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Margaret Fiedler McGinnis

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Margaret Fiedler
OriginChicago, Illinois, United States
GenresIndie electronic, Dream pop, Post-rock
Occupation(s)Musician, craftsperson
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guitar, Cello, Keyboards
LabelsToo Pure, American Recordings
Websitehttp://www.magsmcginnis.com

Margaret Fiedler McGinnis (née Fiedler) is a London-based American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and noted guitarist. She is best known as a founding member of UK indie groups Moonshake and Laika and as live guitarist with PJ Harvey and Wire.

Early life

She was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States,[1] and grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and later in Connecticut. She was educated at Sarah Lawrence College and at Trinity College in Dublin.

She had attended grade school in Winnetka with Liz Phair[2] and played the cello growing up.[3] McGinnis formed Child's Play with Moby as a high school band.[3]

Musical career

After a move to London, England, McGinnis formed Moonshake in 1991 with David Callahan, formerly of The Wolfhounds. She and Callahan shared vocals, guitar, sampling and songwriting duties, and the band was augmented by John Frenett (bass) and Mig Morland (drums, percussion).[4] Moonshake were signed to Alan McGee's Creation Records for their debut First EP released in Spring 1991. The group then moved to Too Pure Records, and released the Secondhand Clothes EP and the Eva Luna LP in 1992, and the mini-album Big Good Angel in 1993.

In 1993, McGinnis formed Laika with John Frenett, Guy Fixsen, flautist Louise Elliott and drummers Lou Ciccotelli and Rob Ellis.[5] The band produced four albums and five singles for Too Pure between 1994 and 2003, however after Fixsen and McGinnis broke up, the band took a break.[6] In 2000, she joined PJ Harvey to play lead guitar, cello, keyboards and percussion on the band's "Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea" world tour.[7]

In 2008, McGinnis joined post-punk pioneers Wire replacing Bruce Gilbert on guitar for an ongoing world-wide tour.[8]

Personal life

Following Laika's last album in 2003, McGinnis studied at the College of Law where she received a post-graduate law qualification. After graduation, she went to work at the BBC.[1]

In addition, she is a candle maker and instructor, who uses vintage teacups and environmentally friendly materials.[1][9] She is an animal-rights supporter.[2]


References

  1. ^ a b c "margaret fiedler mcginnis". Magsmcginnis.com.
  2. ^ a b "Laika biography". Musicianguide.com.
  3. ^ a b Schroeder, Amy (August 9, 2000). "LAIKA'S SPOOKY ELECTRONICS ENHANCE IMAGINATIVE LYRICAL TALES". mtv.com. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  4. ^ "CMJ New Music Monthly". CMJ Network, Inc. January 1996. p. 14. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  5. ^ Porteer, Christopher (September 15, 2000). "All in the Family". washingtoncitypaper.com. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  6. ^ "Laika Biography". musicianguide.com. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  7. ^ Klein, Joshua (October 5, 2000). "AHEAD OF THE SONIC CURVE". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  8. ^ "New Wire, Bruce Gilbert replaced by Margaret Fiedler live". brainwashed.com. April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  9. ^ "The Make Lounge's Soya Teacup Candle workshops". Themakeloungue.com.
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