Declan McKenna took some time out of his busy schedule to give us, at Quench, a small insight into his new world of music and fame. ┬áRecently wrapping up a tour with Stockport quintet Blossoms; we asked what it was like being on tour with such a big band. He responded “It was loads of fun! We had some cracking shows and played at some fantastic places. My favourite was not really part of the tour, but instead, ┬áneighbourhood festival right at the end, it was one of the best shows I’ve ever played. It felt like the perfect finish what with all the bands from the tour playing now there too”. He then added that he’d love to play alongside bands that “he’s digging at the moment” like Will Joseph Cook and Blaenavon; a gig that should most definitely be arranged!┬á
However, it does not stop there for Declan as he has recently appeared on the eminent BBC music show; ┬áJools Holland. Following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the Arctic Monkeys, he modestly explained “It was great, there’s obviously a lot of pressure around it being a show I’ve watched for years, but we had a good time, I think we just about pulled it off.”
The topic moves to that of his lyrics: “it’s part of what I do, and I think it’s great to be able to express these things,┬ábut I think it just comes down to enjoying making tunes, that’s why I do it and why I’ll continue to, it’s fun!” His lyrics seem to capture some very important issues ranging from transgender stereotypes all the way through to the politics of football in Brazil. Writing songs with such meaningful and important lyrics must be a very long and in depth process. When the tracks are completed he says “to hear a track of your own completely out of nowhere (on the radio) is pretty mad, it’s exciting”. With his songs appearing to be┬áso unique I was curious as to whether there was┬áanything that particularly inspired or motivated his music┬áas he was growing up. He explained that there were lots of things, “my family, the music I listened to, my friends, I think more so than anything it’s the people you’re close to that influence you”.
Finally, to round things off, I asked if there was anything exciting happening in the near future, he answered “Sometime early-ish next year I’m planning on putting out an album, maybe April or something? Very exciting times”. I can’t wait to hear more from this guy and I’m sure there is so much more to come from him. He can only get bigger.
Charlie Minett
