Singer songwriter Brendon Dunning, aka Brendon, is delighted to announce the release of his brand new single, The Hats, due for release on now.
A renowned folk-rock artist in the 70’s, Brendon gained recognition after releasing a number of tracks via UK Records. However, it was in 1977 when Brendon would make an indelible impact upon the wider public through the release of hit single ‘Gimme Some’; a cover of the track recorded by Jimmy ‘“Bo” Horne the previous year. A departure from his folk-rock roots, ‘Gimme Some’ strayed into disco territory and, with the release of one single, Brendon was typecast within a genre he had no real creative affiliation with before or after.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Brendon about the newest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I taught myself to play the acoustic guitar in my early teens when the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez (with whom I oddly ended up on stage with once) and Joni Mitchell were well known artists and I was inspired by these singer songwriters. Cat Stevens became a favourite of mine and by the age of 17/18 I was playing their songs in clubs around Spain and Germany.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
My journey began in 1973 when I headed for Spain after finishing my “A” levels at school and I ended up playing in a club in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava in Spain. I had too much fun playing in front of people from then on to give it up and that never went away. I didn’t imagine I would make records at that early time, it wasn’t an objective, I played for the love of music. It was only when I started to write some songs back in England that people suggested I make a demo of them. I am recording now all these years later and releasing new material simply because it was great fun back then and still is now…and because I have some songs to get out of my system.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I probably haven’t changed too much over the years in my taste in music and the type of artist that grabs me. Older influences range from Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell and Cold Play to more modern acts like Darlingside, Novo Amor and Bear’s Den.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
This new project is trying to reconnect with how I began in the industry and in that folk rock style that gave me my first record contract with U.K. records at the age of 19. I am not the glam rocker into which the hit “Gimme Some” subsequently pigeonholed me.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was Post Malone’s “White Iverson” which is a great song.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I prefer mp3s.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Probably Spotify because the recommended songs are often good.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
This is a hard question. The overwhelming digital era is here to stay but the whole point about music is that it is great fun and if just one person loves just one of your songs then you should be grateful. Playing some good gigs, writing some good songs, getting them out there in good places and in good ways all helps but there has to be a good deal of good fortune too.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
The best place to get in touch with me is on my social media, I am on Twitter @brendondunning and my Facebook fan page.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
My website is www.brendonuk.com
