Maximo Park maestro Duncan Lloyd presents 'Unwound' album: Antidote to the daily grind

July 9, 2025

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his new 12-track 'Unwound' album, his sixth solo endeavour, introducing the focus track 'One Step Closer To The Dam'. Previously with Warp Records, this is his first album of new material via Reveal Records following the label's reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums, including the colossal 31-track selected works collection 'Green Grows Devotion' (2022) and 'Fun City' (a trilogy of EPs recorded in 2024).

Written during a difficult personal period, this record developed as a form of coping and catharsis, fortifying his sound with depth and ambition relative to previous releases. Lloyd earlier shared the singles 'Laugh So Loud' and 'Rituals', blending a modern sound with a deeply personal message about habits and healing, voiced through a circular, radio-like musical journey.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also half of Nano Kino (with Sarah Suri). He is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

'Unwound' album order https://duncanlloyd.bandcamp.com/album/unwound-2025

With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody. Things got moving when Lloyd set to work with Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland. Gaining impetus from his trip across the Irish sea, Lloyd returned to Newcastle to complete the rest of the album, each song carefully crafted with more anarchical arrangements than previous outings.

“I needed a break from all things online. Stepping away from it and being closer to nature reignites the imagination, it’s kind of obvious but easy to forget how important it is. It’s an album about experience, throughout you get the sense that dynamics, speed and space were all careful considerations. I am sort of looking under the soil trying to shape the sounds I imagine and if possible create something relatable that has a heart. I didn’t want it to be one produced sound, I wanted it to feel like different rooms, many spaces," says Duncan Lloyd.

"I partly had the book "The Poetics of Space" by Gaston Bachelard in mind, every song is it’s own room with it’s own signature. This is probably my heaviest album, in sound and mood. There are songs that lean towards post-punk and with hypnotic rhythms that are darker in tone. I wanted it to feel like the listener can climb inside the sound rather than be on the outside looking in. I don’t want them to be in the cinema I want them to be in the film or in the room, so it’s almost spooky."

The album features a host of Lloyd’s musician friends, including Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English, Andrew Mills (Purploid Zing) and Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan, Nicole Yun).

'Unwound' is imbued with a darker mood than Lloyd’s previous works, but with a continuing sense of melancholy at its core. Restrained yet intimate lyrics are housed in inventively evolving structures. The album draws to a close with 'A World Away Now', a song of lost opportunity. Sometimes simply making a connection is enough.

"Sometimes on a song the bass or percussion talks louder than a voice, so I mixed it like that. Sometimes nothing else contends if the emotion isn’t clear. When you hear musicians playing together, you are invited into something far more personal or engaging. You can’t always tell the detail, yet you can feel the dynamics -- you can sense it is living," says Duncan Lloyd.

"I may let guitars get loud and careen around if that’s where it wants to go. It can then go the other way and be minimal, economical. Although it is a very personal album, it’s also addressed to the stranger and, if the listener can relate and even laugh about what life throws at us, then a connection lives”.

Writing and recording under his own name for the last decade, Lloyd has enjoyed many collaborations, including with Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batidaand legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.

As of July 11th, 'Unwound' is available digitally via Bandcamp and digital music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. It is also released on CD, the first 200 ordered coming with a bonus live four-track recording in 'The Polestar Sessions' EP.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Duncan Lloyd (Reveal Publishing)
Duncan Lloyd - vocals, guitars, bass, piano, synth & drum machine
Tom English - drums, percussion (all tracks except 8, 11 & 12)
Andrew Mills - bass & synth (tracks 4 & 5)
Jemma Freese - backing vocals (track 2)
Joe Boyer - guitar & noise (tracks 2 & 7)
Recorded & Mixed by Duncan Lloyd (except 4 & 5) at The Dagda Rooms
Tracks 4 & 5 recorded & mixed by Julie McLarnon at Analogue Catalogue
Guitars on tracks 2 & 7 recorded by Joe Boyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Produced by Duncan Lloyd
Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago
Released by Reveal Records
Digital catalogue no. REVEAL204 / CD catalogue no. Reveal196CD
Cover art & layout by Duncan Lloyd
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

MAXIMO PARK songwriter DUNCAN LLOYD presents magnetic new single 'Rituals', teasing new album via Reveal Records

June 3, 2025

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his new single 'Rituals', a unique pop song born of a challenging year. Blending a modern sound with a deeply personal message about habits and healing, all while rotating through a circular, radio-like musical journey, this is the second taste from his new 12-track 'Unwound' album, forthcoming via Reveal Records.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also a member and co-writer (with Sarah Suri) in the indie band Nano Kino. Through a career spanning over two decades, Duncan Lloyd is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

'Rituals' follows his latest invigorating single 'Laugh So Loud', which features a guest appearance by Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan) and accompanied by an adrenaline-rush of a video, this song is about self-doubt and passing things off as being fine.

