Singer-songwriter Dan Sumner returns with the release of his poignant new single Let The Light In, out now via AWAL.
Combining indie-rock and alt-folk sensibilities, the single is filled with sweeping guitar twangs and tranquil harmonies throughout. Dan’s impassioned baritone vocal soars effortlessly over the rich, textured soundscapes, feeling instantly reminiscent of the likes of Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison or The National’s Matt Berninger as a result. Talking about Let The Light In, Dan elaborates, “its about someone locking themselves away from the world and everyone they know and is a plea for them to look outside to see that there are people who love them and a world outside which has a lot to offer.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Dan about the music, the challenges, the 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’ve always loved writing songs, particularly lyrics, since I was 11 years old. I grew up listening to singersongwriters at home as my dad and aunts and uncles played and sang folk music when I was young, artists like John Martyn and Bob Dylan, and I think that rubbed off on me. I also listened to a lot of rock music though and so a turning point was when I saw a clip of Jeff Buckley perform on tv when I was about 12, because he combined that rockier, grungier style I liked, with the sensibilities of the singersongwriter and I thought, I want to do that!
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been performing live and recording music since I was about 13 in various bands, but the first time my music was officially released to the public was in 2009 when my old band, The Dan Sumner Quartet, had a song on the Busking for Solaraid compilation album. I’ve been releasing music as a solo artist for about 8 years now and this will be my second full length solo album.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I draw inspiration from what’s happening in my life and what’s happening around me. My new record is much more introspective than the last one, which was more political and outward looking. Whatever the inspiration, music has always been my way of expressing how I’m feeling and my creative outlet and that’s what motivates me to keep going, I need it!
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I set out to record an album that documented my life in the moment I was writing it and the songs are very personal. Although some of the subject matter is quite dark, I wanted the album to be ultimately uplifting and Let the light in is a good example of that. Musically I wanted to create an album that was less of a traditional ‘guitar album’. Although the guitar is still very much a focal point of the record, I wanted to use it to create layers of sound combining it with strings and synths to create a soundscape as a background to the songs. It’s also the first time I’ve programmed beats myself as well as used live drums and I wanted to challenge myself more as an arranger and a producer.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was a song called Johnny K by Seamus Fogarty. Check out the video. It’s brilliant!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl obviously has a romance attached to it and a lot of people say it just sounds better. It does feel more satisfying to put a record on. It’s something you can hold in your hands and feels like more of an event, certainly more than playing an mp3. However, they all serve their purpose – maybe CDs are a bit of old hat now though, although I still listen to them in the car – old school
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp is pretty popular with artists right now as they’ve been waiving their fee/percentage on certain days so artists can make more money, which is great, but at the end of the day they all have their good and bad points.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
It can be hard to penetrate the sea of noise which is the internet, especially if you don’t have much of a marketing budget, but at the same time there are more platforms where you can promote music these days, so its swings and roundabouts.
One challenge I often face is how to describe my music as, although it is effectively rooted in rock, folk and blues, there are lots of other influences that creep in and is constantly evolving. That can make it harder to market as it doesn’t fit neatly into a pigeonhole. I don’t think that’s a problem for listeners, because most people are more open-minded these days and have more eclectic tastes. It’s just an issue with regards to PR.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Unfortunately live music is not happening right now, which is a real shame as I’d booked lots of gigs for this year and it was supposed to be my return to playing live after a couple of years away from it. I have done a live stream on Facebook and plan to do another to coincide with the release of my album Ebb and Flow , in November. They’re great in the interim, but I hope live music comes back properly as there is nothing like that feeling of playing to a room full of people who are really into what you’re doing. Seeing bands live is what first made me fall in love with music and we have to fight to make sure live music and the venues which support it don’t disappear.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
You can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dansumnermusic/
And Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dansumnermusic
@dansumnermusic
As well as on spotify or apple music or alternatively visit my website https://dansumner.co.uk/ to find out about my latest releases
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Just to say please listen to my new single, Let the Light in, and check out the new album, ‘Ebb and Flow’ (now available).
