Living up to his reputation as one of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters, Dan Willson aka Withered Hand has released the first taste of his 'How To Love' album (available from April 2 via Reveal Records) in the form of new single ‘Waking Up’.
The track is a catchy affair from the get go with a tremendous mix of guitars, horns and Willson’s trademark vocals which wrap it all up in one joyous package, ready to be unwrapped and enjoyed over and over again.
The accompanying video was filmed on location in Portobello, Edinburgh by Juliana Capes.
Originally from London, Dan Willson collaborated with producer Mark Freegard (The Breeders, Del Amitri, New Model Army, Lush & Pale Saints) helping him to deliver a truly outstanding track that will certainly moisten the appetites of his fans ahead of the release of his forthcoming long player on April 2nd.
Produced, recorded and mixed by renowned producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, David Byrne, Teenage Fanclub, The Twilight Sad, Belle & Sebastian, The Delgados) at Castle of Doom Studios in Glasgow, the new album features guest appearances by King Creosote and Mercury-nominated English songwriter Kathryn Williams.
'Waking Up' is every bit as beautiful as his acclaimed 'New Gods' LP (2014), which was released on vinyl via Slumberland Records and featured Scottish luminaries from Belle & Sebastian, Frightened Rabbit and The Vaselines, as well as Pam Berry of seminal 90’s US noisepop band Black Tambourine, propelling Withered Hand into the charts.
Dan Willson notes, “It’s hard to put down your worries when you’re so used to carrying them around that they seem like part of who you are. This song is about taking a long hard honest look in the mirror and about the unfolding process of trying to trim my rudder a little every day to do something about what I see there. In my mind I was channeling a Street Legal-era Dylan vibe with that strident chord pattern and Pete’s swirling Hammond organ and brass and the band bring a lot of joy to this arrangement, we had fun with it".
“I’d put the pain down, I’m afraid I won’t see mercy
Teach me the song the new morning sings”
Willson started writing songs and singing in his thirties following the birth of his first child and the death of a close friend. With a wayward tenor and unaffected charm onstage, he has come to be celebrated as a songwriter and lyricist of rare wit and remarkable honesty. With songs picked up by MTV and cult series 'Skins', he's gained a legion of fans including Jarvis Cocker and Rolling Stone USA, who deemed him an Artist to Watch.
'Waking Up' is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where the 'How To Love' album can also be obtained directly from the artist.
Having started the new year with a sold-out show at London’s Lexington, more 2023 shows are being added. Withered Hand will play several album launch shows as follow;
April 20th - Manchester's Gullivers
April 22nd - London's Oslo club
April 28th - Edinburgh's Liquid Room, including special guests
For tickets to all shows, click HERE
Artwork for ‘Waking Up’