"If there is a pop song on the album this is the closest song to one, although it didn’t start out that way. I wrote it during a difficult year and as with a few of the songs on the record it’s fundamentally a personal message to a loved one. I got a little obsessed with the sound of the production as i wanted it to be different from anything i’d done before so it has this modern sense to it," says Duncan Lloyd.

"The song is about habits, good and bad. It’s also a song about trying to help someone recover. Musically i was thinking of it being like a circle where the rhythm changes but the chords keep rotating, i wanted it to sound like it was coming through several broken radios with only one being crystal clear."

'Unwound' is the first studio album of new material that Lloyd is releasing via Reveal Records, his previous albums having been released by Warp Records or independently. With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody.

Partly recorded by Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Jeffrey Lewis, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland and by Lloyd himself at his studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this album also features contributions by Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English.

Writing, recording (and painting) under his own name over the last decade, the Derby-born songwriter received an enthusiastic message from UK indie label/manager Tom Rose of Reveal Records in 2019, suggesting a future collaboration on his solo works (Rose had been listening to Lloyd's 2019 album 'Outside Notion' whilst on tour with now label-mate Joan As Police Woman). Requesting Duncan sent everything he'd recorded to date in whatever form, reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums followed. The colossal 31-track selected works collection 'Green Grows Devotion' came out in 2022, followed by 'Fun City', a trilogy of three EPs recorded in succession throughout 2024.

While 'Unwound' is very much an album with Duncan Lloyd stepping front and centre, his career is dotted with collaboration with various musicians and producers, including Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batida and as part of Africa Express with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.

As of June 3, 'Rituals' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Unwound' album will be released everywhere on July 11th.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Duncan Lloyd (Reveal Publishing)
Duncan Lloyd - vocals, guitars, bass, piano, synth & drum machine
Tom English - drums, percussion (all tracks except 8, 11 & 12)
Andrew Mills - bass & synth (tracks 4 & 5)
Jemma Freese - backing vocals (track 2)
Joe Boyer - guitar & noise (tracks 2 & 7)
Recorded & Mixed by Duncan Lloyd (except 4 & 5) at The Dagda Rooms
Tracks 4 & 5 recorded & mixed by Julie McLarnon at Analogue Catalogue
Guitars on tracks 2 & 7 recorded by Joe Boyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Produced by Duncan Lloyd
Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago
Released by Reveal Records
Barcode 0726529875607 // Catalogue no. REVEAL204
Cover art and layout by Duncan Lloyd
'Rituals' and 'Laugh So Loud' videos directed & edited by Yuka JTW
Yuka would like to thank M T Negri for additional footage.
Creative Commons Community.
Super-8: D Lloyd and special thanks to "Life On Super 8" for additional footage.
and to Freya Frenesi for Super-8 footage for 'Laugh So Loud' video
Photography by Yuka JTW
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Reveal Records shares invigorating 'Laugh So Loud' single by Maximo Park's Duncan Lloyd, heralding new album

May 6, 2025

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his invigorating single 'Laugh So Loud', the first taste from his new 'Unwound' album, forthcoming via Reveal Records.

Featuring a guest appearance by Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan) and accompanied by an adrenaline-rush of a video, this song is about self-doubt and passing things off as being fine.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also a member and co-writer (with Sarah Suri) in the indie band Nano Kino. Through a career spanning over two decades, Duncan Lloyd is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

"I wanted to hear something urgent yet melodic. Lyrically, it is about doubt. There is a lot of pretending things are fine and hiding from the reality of the world outside or not discussing the real problems publically for fear of reprisal, so itʼs a reaction to the sedentary state of mind," says Duncan Lloyd.

"In public, all your secrets go to sleep etc. I lent my guitar to a friend and found it plugged into an old VOX amp one morning at the rehearsal room, the amp sounded so good that the song materialised as I played through it. It has a certain spirit akin to the early 90’s, heavy then it drops with a vocal on the bridge reminiscent of Midwest bands from a similar period. Featuring Joe Boyer (ex- Cloud Nothings / Autopolitan) on the other guitar."

Duncan Lloyd's new 12-track album 'Unwound' is the first studio album of new material that Lloyd is releasing via Reveal Records, his previous albums having been released by Warp Records and also independently. With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody.

Partly recorded by Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Jeffrey Lewis, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland and by Lloyd himself at his studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this album also features contributions by Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English.

