Altmusic is proud to present Mark McGuire (Emeralds) as part of Altmusic’s programme of exciting & innovative international musicians touring New Zealand in 2012.

Mark McGuire (b. 1986) is a US-based guitarist well known as a member of Emeralds and for his acclaimed solo recordings and performances. A key figure in the buzzed-out world of hypnogogic pop, McGuire’s incandescent guitar playing with Emeralds takes listeners on a transcendental journey – where Roger Dean landscapes unfold into crystaline superstructures and space hippies wave at friendly, chrome-plated dolphins. His solo work has a pastoral quality both meditative and mind-zapping – amazing to listen to while stoned. This performance will be a highly anticipated, pivotal music event in 2012.

“McGuire doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, bare his soul, or poetically expose his innermost desires and tragic flaws. In fact, he hardly says a word. He doesn’t have to. His songs, minimal and impressionistic, are like mirrors. The echoing guitar weavings, ambient and melodic, evoke a wide array of emotions and situations.” – Altered Zones

Mark McGuire has released a ton of material both with Emeralds and solo with at least thirty records under his belt – notable albums include A Young Person’s Guide To Mark McGuire and Does It Look Like I’m Here? (Emeralds), both released via Editions Mego. McGuire is also a popular and notable DJ, as DJ Road Chief his upbeat mixes of contemporary R’n’B and electro-boogie provide bootyshaking contrast and context to his idyllic guitar practice.

Tour details are as follows –

Auckland – February 2nd, Audio Foundation HQ w/ Droszkhi, 8pm start.
Wellington – February 8th, Freds w/ Jo Contag, 8pm start.
Dunedin – February 15th, Chicks Hotel w/ Inner Tube and Tillakaratne, 8.30pm start.
Cristchurch – February 16th, Darkroom w/ God Destroyer, 8pm start.