Music
Press
The patronage of Sir George Martin is a handy badge of honour for any young singer-songwriter, and sure enough, Clews's solo debut (he was previously with Swedish rockers Stars Above) has a melodic, Beatles-esque quality. Clews, from Kent, brings a rural tinge to his gentle songs of love and longing, which are borne along on a folktronic tide of acoustic guitars, with splashes of drums and woodwind. The title of "Lucid and Sincere", the opener, is almost a mission statement. Only "Saltry Man", given a tougher production by Giles Martin (son of George) boasts touches of trickery and defiance. A debut of sweetness and promise none the less. - Guardian/Observer
Heavyweight backing from mentor Sir George Martin and his producer son Giles will undoubtedly help Clews attract more initial attention than other singer-songwriter hopefuls, and he charges through the doors being opened for him with gusto. A confident musical craftsman combining intelligent rock balladry with folktronica flourishes, this may well be one of the best debuts of the last 12 months.
Though based in Sweden much of the time, Clews’ music retains the pastoral Englishness of his Kent birthplace. Nick Drake and Clifford T Ward are obvious touchpoints on the poetic musings of Day & Night and The Ripening Of Time, while Kings For Blood recalls the more Americana elements of Al Stewart.
The acoustic strumminess really takes flight with the synth underlays of Move Too Fast and the shuffling wirebrush drums of Lucid & Sincere. The sonic embellishment is never overdone, though, allowing the sweet swoon of Clews’ voice to remain in control of some alluring songs that reveal ever more surprising nuances with each listen. - Record Collector
Discography
Debut solo album, 'Dan Clews' released in the UK December 2009 via Right Track Distribution/Universal.
Single - April 2010, 'Move Too Fast' added to BBC Radio 2 playlist for 5 weeks.
Photos
Bio
After spending a couple of years honing his craft on the UK’s live circuit Dan moved to Sweden and threw himself into the indie/folk scene, working with some of the most interesting talent around. These collaborations resulted in two now sold-out releases with, ‘The Stars Above’.
These recordings helped Dan secure a publishing deal with George Martin Music. Sir George said, ‘I was introduced to Dan Clews by a friend. I have always tried to support young musicians and Dan's music impressed from the first listen. He is too great a talent to ignore and it's a great pleasure to be his publisher.’
The album has received huge attention from national and regional radio, most notably in the form of a Radio 2 play listing for the single, ‘Move Too Fast’. The song spent five weeks on the Radio 2 playlist from of 3rd April 2010. Dan has recorded over 20 sessions for various BBC regional radio stations culminating in an appearance on the Bob Harris Radio 2 show broadcast 10th July 2010. In the mean time Dan continues to support the album with live dates and festivals across the country.
‘This may well be one of the best debuts of the past 12 months’
**** Record Collector
‘A debut of sweetness and promise’ The Guardian
‘Leaves the listener reaching for the repeat button the moment it finishes’ **** R2
‘A hugely talented singer-songwriter plying his trade at the very top of his game’
****Maverick
‘Potent Folktronica’ ***Uncut
‘Has Real Charm’ *** Mojo
Links
