In 2017, McKenna won the BBC Music Award for BBC Introducing Artist of the Year. McKenna has provided two fantastic versions that you can listen to, depending on whether you are in a mood to dance or if you feel like sitting on the window daydreaming. [44] Liam Gallagher has also been critical of McKenna's music, commenting that it was simply "not for me".[45]. He is a vegan and does not consider himself religious, though he was raised Catholic. [30] In October 2016, he was confirmed to play at the 31st edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag in Groningen, Netherlands. The song also reached number 16 on the U.S. "[11] "Brazil" garnered McKenna widespread attention, as many sports commentators found the song to be a commentary on the emerging FIFA corruption scandal. [4] In an interview with Sound of Boston, McKenna explained that the title of the song came from "the idea of using the lyric paracetamol was a way of comparing the belief that someone can be cured from who they are, via therapy, to an everyday painkiller. The Musical Hype, Form action happy holidays x", "Declan McKenna announces new album 'Zeroes, "Declan Mckenna on Instagram: "'Be An Astronaut' is out everywhere now - link in bio!! The lyrics explore what it is like to be made to feel like an outsider. “The Key to Life on Earth” is yet another reason to be enthused for Zeros. in 2017. He is primarily of Irish and English descent. Declan McKenna – always a treat. Deezer: free music streaming. [41] However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he postponed the album until 21 August 2020. arrived via Sony, while his 2020 sophomore album, Zeros, arrives independently via Tomplicated Records. Your email address will not be published. In an Instagram post on 5 August 2020, he announced that the album was again delayed until 4 September 2020. It’s a catchy and fun song that appears upbeat on the surface; however, the song has a darker undertone. [4], McKenna wrote an extensive number of demo songs prior to releasing his first breakout single. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [11] McKenna later told DIY that he wrote the song because "it's politics and what I see in the news, and it's just general things I feel strongly about, things happening in my life. she's alive. McKenna would release two more singles, "The Kids Don't Wanna Come Home" and "Humongous", before releasing his debut album, titled What Do You Think About the Car? "[21] Billboard said in early 2016 that McKenna was "making inroads in America" with "Brazil", which charted on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart (for the week ending 27 February 2016) at number 32, rising to number 26 on the 5 March 2016 chart. We witness the pair becoming increasingly frustrated with one another as they battle across the screen in ant costumes. He’s also assisted by some pretty sweet, multitalented background vocalists: Nathan Cox (who also plays keyboards, xylophone, and bass), Isabel Torres (who also plays guitar), and Gabrielle King (who plays drums). English musician, record producer and composer James Ford, who had produced albums by Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, and Florence and the Machine, produced the album, which was recorded at a Kensal Green recording studio. Over the years, the determination and political fervour exhibited by students through Exeposé have helped shape the University we study at today. The music video is exquisite. ... and headstrong boys in chinos barely grasp what that could mean, and they lie, then men that wrung us dry, the boys who poked your eye, the common fool, the walk to school for you and i . He wrote it as a result of wanting to write a song directly addressing war. [51], English singer-songwriter and musician (born 1998), Early life and breakout with "Brazil" (1998–2015), American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, "Declan McKenna shares new track 'Be An Astronaut' and delays forthcoming album", "Search Results for England & Wales Births 1837-2006", "Glastonbury Festival competition winner Declan McKenna is one to watch", "Declan McKenna, interview: The voice of Generation Z", "Waltham Cross summer fair provides eclectic entertainment: Slideshow", "10 Reasons Why Glastonbury 2015 May Be the Greatest Show on Earth", "Teenager Declan McKenna wins Glastonbury's Emerging Talent Competition", "The astounding early days of Declan McKenna", "Declan McKenna: Bringing back the protest song (without being a bore)", "Declan McKenna top the Alt 18 with Brazil (1/23/16)", "Declan McKenna top the Alt 18 with Brazil (1/30/16)", "Electric Picnic 2015: Stage times announced for this weekend's festival", "Mirrors Festival: TRAAMS share their 'Brief Guide to 2000s Indie Revival Live Favourites That Never Made the Album' playlist", "Meet 16-Year-Old Declan McKenna and His Incredible Song "Brazil, "Tomorrow's Hits: She Is We, Declan McKenna & Colours", "Declan McKenna Interviewed: 'A Lot Of People Don't Understand How Intelligent Young People Are, "Dilly Dally and Tuff Love among first confirmations for The Great Escape", "Everything Everything, Suede, Swim Deep to play Standon Calling 2016", "First acts announced for Field Day 2016", "The Struts, Front Bottoms set free concert at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg", "Naughty by Nature, Jenny Lewis & More Lined Up for Rachael Ray's SXSW Feedback Party: Exclusive", "First European Artists Confirmed for Eurosonic Noorderslag – Eurosonic Noorderslag", "What Do You Think About the Car? What Do You