Magnets

Magnets is the energetic solo music project of multi-disciplinary creative and scientist, Dr Siobhan McGinnity. Her childhood dream of becoming a classical pianist was short-lived after stumbling upon the vibrant indie-pop scene of Naarm. It wasn’t long before she was on stage in a supporting role (Ali Barter, Henry Wagons, Nat Vazer). With this experience behind her, she began to carve a unique sound of her own, blending classical references with the prog and pop elements she’d come to love.

Magnet’s debut EP, Perpetual Motion, garnered triple J unearthed support, more than 50k streams across platforms, and led to a publishing deal with Gaga Music. Since then, a lull followed in output as Siobhan adapted to the way her chronic health conditions (Meniere’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis) and neurodivergence intersected with music. The result of this period is a deeply thought-out, texturally layered, and mature 10-track album to be released over 2023.

Siobhan has a deep passion for the ecology and equality of Australia’s music industry. As a feminist, she has served on Music Victoria’s Women’s Advisory Panel, is an educator for Full Stop Australia preventing violence against women and has produced International Women’s Day showcases with sponsorship from brands such as Levi’s. Her PhD, Hearing Injury in the Music Industry was twice awarded by National Hearing Conservation Association (USA), and she regularly presents educational workshops using her lived experience and research (UniMelb, RMIT, RRR). In 2021, she produced Music Makers (Arts Access Victoria), a bespoke mentorship program platforming Deaf and disabled music workers in Victoria