What is your name?Dale Mckay
What is your genre of music?
I think It’s a little pop, but has a little soul in some of my songs. But I have written all genres of songs.
Give us a little bio about you.
Well I grew up in a little village called Anston just outside Sheffield. It was a quiet village and everybody knew everybody. I was the youngest child of 6, yes that’s right 6. At times it was hard growing up but my mum and dad did the best they could with what we had and worked hard to make sure we didn’t want for anything. My family have always sung, I mean who doesn’t like to sing. My sister used to be a club singer and I used to go up and down the country with her carrying her speakers and helping her set up etc. I always looked at her on stage and thought I want to do that.
Are you signed?
Not signed at the minute. Would love to be, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened yet. My goal would be to get a publishing deal.
You are releasing your EP ‘ Hear And Now on the 16th September, what’s the meaning behind?
Well, I have hundreds of songs, and these 4 were the ones that stood out the most. I thought these might have a good chance of relating to people. The title “Here & Now” came from me and a friend writing 10 EP titles down and we both happened to write that same one.
Tell us more about some of the tracks on the EP.
Well all 4 tracks mean something to me. It’s about the things I’ve been through, about the things that have changed my life. People in life go through changes, they have times when there up and down. All I’ve tried to do is put it into song.
Are you heading out on tour with the EP?
I wish I was, I’m hoping to make a few contacts soon to get on the road. I do quite a lot of gigs in the Sheffield area and I’ve done other gigs in the Nottingham area.
If so which cities will you be going?
I’d love to do all cities “when” I get the chance.
What was it like to get the email ‘Mark Forrest’ was going to play your songs on BBC Introducing?
It was amazing to get the email and I posted it all over my social media. Then to get a second email saying he’s playing it a second time “wow”. It’s great to know people that listen to music and day in and day out have an interest in it and like it. I must be doing something right.
What made you go in to music?
Always loved singing. When I first started playing guitar I knew, this is what I want to do. Love that reaction I get from people when they hear me sing my songs. Sometimes I even get a few people coming up to me after a gig and saying that was a really good song and loved the words. That’s what I do it for.
Do you have any festivals you will be playing this year?
Not this year. I did a few last year. This year I actually did a few weddings which was a different experience. But the couples that chose me had listened to my SoundCloud and facebook and wanted me to sing my own songs, so I loved it. I always like playing cover songs, but when you get the chance to play your own songs it’s a bonus.
Do you play any instruments?
Only guitar, been trying to learn a bit of piano. Love the sound of piano
Who are your influences?
James Morrison, Paulo Nutini
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It’s really weird, I basically sit down and play a few chords and start to sing. That’s how it happens for me. If I’m feeling sad, it’s sad. If I feel good, it’s an up lifting one. Generally, they are based on my life.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully in a bigger house and writing songs for all the up and coming artist all over the world.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
To be honest, I would be doing what I am doing now as well as music. A dad, a husband a family man. I’d be working hard to provide for them and make sure they don’t want for anything.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Pieces don’t fit here anymore “James Morrison” Love it.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
NEVER GIVE UP!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
At times you will get down and think you will never make it. But just think back when you first started playing and you did it because you loved it. That’s why you do it. If it happens it will happen.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If you don’t want it, you’ll find an excuse. If you do want it, you’ll find a way.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar, mic, capo, tuner and water.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I have a website www.dalemckay.com. That will take you to all my social media sites, ie facebook Instagram, Twitter etc.