Writing, recording (and painting) under his own name over the last decade, the Derby-born songwriter received an enthusiastic message from UK indie label/manager Tom Rose of Reveal Records in 2019, suggesting a future collaboration on his solo works (Rose had been listening to Lloyd's 2019 album 'Outside Notion' whilst on tour with now label-mate Joan As Police Woman). Requesting Duncan sent everything he'd recorded to date in whatever form, reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums followed. The colossal 31-track selected works collection 'Green Grows Devotion' came out in 2022, followed by 'Fun City', a trilogy of three EPs recorded in succession throughout 2024.

While 'Unwound' is very much an album with Duncan Lloyd stepping front and centre, his career is dotted with collaboration with various musicians and producers, including Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batida and as part of Africa Express with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.

As of May 6, 'Laugh So Loud' is available from fine digital music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Unwound' album will be released everywhere on July 11th.

CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Duncan Lloyd (Reveal Publishing)
Duncan Lloyd - vocals, guitars, bass, piano, synth & drum machine
Tom English - drums, percussion (all tracks except 8, 11 & 12)
Andrew Mills - bass & synth (tracks 4 & 5)
Jemma Freese - backing vocals (track 2)
Joe Boyer - guitar & noise (tracks 2 & 7)
Recorded & Mixed by Duncan Lloyd (except 4 & 5) at The Dagda Rooms
Tracks 4 & 5 recorded & mixed by Julie McLarnon at Analogue Catalogue
Guitars on tracks 2 & 7 recorded by Joe Boyer in Cleveland, Ohio
Produced by Duncan Lloyd
Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering, Chicago
Released by Reveal Records
Barcode 0726529875607
Catalogue no. REVEAL204
Cover art and layout by Duncan Lloyd
'Laugh So Loud' video directed & edited by JTW
Super-8 footage by Freya Frenesi
Photography by Yuka JTW

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas shares 'Johnsburgh, Illinois' from new 'Still or Sparkling?' EP

December 12, 2024

Revered Scottish songsmith John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame presents 'Johnsburgh, Illinois', the latest offering from his new 'Still Or Sparkling EP', released via Reveal Records.

This has been a very busy year for Douglas, with highlights including headlining tours of the UK and North America (with select shows involving Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader and Paul Livingston), the UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' 'Cake'reissue (33 years since its initial release), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, which featured Douglas' acoustic performance of beloved Trashcans' songs.

"I first heard this Tom Waits song in the early 80s and I read that the recently-married Tom had written it about his wife. I was a lonesome, single young fella at the time and I yearned to find a love that inspirational. Eventually I found my girl and I sing this song for her… ‘She’s my true love and I’m her only boy’", says John Douglas.

About the video, he shares, "I was visiting a sculptor friend, who worked in what used to be an old school. The reverb from the old brick stairwell was spookily magical. I had my guitar outside in my car, so I grabbed it and sang this on the stairs when my sculptor friend downed his tools for lunch."

With his own love story involving none other than Eddi Reader of Fairground Attraction, now his wife and also a solo artist in her own right), everything has come full circle, with Reader also contributing back vocals and accordion on this EP.

Earlier, Douglas shared the lead single 'Still Or Sparkling?', evoking the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light, in which he also name-checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo, noting "This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other."

Following up his eponymous debut album, released in 2023 and produced by Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), this new EP maintains a natural 'no overdubs' approach and also involves Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly, all members of Eddi Reader's Band. This EP also features Douglas' rendition of the Van Morrison classic 'Across The Bridge Where Angels Dwell'.

Douglas also recently shared his version of 'Weightlifting' for the 20th anniversary of Trashcan Sinatras' album by that name, preceded by endearing videos for 'Oranges & Apples', 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone'.

The 'Still or Sparkling?' EP is out now, available from fine online platforms, including Bandcamp. Douglas will next perform on January 17 at Glasgow's Cottiers Theatrefor the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival.

Scot music legend JOHN DOUGLAS (TRASHCAN SINATRAS) presents his 'Still or Sparkling?' EP

November 5, 2024

Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras presents his new 4-track 'Still Or Sparkling EP', out November 8 via Reveal Records, having returned home after wrapped up his debut headline North American tour (with select shows involving fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston).

In the home stretch to his EP, Douglas introduces his rendition of 'Johnsburgh, Illinois', noting that he had dreamed of finding a love so strong as that which inspired this Tom Waits classic and finally did upon meeting his wife Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right),

He earlier shared the lead single 'Still Or Sparkling?', evoking the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light, in which he also name-checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo. John Douglas says, "This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other."

A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural 'no overdubs' approach, this EP involves contributions by some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly - all also part of Reader's band.

In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

Douglas also recently shared his version of 'Weightlifting' for the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album with that name, preceded by videos for 'Oranges & Apples', 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always'and 'Leave Me Alone'.

