Vernon singer-songwriter Kailee McGuire releases her first EP

For Kailee McGuire, writing music is a form of therapy.The Vernon-based singer-songwriter is releasing her first EP, which is based on her struggles and triumphs.

'Hindsight' chronicles her time living in Ireland in her early 20s as well as her struggles with mental health issues. It contains three songs, each representing a different city she lived in, and the ups and downs that came with the ride. Struggling with issues surrounding mental health, McGuire's time in Ireland wasn’t perfect.

“I didn't have the ‘time of my life’ like everyone and myself thought I would,” she says. “Writing lyrics has always been a form of therapy for me, and it was the only way I could express what that experience was really like. It was only in hindsight that I could understand why I went through what I did. Now that I have had the time to reflect and overcome my struggles, I feel it's important to share these songs, because if anyone can relate, I want them to know they're not alone and there is hope and so many resources to help them get through.”

McGuire said the purpose of the EP is to share “my experiences and express myself, but I also want to break the stigma around mental health, and open up the conversation more.”

McGuire says mental health can still be an uncomfortable topic, “regarded as shameful and misunderstood. But I believe that the more we can speak up about our experiences, the more we can educate and help those in need, as well as those who don't understand to have more compassion.”

The last song on the EP, 'Lissadell,' is McGuire’s songwriting at its most uplifting and hopeful, with backing drums from Taylor McKnight of Andrew Allen's band, Via Barcelona.

July 16, 2021 - Written by Darren Handschuh - Castanet