The Imaginaries Interview

Shane Henry and Maggie McClure are the husband-and-wife duo called The Imaginaries- an Oklahoma-based

pop/blues Americana duo, continuing their Wheels to the Pavement Tour in support of their sophomore full-length, Fever, which was released August 22. In addition to Henry’s guitar work, the 12-song album features solo cameos from Vince Gill, Joe Bonamassa, and Ariel Posen.

“This new album is about being on the other side of struggle. It’s about breakthrough—not that we have it all figured out!” McClure said, ahead of the album’s release with Henry adding, “There are a lot of hopeful stories on this album. We want to put smiles on people’s faces.”

In addition to their two albums and various singles, the duo released a Hometown Christmas holiday record and have song placements in various film and tv projects. They’ll head across the pond for a European tour next year as well, but have US shows through February, including one this coming Sunday in Kansas City at Knuckleheads.

(Tix here: Tickets | The Imaginaries with Special Guest Kasey Rausch | Knuckleheads )

It’s the same venue they played this time last year, where they previewed the title track for the new album, “Fever”, and their rousing cover of the Petty/Nicks classic, “Stop Dragging My Heart Around”, which has become a live staple. Through the magic of modern communication, we asked the duo a few burning questions:

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1) Fever is your sophomore album- what have you learned, and how has the song crafting evolved since your previous efforts?

With this new album, we’ve been reminded that we love to produce our own music whenever we can, as we get to be involved in every single note and decision. In the same light, it can also be very difficult to self-produce because at some point you have to call it done, so finding a balance there and working with the right people to get things finished is really key. The song crafting on the new album has naturally evolved along with the changes we’ve gone through and we’re going through as humans, as a married couple, and as a band. We feel that these new songs go a little deeper and also tap into topics we haven’t really talked/sung about before.

2) How have the guest appearances (Vince Gill, Joe Bonamassa, Ariel Posen) helped define those songs themselves?

The guest appearances with Vince, Joe, and Ariel had a huge impact on those respective recordings, but not necessarily the songs themselves, as all 3 songs were completed before recording a single note. Having Vince, Joe, and Ariel be a part of these tracks certainly made the recordings extremely unique and special and they will forever be associated with them, which we are so grateful for. They each played exactly what the song called for and it’s an honor to get to collaborate with them all.

3) We know about Midwest roots and good character- has any of that upbringing, helped your careers as musicians?

We are both born and bred Oklahomans and very proud of it. We both are fortunate to have had wonderful upbringings built on hard work, respect, faith, and family. The way we were raised most certainly has helped guide our paths as people and most certainly our music careers.

4) What song do you wish you had written and briefly why (could be an all-time favorite, or one for the glory/royalties)?

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” will forever be one of my (Maggie) all-time favorites. It’s just so beautiful, magical and hopeful.

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The Imaginaries play Knuckleheads in Kansas City this Sunday night for a very reasonable $19.95 ticket price.

TOUR DATES

OCT 26 Knuckleheads Kansas City, MO
NOV 8 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
DEC 13 Christmas @ The Rook Mckinney, TX
DEC 20 The Dunkin Theatre Cushing, OK
JAN 10 Historic Holmes Theatre Detroit Lakes, MN
JAN 31 Lutcher Theater Orange, TX
FEB 5 Weinberg Center for the Arts Frederick, MD
FEB 7 Perkinson Center for Arts & Education Chester, VA
FEB 12 Newberry Opera House Newberry, SC
FEB 14 Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center Davie, FL
FEB 26 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Cerritos, CA
FEB 27 Clark County Library Las Vegas, NV
FEB 28 Windmill Library Las Vegas, NV

National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.