much wealth transfered to the ruling class. I wrote it at a time in my life when I was digging into rnb & soul music. It feels appropriate to me because it is a cry for justice & togetherness wrapped up in an undeniably Black American genre of music. After bringing the song to the band, Cameron (my sax player) wrote the hook for the groove section which was originally at the end. Once we took it to our producer Rick Carson he suggested moving it forward in the song. That’s when my bass player Zach suggested it having more of a staccato feel which then carried over into the 2nd verse.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
I hope HATERS inspires many to challenge the system and recognize their neighbors are not their enemies. Holistically I want this music to inspire others to feel something. Whether it’s tears or joy, ambition or movement I want others to leave with an experience that feels original & impactful.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Hard to narrow down but Daniel Caesar, Hiatus Kaiyote, Olivia Dean
Song – “Easier” by Oscar Jerome
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
Coming to shows. Instagram, Facebook, Email Newsletter
Connect with Magū:
Instagram
Facebook
What’s next for you?
Currently we are heavily focused on recording our full length record. Working through it song by song with out producer. 2 single release listening events for HATERS in May before it’s release in the 29th. Power & Progress Festival July 23rd-25th & an event August 8th with local bands. Currently planning fall/winter touring dates as well.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
This music is extremely important to me and every song I am working on cuts deep into a specific period in my life over the last 8 years. I’ve patiently awaited the right time to release them, even navigating times I considered giving up on music all together. Everything feels to be in its right place and what is to come will be the greatest work I’ve ever accomplished. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without my supporters, family, community and friends. It’s been a wild ride and I just want everyone to enjoy this music when it is finally released into the world.
Bio:
Magū is an Omaha-based Art Rock ensemble fusing elements of jazz and psychedelia into a sound that is expansive, atmospheric, and deeply human. Guided by songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist David McInnis, the band is defined by introspective lyrical depth, passionate vocals and evocative horn arrangements that lend to their transcendental edge.
Their music explores themes of longing, hope, and self-discovery, shifting seamlessly between contemplative ballads and driving anthems. Previously known for their dedication to authentic, self produced records, Magū’s recordings are as immersive as their live performances, which inspire and connect audiences with raw intensity and beauty.
After a brief hiatus, Magū returns with a revitalized energy and a full-length album of new material. The evolution of their sound reaffirms their place as a force in the modern art rock landscape.