As of November 8, the 'Still or Sparkling?' EP is available from fine online platforms, including Bandcamp, where it is now available to order.

TRASHCAN SINATRAS' JOHN DOUGLAS releases 'Still or Sparkling?' EP & headlines US tour

October 1, 2024

Celebrated songsmith John Douglas, co-founder and guitarist of beloved Scottish music icons Trashcan Sinatras, presents his new 4-track 'Still Or Sparkling EP', released via Reveal Records,
along with a video for the title track 'Still Or Sparkling?'.

A slight move away from his acoustic debut album while maintaining a natural live-take approach, the new EP involves some stellar musicians, including Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction fame and a solo artist in her own right), Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), Kevin Mcguire and Alan Kelly - all also part of Reader's band.

Musically, the arrangement nods its head to Roger Miller’s finger-clicking, double bass driven 'King Of The Road' with added soft husky harmonies from John’s partner, Eddi Reader. Lyrically, the song evokes the early days of any relationship…. the getting to know each other phase, flirtatious and light. The song also name checks the unlikely trio of Shirley Collins, Annie Briggs and Michelangelo

"This is a new song of new love… the fresh, early days. Inspired by a late night date with my future wife, spent listening to folk records, eating figs and getting to know each other,” says John Douglas.

Starting October 1, Douglas also embarks on the 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One'. This first American headlining tour offers an intimate snapshot of Douglas' talent, charisma and depth. He is joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, and for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve.

There are two dates on this tour involving special guest appearances by fellow Trashcans Frank Reader and Paul Livingston - both of them appear in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.

In 2023, John Douglas released his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Other highlights of the year include a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since debuting), and a Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning journalist Ken Sweeney, featuring Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

Douglas recently marked the 20th anniversary of the milestone Trashcan Sinatras album 'Weightlifting' with a live rendition of 'Weightlifting'. Earlier, he shared the moonlit video for 'Oranges & Apples', preceded by 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone'.

As of September 27, the 'Still or Sparkling?' single will be available from fine online platforms. Until the EP's official release date of November 8, the full EP is available exclusively via Bandcamp. This EP will be available on CD during Douglas' North America tour, which kicks off in Los Angeles. His debut album will also be offered on CD and on vinyl here for the first time, as well as Douglas' mini-book 'Rambling - How I got here to your town on my own', featuring superb photos by Stephanie Gibson.

CREDITS
John Douglas - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Finger Clicks
Eddi Reader - Backing Vocals
Alan Kelly - Accordion
Kevin McGuire - Double Bass
All footage filmed by Stephanie Gibson upstairs in Cathkin, South Lanarkshire and upstairs at The Doublet Bar, Kelvinbridge (Glasgow, Scotland)
Video edited by John Douglas.
John Douglas photos by Stephanie Gibson
Trashcan Sinatras photo by Chris Williams
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader)
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND - Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
(Special guest appearance by Trashcan Sinatras' Frank Reader & Paul Livingston)
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS *
October 12 CHICAGO - GMan Tavern **
October 15 TORONTO - The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON - City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK - Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft **

* with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
** with Lauren Calve

Keep up with John Douglas
Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Songkick| BandsInTown | Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

JOHN DOUGLAS marks 20-year anniversary of TRASHCAN SINATRAS 'Weightlifting' with new video. Headline North American tour begins Oct. 1

September 9, 2024

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, presents a live rendition of 'Weightlifting', commemorating the landmark Trashcan Sinatras album released 20 years ago this week. The offering also previews Douglas' forthcoming 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith.

Throughout October, Douglas takes to American stages, showcasing original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material. Joined for West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, he is joined for East Coast dates by award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Calve. Further, attendees of two special shows will be treated to guest appearances by fellow Trashcan Sinatras Frank Reader and Paul Livingston in Seattle, with Reader also joining Douglas in LA.

"'Weightlifting' was a milestone record in our journey. It took us a long time to make that record due to various hilarious sidetracks, including adventures in Japan with us as a six-piece band, and many many strung out, aimless days and nights in our adopted home of Kilmarnock, Scotland, a mad detour attempting to record in Hartford, USA (skillfully avoiding the nightly gunshots), and even a meeting with the landed gentry in Ayr County Court, where our banishment from the land of honest toil was finally ended," says John Douglas.

"We returned from all those adventures with songs - songs of love, loss, redemption, forgiveness, bravado, friendship, wisdom, peace and tranquility. Songs that we swore ourselves to... and here we are 20 years on and it looks like we somehow built them to last. Somehow, from the chaotic depths, we found ourselves at the top of our game. It’s a miracle of a record."

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, releasing his eponymous debut album via Reveal Records, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued album 'Cake' (33 years since it debuted), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney, which also features Douglas performing beloved Trashcans' songs.

