McCann releases new album
The eagerly anticipated new album by talented singer-songwriter Paul McCann is set for release this week.
‘Alter Ego’ is the second album by the Belturbet musician and with contributions from uber-respected international musicians it is expected to command significant airplay.
The release coincides with McCann signing a deal with American record company ‘Kat Musik’ which could prove crucial in pushing the Belturbet musican’s career.
“I am absolutely delighted to have Kool Kat Musik release ‘Alter Ego’ in the US,” Paul told the Celt. “I have owned many Kool Kat releases over the years, so over the moon to have Alter Ego join their catalogue of amazing music”.
For ‘Alter Ego’ McCann chronicled his grief following the sudden death of his father in late 2018. Themes of love, reflection, confusion, anger and the whirlwind of emotions during this traumatic period dominate the lyrics.
“Writing these songs acted as a type of therapy for me during a very difficult time,” explained McCann. “When you hear the album, you can hear a lot of different emotions and feelings seeping through. It is the most personal and exposed my songwriting has ever been.”
Recording sessions for the album with JAM Studio’s Martin Quinn commenced in 2019, with a 2021 release date initially scheduled. While the pandemic played havoc with the recording schedule, in the longrun it was to the benefit of the album. The delay enabled McCann to approach musicians he holds in the highest esteem to record collaborate on ‘Alter Ego’. As such it features guest appearances from several high-profile musicians including Jason Falkner (St. Vincent, Beck, Paul McCartney); Roger Joseph Manning Jr (Beck, Jellyfish, Air); Gary Lucas (Jeff Buckley, Captain Beefheart), Sylvie Lewis and many others.
“I had shared my first album with a lot of these people who I have been listening to for many years,” said McCann. “The only positive thing that came out of COVID was that lockdown allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with these incredible musicians.”
One such “incredible” musician is Charlotte Hatherley who contributed guitar, backing vocals, piano and several synths on ‘Something has Changed’, the latest single which coincides with the release of Alter Ego.
Something has Changed is a power pop song about emancipation, moving on in life, love and looking to the future.
“Something has Changed is a song about being able to forgive yourself and being optimistic about what’s ahead” explained McCann.
“I had this power pop/rock thumper for some time and it was incredible to have Charlotte involved,” he enthused.