Music Q&A with Kiliyan Maguire of Charming Liars

Sequence 2: The After will be out on October 8th. — *Sequence 2: The After* will be out on October 8th.

Alternative rockers, Charming Liars, are about to release their upcoming EP, Sequence 2: The After, on October 8th! The band has been busy making music and going on tour since their formation in the mid-2010s. Vocalist, Kiliyan Maguire, took some time to answer some questions about the band’s upcoming EP, who he would interview if he could, what he has missed about touring, and more!

Congratulations on releasing Sequence 2: The After! What does the EP mean to you?
Thank you very much! Well, in all honesty earlier this year a few people very close to me passed away, so naturally that really ignited a fire of questions in my head. Mainly questions about the afterlife and things pertaining to transcendence and those questions and thoughts really steered my pen when inking the lyrics for this E.P.

What’s your favorite song off the EP?
Hard to say, but if I had to pick one I'd say “Afterglow” because in many ways writing that song helped me along the grieving process. After the song was released we had so many people reach out and express how much that song meant to them and how much they felt connected to it and that really meant a lot to me.

What would you say is different about this release when looking through your previous releases?
In the past we’ve been some what ambiguous with our themes but there’s usually a phantom thread throughout the body of work that connects it all together, however, it’s usually very subtle. I’d say “The After” has a very direct and unmistakable theme and is probably the first release from us that could be considered a concept E.P.

Who has been your favorite band to tour with?
I wouldn’t say we’ve had just one favorite, but to name a few and the reasons why I’d say Welshly Arms- such a hard working band and they’re all incredibly kind. Angels & Airwaves because I grew up in the 90s/early 2000s and Tom Delonge was a legend then and still a legend now so to say we’ve shared the stage with him is truly an honor. To be honest we’ve enjoyed being on the road with just about every band we’ve toured with. What can I say? We’re very personable!

If you had a chance to interview any of your musical heroes, who would it be and why?
Who I’d interview - David Bowie.
Why? Because it's BOWIE!!!

What’s different about playing shows in the U.K. versus playing in the States? Any similarities?
I’d say there’s a lot of similarities, however, In the U.K. I feel people are a little bit more embracing from the start especially when you're an opening band that they’ve never heard of before.

This last year/year and a half, has been hard for bands and music fans because tours didn’t take place. What’s one thing you've missed about touring?
The thing I miss the most? Definitely meeting people from all over the world and submerging myself into different countries and cultures.

What helps you stay positive?
Writing the next record has been a beacon of light for me.

Any last words or final message for the readers?
Thanks for taking the time to read what’s on my mind and I look forward to seeing you on the road very soon!

Charming Liars are heading out on tour this December with English rock band, The Hunna. For dates and ticket information, you can visit charmingliars.com.

Music Q&AJazmin LemusSeptember 20, 2021music, music q&a, charming liars