'Weightlifting' is the second instalment in Douglas' 'Me & Midnight Sessions’, following 'Oranges & Apples'. Earlier, he shared live videos for 'I Just Want To Go Home', 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella', 'Always' and 'Leave Me Alone' - all tracks from his debut album, recorded with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion).

Douglas shares, "This video was filmed in Ibrox, Glasgow in a flat that was once shared by a young couple, who had come to the end of their time together. On the night of my filming, I had helped one of them move out the final pieces of furniture and accompanied them as they said goodbye to what they used to call home. I returned later, on my own, to the now empty flat... just before midnight... and filmed myself singing what felt like a very appropriate song. A bittersweet night that will hopefully allow a healing to begin and for pain to be left behind. I changed the lyric a little to suit the mood."

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. His 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One' kicks off in Los Angeles on October 1.

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas presents 'Oranges & Apples', announces North American tour in support of debut album

August 6, 2024

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, whose songwriting and artistry have been integral to the enduring legacy of Trashcan Sinatras, presents an intimate video for Trashcans classic 'Oranges & Apples'. This is one of 11 tracks on his eponymous debut album, released via Reveal Records.

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued debut album 'Cake' (33 years since its original release), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney. Tracing their 35-year story, it features first-hand accounts from band members, explores dramatic moments in their history, and includes acoustic performances by Douglas of some of the Trashcans' most-loved songs.

Now Douglas announces his 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', taking his craft on the road throughout October.

"I am so excited to be coming to the USA and Canada this year to debut my solo shows. It’s me, my guitar and many songs.. some new and some old with a new lick of paint. I will get lost in song and story and look forward to conjuring up the good stuff in North America," says John Douglas.

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters, Douglas will be joined for his West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, a savvy street poet who finds the sweet spot between Patti Smith, Grace Slick and Janis Joplin. For East coast dates, he will be joined by singer-songwriter Lauren Calve, whose new album 'Shift' earned her the 2024 Wammie Award for Best Country/Americana Album. Together, these artists will treat listeners to an intimate series of masterclasses in musical storytelling.

Part of the 'Me & Midnight Sessions', 'Oranges & Apples' follows the first acoustic video filmed in Hyndland, Glasgow - 'I Just Want To Go Home'. Earlier, Douglas shared videos for album tracks 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella' and 'Always', plus Trashcans classics 'Leave Me Alone' and 'Weightlifting'.

John Douglas shares, "'Oranges & Apples is a song very close to my heart. It’s a love song to a fellow artist… the late Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. He ploughed his own furrow and showed all who followed how to be your eccentric, individual, glorious self. Stay true to you. Paint, sing, write, sculpt, carve, dance your own way through this playground. Hang on to your wonder at this world. Syd did. He’s away now… gone, but resonating on. As the song says.. now everything is enhanced by him".

His debut album presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Reflecting Douglas' candor, this 11-track collection features original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material, plus his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

Apart from touring with his partner Eddi Reader’s band, the past few years have seen Douglas perform around the UK and Ireland, sometimes joined by friends like Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson, Withered Hand, James Grant (Love & Money), and even Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), with whom he first toured in 1990 for the Trashcan Sinatras / Prefab Sprout double bill.

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. US fans are also in luck as he'll be on his first headline tour in October.

TOUR DATES
October 1 LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe *
October 2 SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church *
October 4 PORTLAND - Mission Theater *
October 5 SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey *
October 7 SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive *
October 8 DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room *
October 10 KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads *
October 11 MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS *
October 15 TORONTO - The Monarch **
October 16 CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern **
October 17 COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview **
October 19 BOSTON - City Winery Boston **
October 20 NEW YORK - Cafe Wha? **
October 21 PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft **

* with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
** with Lauren Calve

Artist photography by Stephanie Gibson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with John Douglas
Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Songkick| Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

Iconic Scottish songsmith John Douglas shares 'Lost (Live Session)' and beatitude over Trashcan Sinatras' developments.

January 21, 2024

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - presents a live version of 'Lost', originally filmed for The Scotsman Sessions. This is the opening track of his eponymous debut album, released via Scotland's Reveal Records, presenting an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith.

This is the start of a new chapter in Douglas' creative life as he looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades while moving forwards. Recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs), Douglas worked with producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), who also mixed and mastered it.

This record features original material, along with new recordings of some of John's favourite Trashcan Sinatras' material and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’. Apart from the album version of 'Lost', Douglas also recently shared live videos for 'I'm Not The Fella' and 'Always', plus Trashcan Sinatras' classics 'Oranges & Apples', 'Leave Me Alone'and 'Weightlifting'.

