Glasgow singer/songwriter John B McKenna has built up quite the reputation in his hometown, carrying his original blend of experimental folk-rock on to any possibly stage that a promoter will allow him to stand on.
Having such a desire to play anywhere – in front of anybody – and still feeling gratitude for the honour is one of many admirable traits of 20-year-old McKenna.
His dark melodies are somewhat eerily mystical. Listening to debut EP ‘9 Old Recordings’, I cannot help but allow my mind to place this experimental Glasgow-folk alongside Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’. Quite an exaggerated comparison, one may argue. However, there is little doubt there is something special in these storybook songs.
“I will spend so much time playing my guitar, singing different lyrics over different melodies. I spend a lot of time writing poetry and this definitely contributes to the lyrics. I spent a lot of my time focusing on the lyrics. I would say that they are quite conceptual.” McKenna revealed.
John B McKenna is one of several aspiring musicians emerging from a vast Glasgow music scene that has arguably never been stronger. There are countless gigs on every day throughout many venues. Similarly, there are far more radio stations dedicating airtime to local music, something which John himself has benefited from.
After coming to the aide of a friend in need, John performed at the BBC Introducing showcase at the ABC2, only to find his songs being plugged on BBC Radio 1 and Podcasts.
He said: “I got a phone call from the promoter when I was home in Carluke one day asking if I could come play a show in two hours. I got a letter in a few weeks later asking if they could play me on BBC Radio, I was quick to say yes!”
The musical journey for McKenna all started in his hometown, where he spent all of his time writing and recording. This is something that he feels is very important for any hopeful musician.
“You have to record your songs, get them online and give your demos to anyone you can, especially for free. You’re not going to make money for a long time. It’s almost impossible. If it is what you want to do though, then you accept that.”
Whilst John’s life may not have been as hectic in recent months as some of his local counterparts, he has been quietly content in the background, gradually developing his musical abilities.
“I was hired to host an open-acoustic night,” he added, “but after a hat-trick of nights I decided to call it a day. I thought it would be better for me to be able concentrate on bettering my own music, rather than working to someone else’s deadlines.”
While McKenna is undoubtedly popular in his native Glasgow, what does Scotland’s various other musical havens hold in store?
“I would definitely like to play more shows around the country. When the opportunity arises, I will definitely be looking to take it.”
McKenna’s odd blend of harmonica-fueled electro-folk (the list of definitions is endless) has seen him being placed alongside bands of various style and genre. This, however, is not something that worries him.
“I played this one gig in Aberdeen, and let’s just say it was quite weird,” he said sarcastically.
“I was put on the same bill as two heavy metal bands, and people were a bit confused. It didn’t really work out! Hopefully though, in the next few months, I can take my music to Edinburgh, as well as other places.”
Edinburgh, take note please.
Difficulties can arise when attempting to develop a ‘one-man-band’ live performance to reflect the recordings. John is well aware that his live performance may lack the originality his recordings so strongly possess, and this is certainly something he hopes to progress with.
“I want to bring a lot of things in to the live show, especially bringing in the synthesizers, it would make such a difference. I like to put everything that can be there in to my recording. Definitely in the future though, I plan on developing this into my live show.”
Having recently completed the writing, recording, producing and printing of a new EP, the future is undoubtedly bright for the well-spoken Glaswegian.
Not in a long time have such beautifully dark bedroom recordings impressed in a way that John B McKenna has managed.