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Photo – Laura Jennings

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Praise for ‘What Happened To The Beach?’

“The 25-year old’s excellent third album recalls the White Album for its breezily reckless invention.” ★★★★ The Guardian

“An exercise in pure, creative optimism.” ★★★★ NME

“A landmark moment for an artist continuing to scale the greatest of heights.” ★★★★★ DORK

“Decidedly mature yet still with that same self-aware playfulness, this is undoubtedly his most eclectic offering to date.” ★★★★ DIY Magazine

“His third is a fun yet wonderfully composed record that sounds radically different to what he’s produced before.” ★★★★ Clash

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Declan McKenna today releases double A-side singles ‘Champagne’ & ‘That’s Life’ via Miniature Ponies. Marking a new chapter of independently-released music, the tracks signify a confident stride forward, with Declan choosing to take ownership of his creativity and artistry. The songs were developed over the late summer following the release of and time spent touring his critically acclaimed third album What Happened To The Beach?.

Driven by a pulsating beat, ‘Champagne’ is an interrogation of the dizzying highs and lows of excess, musically twisting and turning through euphoric hands-in-the-air moments and psychedelic crescendos, while the track’s accompanying single ‘That’s Life’ takes on the seemingly cyclical nature of life with a cynically raised eyebrow.

Declan McKenna explains, “Champagne and That’s Life have come together in the last few months as the first finished tracks produced with my good friend Jules. They are old ideas that started to come to life while I was messing around with them in my new studio, Champagne even has me playing live drums for the first time for a full track. The themes of both are quite similar but different in approach, one more grand and over the top, the other more cyclical and cynical. Champagne took me to grander and more expanded ideas, more rooted in theatrics and performance, the lyrics are related to grandeur and what really happens next when someone reaches a benchmark of success. That’s Life feels to me like a cycle, the song repeats in a way that reflects the themes. Slowly accepting that each turn life takes can feel cruel.”

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Hailing from Hertfordshire in the UK, Declan McKenna moved to Los Angeles to record his third album, What Happened To The Beach?, which was released earlier this year. Where previously his biggest tunes hurtled along at 100mph, with the help of the California sun and producer Gianluca Buccellati (Arlo Parks and Lana Del Rey), the result is an album that revels in both space and atmosphere, evoking the sunshine Declan basked in. Writing a more personal album, particularly one that focuses on joy over disaster, might suggest a line drawn in the sand between Declan and Declan 2.0, but ultimately, What Happened To The Beach? is the sound of an artist operating at the peak of his confidence, while pushing himself in new directions. Declan McKenna has always been a whip-smart songwriter and storyteller, and he’s still those things, but primarily he’s just down for a good time this time around.

What Happened To The Beach? was critically acclaimed globally, including being named as triple j Feature Album the week of release. Soon after, Declan McKenna embarked on a hugely successful UK & European tour, which saw him play to sell-out crowds, including a euphoric show at London’s Alexandra Palace, and packed out sets at Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Now, Declan McKenna will perform an extensive tour of the US, including headline shows and as main support for Sabrina Carpenter on her US arena tour in November.

Then in December, Declan McKenna will join forces with indie-dance darlings Two Door Cinema Club for their first-ever co-headline tour of Australia. The dynamic pairing promises an unforgettable series of performances, blending Two Door Cinema Club’s infectious energy with Declan McKenna’s vibrant sounds, showcasing a mix of their chart-topping hits and new material in a captivating live experience.

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DECLAN McKENNA ‘CHAMPAGNE’ IS OUT NOW ON MINIATURE PONIES
Listen HERE

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DECLAN MCKENNA
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK
 TIKTOK – SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC – YOUTUBE

 HOW GOOD
WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM

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Photo – Laura Jennings

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AMNPLIFY – DB