John Douglas is a founding member of Trashcan Sinatras, who recently re-released their debut record 'Cake' via Last Night From Glasgow, finally seeing UK Top-40 success 33 years later since its original release (it only reached 74 in the charts back in the day).

‘I’m really enjoying having my record out in the world. It seems to have found a place in people’s hearts. Maybe it’s the simplicity of approach -there’s not much of that around these days. I don’t know really. I try not to dwell on it. I’m happy to show up and sing the songs with my guitar as partner, keep it intimate and let the songs come to life," says John Douglas.

"The recent interest in the Trashcans' records has been a wonderful coincidence…it’s long overdue and well deserved.. for it to arrive as I put my own record out feels mysterious and miraculous.. whoever’s organising this runs a pretty slick operation."

As of late, John has been playing gigs across the UK and Ireland, both as a solo artist and as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band. He has also put on shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson, Withered Hand and James Grant (Love & Money). John was also invited to perform with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two having first met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras' were touring with Prefab Sprout for ‘Jordan - The Comeback' LP.

The 'John Douglas' album is out now and available from fine online platforms and also on Bandcamp - both on CD and digitally.

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas shares 'I'm Not The Fella' from eponymous debut solo album, announces final live dates for 2023

November 24, 2023

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - presents 'I'm Not The Fella', an endearing open-heart narration of an interaction from the past. Featured on his debut solo album, recently released via Scotland's Reveal Records, the accompanying video was filmed at the An Taibhdhearc - National Irish language theatre in Galway City. He also recently released a video for the album's opening track 'Lost'.

Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.

John Douglas shares, "I was on tour with Galway singer/songwriter Ultan Conlon when this was filmed. I had just added a few verses at the end and you can catch me taking an occasional glance at the lyric sheet on the floor. Hope you like this song and video, filmed by Black Gate Productions."

The 'John Douglas' album presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith - the start of a new chapter in Douglas' creative life as he looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades while moving forwards. This record features original material, along with new recordings of some of John's favourite Trashcan Sinatras material and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), who also mixed and mastered the album.

“I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year - out of nowhere - everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be," says John Douglas.

Lately, John Douglas has been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras' were touring with Prefab Sprout in support of their album ‘Jordan - The Comeback'.

The 'John Douglas' album is out now, available on CD and digitally from a wide selection of fine music outlets, including Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD - REVEAL195CDX - 7427137071599
Digital Album - REVEAL195DDX - 7427137071605
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

After decades with Trashcan Sinatras, Scottish singer-songwriter John Douglas releases debut solo album via Reveal Records

October 6, 2023

"Fantastic album... a unique gem within each and every track... A sheer delight – recommended for everyone suffering from sensory overstimulation. This will calm your mind and ease you into healthy listening" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - presents his debut solo album, released via Scotland's Reveal Records, along with a self-filmed nostalgic video for the album's opening track 'Lost'.

This record presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith - the start of a new chapter in Douglas' creative life as he simultaneously looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades and moves forwards.

The album 'John Douglas' features new recordings of some of John's favourite Trashcan Sinatras material, alongside new songs he has written and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), who also mixed and mastered the album.

“I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year - out of nowhere - everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be," says John Douglas.

About this latest focus track 'Lost', he notes, "Hard to be precise about this lyric. It all came to me in one go. Could be about getting lost in the past… letting it take over… I have felt disoriented when I’ve found myself dwelling on the past too much. RD Laing once said “Why let yesterday affect today ?” I know life can be more complex than that phrase allows, but it’s not a bad thought to mull over."

Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.

Lately, John Douglas has been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras' were touring with Prefab Sprout in support of their album ‘Jordan - The Comeback'.

As of October 6th, the 'John Douglas' album is available on CD, as well as digitally from a wide selection of fine music outlets, including Bandcamp, where supporters can download two exclusive bonus digital tracks ('Last Orders' and 'The Drink'). To mark this release, John Douglas will be supporting the fabulous Withered Hand on their Scottish tour this October.

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD - REVEAL195CDX - 7427137071599
Digital Album - REVEAL195DDX - 7427137071605
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Bandcamp https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023
Album order https://revealrecords.lnk.to/JohnDouglas
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/08oykWwqbE7yvlHbUmG7gr

Reveal Records to release debut solo album from John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras), one of Scotland's finest songwriters

September 14, 2023

"What a fantastic album... there is a unique gem within each and every track... There is just so much to love in this album. A sheer delight – recommended for everyone suffering from sensory overstimulation. This will calm your mind and ease you into healthy listening" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

Scotland's Reveal Records is pleased to announce that the debut solo album from one of Scotland’s finest songwriters - John Douglas of Trashcan Sinatras fame - will be released worldwide on October 6th.

