London and the rest of the UK has been in lockdown since late March. That hasn’t stopped singer-songwriter Tadhg Daly from keeping busy and keeping creative. Since March, Daly has released two singles, live streamed, and continued to record in his home studio. His most recent release, “Figure It Out”, dropped on May 25th, with the accompanying music video coming last week.
It’s a song of family, friendship and the distance that often occurs between even the closest of families. The music video, which is made up of footage from Tadhg’s home videos, perfectly captures that sentiment. You can be physically apart, but still close to the one’s you hold most dear.
We caught up with Tadhg to find out more about the single, the music video, and to find out a little more about his lockdown experience.
What’s the story behind your new single, “Figure It Out”?
I wouldn’t say it’s as much of a story as it is an expression of a particular feeling. It’s about the feeling of longing we feel when we are away from the people and places that we love. I wanted to express how I feel that distance should never be enough to stop you being there for your loved ones, regardless of how infrequently you are in each others lives.
Since hitting the scene in 2018 you’ve contented yourself with dropping standalone singles as opposed to a larger body of work. What has been the plan behind that?
I think I was aware coming into this that I hadn’t truly found my sound, but was desperate to start releasing music. I started writing music a lot later in life than a lot of other artists. So, I wanted to wait until I felt I really found my feet with my writing. Which, I think I really have now. I have three EPs recorded and lined up for release and am always writing more and more.
“Figure It Out” isn’t your first release since lockdown was imposed in the UK, what’s it been like releasing new music amidst this uncertain time?
Honestly, it has been very strange. But, also the only thing that has kept me feeling connected to the world! Ive been locked away in our home studio every day working on new material and I’m glad that I have had the releases as a lifeline to the outside world!
Have you been able to keep busy and creative during lockdown?
Absolutely! As I said I’ve been working in our home studio almost every day, and writing a lot of new stuff. I’ve recorded a “Home Demos” style EP. That will drop in a month. And I have also been working on fuller productions and taking part in online writing sessions with other songwriters.
There’s a strong personal element to your music, aptly highlighted by the music video for “Figure It Out”, how important is keeping that personal connection in your work, for you?
It’s probably the most important thing of all for me in my music. I am obsessed with lyrics and emotion in songs. All the artists that have inspired me have also had a strong personal message in their lyrics.
Speaking of that music video, what was the inspiration behind it?
Honestly, I just wanted to make some content that spoke to the emotion of the song and show the love between family. I also felt that, particularly now with everything going on in the world, I wanted to bring something out that could maybe help people feel a little closer to their loved ones, even whilst physically unable to see them.
You’re now based in London, but what influence has the Jersey music scene had on your work/style?
I’m not sure how much influence the music scene itself has influenced my style. But the Island has, without a doubt, had a huge influence on my style and the energy of the music. Growing up in a small community surrounded by nature and the ocean helped to shape how I feel and what I wanted to put into my songs.
Who are some artists from Jersey we should all be checking out?
There are definitely some really great artists from the Island!
It’s hard to narrow them down to just a few. But off the top of my head, I’d say take a look at Sam Walwyn, Frankie Davies, The Tarantulips and Monty Taft.
What’s next for Tadhg Daly in 2020?
It’s all a little up in the air right now given the current situation. But you can definitely expect to see a lot more music, including a couple of EPs at least. I’m just going to keep writing, recording and finding ways to get my music out there.
“Figure It Out” is out now. You can keep up to date with Tadhg via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also catch a live stream performance from Tadhg on Friday June 12th 7pm GMT (6am AEDT) via Clink Hostels Facebook and Instagram.
