Halloween Song: Maxx McGathey - “Staircase”

It’s about time I did a brand new Halloween song profile, instead of reposting another one from the Broken Hearted Toy haunted vault. I try to add a few new songs each year. This one was inspired by Chicago area musician/composer Maxx McGathey, who has a record release party for his album Imaginary Eyes coming up this Friday at the Constellation venue. As I mentioned in this past Monday’s Incoming post, McGathey often creates a cinematic ambience with his music.

“Staircase” is the first single from Imaginary Eyes, and the song’s name evokes an image of a fiend slowly descending step by step. That’s not what happens here, though. This song is more like the fiend chasing someone down the stairs, through the living room, out the front door and down the street. Working with 11 musicians, McGathey is able to emulate a soundtrack from a vintage suspense film. “Staircase” opens with his piano playing and becomes increasingly energetic while incorporating strings, horns, drum, and guitar. “Staircase” is an example (I’ve posted others in the past) of how including instrumentals in your Halloween song playlist will add class and variety. 

Note: Be sure to listen to the entire “Staircase” song, as well as watching the teaser video at the top of McGathey’s Bandcamp page.