At long last, fans and newcomers alike are treated to an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith. With this release comes the start of a new chapter in John Douglas' creative life as he simultaneously looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades and moves forwards.

The album 'John Douglas' features new recordings of some of John's favourite Traschcan Sinatras material, alongside new songs he has written and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard, who also mixed and mastered the album.

John Douglas expains, “I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year - out of nowhere - everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be.

Album order / Bandcamp https://johndouglas.bandcamp.com/album/john-douglas-2023
Album pre-save / pre-order https://revealrecords.lnk.to/JohnDouglas

Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.

He has also been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 during Trashcan Sinatras' ‘Jordan - The Comeback’ tour with Prefab Sprout.

On October 6th, John Douglas' album will be released on CD and digitally and will be available from fine music outlets worldwide. It can be obtained via Bandcamp ahead of the general release with early-birds receiving an immediate full album download, plus exclusive access to two bonus digital tracks ('Last Orders'and 'The Drink').

CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
CD - REVEAL195CDX - 7427137071599
Digital Album - REVEAL195DDX - 7427137071605

After 9-year hiatus, Edinburgh's WITHERED HAND shares 'Feelings' single and 'Crippled Love' ahead of releasing 'How To Love' album

April 23, 2023

As life-affirming as music gets” ~ The Herald

“Killer melodies … full of warm, woozy sing-song charm”  ~ Rolling Stone

“The UK’s best lyricist” ~ King Creosote

“Beautifully constructed lyrical frameworks... Caledonian gospel”  ~ MOJO

“Godlike Genius” ~ Justin Currie (Del Amitri)

"Stellar music.. sits perfectly square in the middle of Elliott Smith, Flaming Lips, Guided By Voices and Omaha’s Bright Eyes with a dash of Van Morrison and ‘Rocks’-era Primal Scream" ~ The Spill Magazine

As UK folk-rock troubadour Withered Hand gears up to release his long-awaited 'How To Love' LP, he reveals the album's final single 'Feelings', while also sharing a live acoustic video for the latest single 'Crippled Love'. His first new music in nine years, this record will officially be released on April 28 via Reveal Records,

Withered Hand is the nom de plume of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson, who originally hails from London. On this album, Withered Hand continues to live up to his reputation as one of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters.

"This cry-for-help of a song sums up years of trying to medicate uncomfortable feelings with whatever I could get my hands on. If the album opens with this car crash, then the rest of the songs on ‘How To Love’ are imbued with my attempts to keep stumbling away from living like that," says Dan Willson.

"My own mental health struggles in the past meant life got really dark before I was willing to surrender three years ago and become willing to learn to live sober. It’s a healthy catharsis rocking out with the band on this song though, repaying a debt to some of the harder music I grew up with in the 90s."

“Don’t stop, tell me that I earned this one
Cos one is one too many, too many’s not enoughI
swallowed my pride, I just want the harder stuff
My appetite anaesthetises love”

Earlier, Withered Hand released the lead track 'Waking Up',which has garnered worldwide support and heavy airplay on tastemaker stations including BBC 6 Music and Amazing Radio. The radio edit involved a collaboration with producerMark Freegard (The Breeders, Del Amitri, New Model Army, Lush, Pale Saints), whilethe videowas filmed by Juliana Capesin Portobello, Edinburgh.

Produced, recorded and mixed by renowned producerTony Doogan (Mogwai, David Byrne, Teenage Fanclub, The Twilight Sad, Belle & Sebastian, The Delgados) atCastle of Doom Studios in Glasgow, the new album features guest appearances byKing Creosoteand Mercury-nominated English songwriterKathryn Williams.

Withered Hand's acclaimed 'New Gods' LP(2014) was released on vinyl via Slumberland Records, featuring Scottish luminaries from Belle & Sebastian, Frightened Rabbit and The Vaselines, as well asPam Berry of seminal 90’s US noisepop bandBlack Tambourine, propelling the album straight into the charts.

Willson began writing songs and singing in his thirties following the birth of his first child and the death of a close friend. With a wayward tenor and unaffected charm onstage, he has come to be celebrated as a songwriter and lyricist of rare wit and remarkable honesty. With songs picked up by MTV and cult series 'Skins', he's gained a legion of fans including Jarvis Cocker and Rolling Stone USA, who deemed him an Artist to Watch.

As of April 21, 'Feelings' is available everywhere digitally, includingApple Music and Spotify. The'How To Love' album, out April 28, can be orderd on CD, vinyl and digitally viaBandcamp. Withered Hand presents album release shows inCardiff(April 21st),London(April 22nd) andEdinburgh(April 28th), and also appearing onBBC Scotland’s Quay Sessions (May 3rd) on the back of performances in Manchester and forMarc Riley's BBC 6 Music show.

