Spotlight Sounds; Episode Three with David San Clair

Welcome back to Spotlight Sounds, a series by Secrets Behind The Sound celebrating the vibrant world of Irish music. Dive into the blend of tradition and innovation that characterises Ireland's contemporary music scene, featuring both established and emerging artists. Explore the influences and experiences shaping Irish musicians and join us as we delve into their creative processes, stories, and journeys. Through in-depth discussions, Secrets Behind The Sound recognises the ground-breaking contributions of Irish artists to global creativity. Whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer, Spotlight Sounds invites you to explore the captivating realm of Irish music- a journey into the stories, sounds, and enigmas that make up Ireland's music scene.

Up next on Spotlight Sounds we have Louth-based independent musician, David San Clair. David started his musical journey at age twelve bit fully committed to music at eighteen when he enrolled in the Song-writing program at BIMM in Dublin. His music combines folk, rock, and indie, appealing to a diverse audience, His bandmates also attended BIMM, solidifying their music bond. In 2019, David released his debut single Promises and followed it with his debut EP Anything goes, showcasing his growth as an artist. His latest track, Drive, is a standout piece, reflecting his creative talent, David San Clair's dedication and passion continue to drive his success within the music industry.

Can you start by introducing yourself and your musical background?

Hi, my name is David San Clair. I'm a Louth based artist. I started my musical journey at 8 years old, when my 3rd class primary school teacher taught me how to play guitar. I began song-writing and singing at age 1 and performing at age 16. I started to really prioritise my love and passion for music when I enrolled into BIMM Dublin in the Song-writing steam in 2018. From being in a music college and surrounding myself with other musical people, that was when I really began to grow into the musician and writer I am today.

How would you define the genre you as an artist primarily identify with, and how do you incorporate other influences into your sound?

Well, it's too difficult to narrow down my music to one style. If I were to say the most prominent genre I generally write in, I would say Folk-Rock. I always try to improve my sound as I progress through my writing, where I would include influences of indie, bluegrass, country and pop. This is all down to the wide-spread of artists/bands and multiple genres I listen to. I never settled on one particular influence, as well as I wouldn't be able to tell you the artist I love and listen to the most, as it's all shared between everything else I listen to.

What are some of the challenged Irish artists face in today's music industry?

I can only speak on the challenges I have experienced as an independent artist. There are quite a few, but mainly I would say it is difficult to be heard in this country. I know that might sound mad considering we are such a small island, but there is so much amazing talent out there, that you have to find new and different ways to be the loudest voice in the room, and have your name not only whispered, but shouted across the industry as a whole. Getting gigs and the whole PR aspect can be an uphill battle, especially when you are independent. I think the most important thing is experience, and that's only gained from trying something, failing and then trying something another way until you get it right. You never actually lose or "fail", but get invaluable knowledge that will help you grow and proposer in your career.

As an Irish artist, is your music influenced by any other Irish artist/band?

Speaking briefly on my influences above, my music is influenced by many bands/artists. The music of Damien Rice, Mic Christopher and Glen Hansard has shown me the beauty of lyricism, and how something so gentle and delicately sung can be so powerful at the same time. Hozier showed me how genres can be blended, as well as not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and write in different style. Then there's Mundy and The Cranberries who gave the influence of beautiful chord progressions and vocal melodies.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing music?

My writing process was always done at a certain time of the day and it wasn't done every day. I heavily relied on the late-nights to be creative, but now I have a space where I have the need to write every day at any time.

In terms of actual writing, it was always melody first, then lyrics after. If a brilliant melody line came from me jamming on the guitar or piano, I would always hum or sing random words as a vocal melody on top, then once I'm happy with what I came up with, then I would decide what the song should be about. I never struggled with lyrics as I found it easy to generate stories. Not everything had to be personalised, as I love writing fiction in my music.

One of my songs, This Is How they Fought Me, is based on child neglect and foster care, something that I have never gone through, but the melody to me was so powerful that a subject matter like that just fitted perfectly. I never questioned the idea, and thankfully it worked.

I would say to anyone struggling to come up with a good story/idea for their song, I would say to focus on the energy of your arrangement. If it is a highly instrumented piece, with flashy chords and melodies, then pick a cool story or personal thing to write about. If the song is slow and melancholic, then pick something more personal. It doesn’t have to be necessarily sad, but maybe It can be stronger lyrically, then melodically.

In your opinion, what role do live performances and venues play in the Irish music scene today?

They are essential. Everyone needs live music. If i couldn't perform, a large portion of my career, if not all would be meaningless. The feeling of getting on stage and seeing the crowd arrive, cheer and anticipate each song makes the hardships and difficulties of this career completely worth it. Venues give the opportunity for new and current artists to boost their artistic presence on a different level. The online aspect is vitally important nowadays, but to be able to see your favourite artist live gives another meaning to the relationship you can have with them, where there is no filter.

It is also the best way for an artist to earn a decent to brilliant living depending on the show, and how frequently you perform live. A lot of us thought that it would never be the same after covid, but it feels like it's even better now.

Variety is an important aspect of any music scene. How do you think your music contributes to the variety of the Irish music scene today?

I like to think that i bring a different sound to the industry. A lot of people say that my music is different in its own way, but obviously you can relate it to other artists. I wouldn't try to be different, as I'm never trying to force a unique sound out, I just write what feels and sounds good to me. I like combining a lot of styles together and giving my songs their own stroy and life.

As an Irish artist, what advice have you got for other artists trying to navigate the industry and find their unique voice?

Be brave, take the risk as cliché as that sounds, it is the right way to go. Don't be afraid to write hundreds of ideas. the moment you stop isolating your ideas, and realise there aren't good/bad ideas in music, you will start to flourish. Also be proud of who you are and your journey as an artist. It can be an extremely rewarding life and exhausting process. Just remember to always keep the faith, and be conscious that it should be about your happiness and self-worth rather than just "making it".

What can listeners expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming releases, collabs or projects you're excited about?

I have two singles planned for this year, with other projects planned for early 2024 and so on. I can finally say I'm the busiest I have ever been as an artist so far, and that I don't plan on ever relaxing on that.

I am going to finish off by asking you, what has been the most surreal moment of your musical career so far?

There have been many surreal moments for me so far. I would have to say when the promoter of Whelans came into the dressing room and said we sold-out the gig, to then go on stage to the packed upstairs room and play my heart out with the band, and hearing the audience sing back the words to my songs. That will never be something I will get used to doing or hearing, and I only hope and know that It won’t be the last time that’ll happen.

David San Clair, with his remarkable talent and distinctive musical blend flourishing in the vibrant Irish music scene, is an artist who demands our attention. His journey from a young enthusiast to a dedicated musician, enriched by his studies at BIMM and a diverse range of influences, has produced a sound that transcends genres. With his debut single Promises, and a memorable track like Drive, David's musical evolution is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He's a rising star whose unique sound should unquestionably be on everyone's radar.

Be sure to catch David on his socials;

Spotify; David San Clair

Instagram; @davidsanclair