By Frank Bell
Singer/songwriter Daniel Docherty returns and shines with stunning alt-folk track Something Beautiful, which is lifted from his new EP Only Time Can Help Us out 4th December via [PIAS] Recordings.
What was the first album you bought?
The first album I bought was ‘American Idiot – by Green Day’ I was in one of my last years of primary school, and loved that I had some pounds to spend on an album – It was all very exciting! I’m sure this was on sale too which as a 10 year old and even as a 28 year old was great of course – I love a deal with me 😉
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations and why?
Some of my biggest musical influences are Andy McKee, Tommy Emmanuel, John Martyn, Passenger. Andy McKee’s songs and style of playing were beautiful to listen to, and to see! He has some beautiful melodies, and a unique style of playing where he incorporates fingerstyle playing, percussive sounds from the body of the guitar, finger-tapping with two hands on the neck – I incorporate a lot of finger tapping and percussive sounds in my music also and Andy’s music I love. Tommy Emmanuel also is an incredible guitarist! His fingerstyle playing where he would play the bass notes whilst incorporating exciting melodies are some of the reasons I enjoy his music so much! He also uses the same amp as I do on stage! (an AER Compact 60/3). Passenger (Mike Rosenberg) is someone I met busking in Glasgow, where I bought his alum – we became friends and he was the kindest guy! I’m a big fan of his music, and find the way he writes so touching, and beautifully descriptive. John Martyn is another songwriter whose music I love. Some of his songs are so raw and emotive, and he has such a rough but sensitive style of guitar playing which I really like. His songs ‘Love You More’ and ‘One Day Without You’ are two of my favorite songs. Oh and Supergrass’s song ‘Alright’ is my favorite song ever! It reminds me of growing up, being about 10 years old sitting on the carpet in the middle of the living room, watching The Disney Channel, waiting for the adverts coming on so I could hear this song! It still gives me a special feeling when I hear it!
What are some non-musical inspirations that motivate your music?
There are a lot of different things I think of when writing. Sometimes I’m writing from a place of my own experience, or from a place of what I feel someone else would possibly experience. Relationships are probably something I’ve written most about, love especially. There have been many times, that months or maybe even years after writing a song, I realise new meanings that I wasn’t totally aware of when I was writing the song – I think experiences like this, are one of ways I find music so special. Listening to music can be such a powerful tool of self therapy, whether it’s writing or enjoying music written by someone else 🙂 Mental wellbeing is also something I’m very passionate about speaking about. The idea that a song, poem or any piece of art has the special ability to sooth a soul is magic to me. I’m passionate about talking openly about mental difficulties we can all face, and a live show or song can sometimes be a platform to speak from. Also, it’s not that I’m giving advice, I just find that when I hear someone talk about a difficulty, it’s comforting to hear when you’re not the only one. So yes! well-being is something that I am passionate about that motivates my music.
Tell us about your new single with ’Something Beautiful’?
Something Beautiful is about a relationship that came to an end. It’s about feelings of frustration, while one person is trying to keep something together, while the other person doesn’t seem to want to figure out difficulties.One person just wants to feel acknowledged that they have been trying, before they separate. Something beautiful wasn’t as it seemed.Â
What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
I am very excited for the rest of the year as I am moving into a studio! I am buzzing to have a place where I can be creating as I’ve always wrote music from home. I have a single coming out on December 4th called ‘Only Time Can Help Us’ which is also the title of my 3rd EP which will also be released on that day! I also will have a animated music video coming by an incredible animator, who has helped created some really successful films – Seeing yourself as an animated character is so cool haha I’m also planning some live streamed concerts, so keep an eye on my Instagram and Facebook where I’ll be posting links if you wish 🙂Â
©FM