CREDITS
Dan Willson - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Malcolm Benzie - Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Fraser Hughes - Bass, Backing Vocals
Owen Curtis Williams - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Peter Liddle - Keyboards
Richard Merchant - Trumpet
Ross McCrae - Trombone
Lynsey Payne - Saxophone
Eva Willson - Backing Vocals
Eugene Willson - Backing Vocals
Produced, recorded and mixed by Tony Doogan at Castle of Doom Studios, Glasgow
(c) Dan Willson (Rough Trade Publishing)

Scotland-based troubadour Withered Hand presents 'Waking Up' single, heralding new album via Reveal Records

February 14, 2023

As life-affirming as music gets” ~ The Herald

“Killer melodies … full of warm, woozy sing-song charm”  ~ Rolling Stone

“The UK’s best lyricist” ~ King Creosote

“Beautifully constructed lyrical frameworks... Caledonian gospel”  ~ MOJO

“Godlike Genius” ~ Justin Currie (Del Amitri)

"Stellar music.. sits perfectly square in the middle of Elliott Smith, Flaming Lips, Guided By Voices and Omaha’s Bright Eyes with a dash of Van Morrison and ‘Rocks’-era Primal Scream" ~ The Spill Magazine

UK indie rock troubadour Withered Hand presents his uplifting new single 'Waking Up', released on February 14 via Reveal Records, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The accompanying video was filmed on location in Portobello, Edinburgh by Juliana Capes.

Withered Hand is the nom de plume of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson, originally hailing from London. Collaborating with Mark Freegard (The Breeders, Del Amitri, New Model Army, Lush, Pale Saints) on the radio edit, this is the first single from his 'How To Love' album, officially released on April 28.

Produced, recorded and mixed by renowned producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, David Byrne, Teenage Fanclub, The Twilight Sad, Belle & Sebastian, The Delgados) at Castle of Doom Studios in Glasgow, the new album features guest appearances by King Creosote and Mercury-nominated English songwriter Kathryn Williams.

'Waking Up' is every bit as beautiful as his acclaimed 'New Gods' LP (2014), which was released on vinyl via Slumberland Records and featured Scottish luminaries from Belle & Sebastian, Frightened Rabbit and The Vaselines, as well as Pam Berry of seminal 90’s US noisepop band Black Tambourine, propelling Withered Hand into the charts. On the new album, he continues to live up to his reputation as one of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters.

Dan Willson notes, “It’s hard to put down your worries when you’re so used to carrying them around that they seem like part of who you are. This song is about taking a long hard honest look in the mirror and about the unfolding process of trying to trim my rudder a little every day to do something about what I see there. In my mind I was channeling a Street Legal-era Dylan vibe with that strident chord pattern and Pete’s swirling Hammond organ and brass and the band bring a lot of joy to this arrangement, we had fun with it".

“I’d put the pain down, I’m afraid I won’t see mercy
Teach me the song the new morning sings”

Willson started writing songs and singing in his thirties following the birth of his first child and the death of a close friend. With a wayward tenor and unaffected charm onstage, he has come to be celebrated as a songwriter and lyricist of rare wit and remarkable honesty. With songs picked up by MTV and cult series 'Skins', he's gained a legion of fans including Jarvis Cocker and Rolling Stone USA, who deemed him an Artist to Watch.

As of February 14, 'Waking Up' is available everywhere digitally, includingApple Music,Spotify and Bandcamp, where the'How To Love' album can also be obtained directly from the artist.

Having started the new year with a sold-out show at London’s Lexington, more 2023 shows are being added. Withered Hand will play two album launch shows - on April 20th atManchester's Gulliversand April 28th atEdinburgh's Liquid Room, involving special guests.

CREDITS
Dan Willson - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Malcolm Benzie - Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals
Fraser Hughes - Bass, Backing Vocals
Owen Curtis Williams - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Peter Liddle - Keyboards
Richard Merchant - Trumpet
Ross McCrae - Trombone
Lynsey Payne - Saxophone
Eva Willson - Backing Vocals
Eugene Willson - Backing Vocals
Produced, recorded and mixed by Tony Doogan at Castle of Doom Studios, Glasgow
Radio Edit by Mark Freegard
(c) Dan Willson (Rough Trade Publishing)

Keep up with Withered Hand
Website|Bandcamp|Facebook|Twitter | Instagram|YouTube|Spotify|Apple Music|Press contact

Keep up with Reveal Records
Website|Bandcamp|Twitter|Instagram|Soundcloud

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website|Facebook|Twitter|Soundcloud|Instagram|LinkedIn|Email