McGinn, McArthur charm USC students

North Carolina native Matthew McGinn showcased his stripped-down, acoustic sound last Tuesday in the USC Bookstore Café.

McGinn, alongside Charlotte’s Shannon McArthur, charmed students at the Acoustic Café, a night full of songs off his new album “Under A Million Stars,” as well as the crowd-pleasing chorus of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.”

During a mid-set decision between fast or slow song, he asked, “Do you want to fall in love, or do you want to fall in love slow?” His on-stage charisma, his infectious vocals and relatable but nonetheless inspired lyrics all build upon his familiar yet unique style.
“It’s somewhere between acoustic, pop and country,” McGinn said. “I grew up listening to country music, but at the same time I try to be a ‘pop artist.’”

McGinn, who does a stellar job of achieving that mainstream, likeable sound while steering clear of the twenty-something pop star craze, is most akin to the pop-inspired piano men Matt White, Graham Colton and Jon McLaughlin.

Since he draws off some of the music biz’s best singer/songwriters, it is no wonder McGinn has found winning words and style.

“I really like Matt Wertz, Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin and on the local level, a kid named Steve Moakler is amazing,” McGinn said.

With nine years of lessons under his belt, he got his first taste of the performing world with piano recitals at the Cary School of Music in Cary, N.C., as a kid.

“I got into the music scene when I was three years old and got my first keyboard,” McGinn said. “When I was in fifth grade, my piano broke, so I found a guitar and taught myself how to play. That opened so many doors that I liked a lot better.”

The self-taught songster, who released his first album and found fame in northern Virginia with the band Courage Call, is now debuting as a solo artist with “Under A Million Stars.” Produced by Paul Barber, who is based in Bethesda, Md., the album took about a month to record and features five distinct yet equally lovable tracks.

“It’s an array of studio musicians; a lot of it’s me, a lot of it’s friends who were around,” McGinn said. “It was fun, a really good time.”

“Better With You,” which kicks off the album with an upbeat, feel-good vibe and “Where You Are,” which forces you to “fall in love slow,” do the best in highlighting McGinn’s undeniable talent and inspired lyrics.

“I write all my own music,” McGinn said. “[My inspiration comes from] life things, things that happen, things I see, sometimes movies.”

With a live band that will vary a little from show to show, McGinn is set for a tour to promote his new music.

“I’m out all of March, and I’m not necessarily label-hunting yet,” McGinn said. “I’m just going it by myself for a little while and learning the ropes.”

Although Carolina Productions’ Acoustic Café was his first appearance in Columbia, McGinn hopes to find himself back in the city soon. In the meantime, pick up a copy of “Under A Million Stars” on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon or Napster. There is also a free download of his New Year’s song, “Maybe This Will Be My Year” on his Web site, matthewmcginn.net.