Project Description
.
Interview with
DECLAN KELLY
(1st December 2021)
Interview by Dave Bruce
.
.
Your new single “Billie’s On Her Way” has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
This tune was written in the middle of the second lockdown here in Sydney. With the joy of finding out about the coming of a new baby girl this was written about the anticipation and all the insecurities of becoming a parent. Above all it is a song of a love for this person you have yet to meet and will spend the rest of your life with.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I draw from so many different inspirations. Pinpointing my sound has always been difficult to convey but if I had to it would be “Pacific, soul-drenched singer-songwriter.” I think what resonates in people with my songs and sound is that it is heartfelt and as raw and honest as I can capture it.
Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the songwriting bug?
I grew up in a musical family; Mum rehearsing in our home, taking us to gigs around Sydney.
The writing of songs kicked in for me later in my 20s. It is one of my very favourite things to do, seeing a song go from a rough sketch all the way to a recorded produced body of work.
Which artists have provided inspiration along the way?
Having just seen the first part of the new Beatles documentary, this has definitely reminded me of my love of what these guys achieved in a short time. So many great songs, so many great recordings and innovative productions. To name a few others in a deep dive, Liam Bailey, Scott Matthew’s, Unknown Mortal Orchestra…. Jeez there are so many more……
How has the COVID landscape affected you and your music?
My previous single ‘Headlock’ described the “fight vs flight” mentally I had to find during lockdown. I really felt the eeriness in Sydney’s streets whenever I took my bike out to go to my studio. With that said, a blessing from the situation has been that we got to spend more time at home as a family and re-evaluate our priorities in life.
.
.
You’ve played at numerous venues and events around the country, what’s been your favourite live performance to date?
Performing at music festivals where everyone is there for the love of music is what I love the most. Playing the Byron Bay Bluesfest was one of the many highlights as you are playing with so many other great artists. I love the live connection with an audience and bouncing off that energy certainly elevates the spirits.
If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say Bob Marley. He had a deep spiritual side to his music and performance that I would have loved to tap into and experience on stage.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color
Artist – The legend Prince
Movie – Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”
Place to visit – South Coast of NSW
Venue to play – Lazybones Marrickville
Food – Anything spicy – Malay and Indian amongst others
Drink – Mezcal and Ginger Beer
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Being part Māori I have some iwi (tribe) patterns designed out already.
.
.
Follow DECLAN KELLY
Instagram – Facebook – Spotify – Apple Music
.
Press Release 26th November 2021 (below)
Declan Kelly
releases his
most precious single
to date with
‘Billie’s On Her Way’
.
.
Celebrating life as a father once again, Declan Kelly has poured every ounce of joy into new single ‘Billie’s On Her Way’. Declan knows no other way than to write lyrics from deep within, as he did on his acclaimed album Views With A Room in 2019. After a short hiatus, Declan returned this year with previous single ‘Headlock’, a window into the eeriness of Sydney’s lockdown through his eyes. The single resonated with fans around the country, premiering on Double J and charting on the AMRAP regional charts, and reached audiences in the US through Apple Music playlist Unwind.
‘Billie’s On Her Way’ changes the mood entirely, capturing the unbridled joy felt when Declan welcomed second child Billie into the world. Working closely with Grammy-nominated producer Justin Stanley (Prince, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Nikka Costa), this dreamy lullaby is the anticipation of holding your child for the first time and envisioning the wonderful years of fatherhood ahead as we “sway to the rhythm.”
“‘Billie’s On Her Way’ is my song to new life and love in the family fold – the anticipation of Billie and being there to Love, Guide and Navigate in the best way. Here’s to love and family!”
Declan has always been a friend through music when we’ve needed guidance to navigate the tough times, but on this latest single, we get to enjoy the magical ride he’s about to begin. Respected by esteemed colleagues such as Bernard Fanning, Katie Noonan, Alex Lloyd and Kasey Chambers, ‘Billie’s On Her Way’ is indicative of the fine craftsmanship and special connection that only Declan Kelly can deliver.
.
.
.