Think About the Car? [12], In August 2015, McKenna self-released his first single, "Brazil". [4][11] "Brazil" reached number one on the Alt 18 Countdown for 23 January 2016 on the Alt Nation alternative rock radio station on Sirius XM Radio,[14] and repeated as number one a week later, on 30 January. An artist is being born note by note. [23] For much of his initial work, McKenna said he tried to find inspiration for lyrics and topics in his private life. The live video premieres on Friday 7th, what a joy to have the band back together…, "Declan McKenna Live @ The Future is Here – Extinction Rebellion in London (October 7th)", "Declan McKenna, tour review: Not quite the voice of a generation", "With Politics, Eye Makeup and That Album Cover, Declan McKenna Goes Bold", "Singer Declan McKenna On Ditching Labels: 'I'm Here to Be Experimented With, "Declan McKenna can't put a label on his sexuality – but pansexual might come close", "Labour Live: why even Jeremy Corbyn struggles to sell a pop and politics mashup", "just voted for labour and now barnet is drenched in a red hue, there's still a few hours for you to go and vote too! [42], McKenna writes his own songs, but is supported by a band on tour currently consisting of Isabel Torres (guitar), Nathan Cox (keyboards), William Bishop (bass) and Gabrielle Marie King (drums),[43] although he has previously played all of his own instruments. He initially gained recognition for winning the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition in 2015. McKenna acknowledges that he is seen as a "political" or "protest" singer. The five-and-a-half minute song discussed how transgender teenagers are misrepresented in the media. In 2015, he released the accomplished single, “Paracetamol”, a stunning socially conscious record surprisingly coming from a 16-year old. [40] On 29 January 2020, McKenna revealed that his second album would be titled Zeros and be released on 15 May 2020. "[21], Some music critics have tempered their praise of McKenna. After adopting a somewhat glam rock visual style for his live performances (which included use of eye makeup and glitter),[12] McKenna addressed questions about his sexuality with Attitude magazine by declining to label himself, saying, "I'm young. Life and career Early life and breakout with "Brazil" (1998–2015) Declan McKenna was born in Enfield, Greater London, on 24 December 1998 and grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, where he attended St Mary's Church of England High School. Capo on 3rd fret. and told an interviewer that he was trying to imitate Sufjan Stevens using basic music software. McKenna self-released the song "Brazil", a protest song criticising FIFA and the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, as his debut single in December 2014. As expected, Declan McKenna brings in some socially conscious elements. First and foremost, Declan McKenna is a star, delivering bright, expressive, and energetic vocals. [31], McKenna appeared on BBC Music's "Sound of 2017" list at the end of 2016, after releasing the two EPs Stains and Liar that year. Print Editors: @bry.kg & Richard Ainslie music@exepose.com. McKenna released his second studio album, Zeros, on September 4, 2020, after multiple delays due to the coronavirus disease. [5], In 2015, McKenna entered the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition. Declan McKenna - The Key to Life on Earth. [50], In July 2020, he signed an open letter to the UK Equalities minister Liz Truss calling for a ban on all forms of LGBT+ conversion therapy. On this version we only hear McKenna’s voice accompanied by a piano, meaning we are able to hear the poignant lyrics clearly. [46] He is open about his use of certain drugs, including marijuana, ketamine, and cocaine, as well as his smoking habit. (Ironically, McKenna's single "Isombard" appeared on the soundtrack for the 2016 football video game FIFA 17.) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in articles and comments do not reflect the views of Exeposé Online or the University of Exeter Student's Guild. [6] Jon Lyons of the music Web site ThisNewBand.com said the song showed a maturity that clearly indicated McKenna was not "just a teen dream or a one hit wonder. I struggle to imagine it in any other way. He also released the song "Beautiful Faces" as the album's lead single. He posted roughly two albums' worth of material on his web site, but took them down after August 2015. Lovers of ‘The End Of The F***ing World’ and McKenna will be in heaven. For me, it’s the acoustic version of ‘The Key to Life on Earth’ that steals the show. What stands out specifically is the tone color and timbre, particularly the keyboards and guitar. The music of Declan McKenna has never failed to simultaneously bring joy to young people, whilst also simultaneously leading them into an existential crisis. Why is it so successful? [19], In November 2015, following the success of "Brazil" and his shows in London, McKenna self-released his second single, "Paracetamol". Although it was not likely to receive radio airplay or top out the charts, Wilkinson argued, the song showed that McKenna was not just another "UK indie troubadour, a little bit oikish and with a nifty talent for mainstream melody", but rather a solid and accomplished songwriter who can deliver "bruised and vulnerable" vocals. He was not being coy, he said, just honest about where he was in his life. Like Declan’s vocals, the enthusiasm level is high. Moving on to the production, it’s bright and shimmering, bursting with energy.