David McNair

Cutting through the swathes of other budding singer-songwriters with a rare pathos and ability to capture the little victories and defeats that punctuate our lives, McNair's music exudes a quiet confidence that sneaks its way into your head. His songs like old friends that slip an arm around your shoulder just when you need it most.

David McNair began playing around the clubs and bars of Belfast around 2001, recording that same year, an EP produced by fellow Irishman Iain Archer. Clearly smitten, the crowds got bigger, and a loyal following soon developed. Following a brief soirée into the world of instrumental music (scoring and recording a soundtrack for a short film on sectarianism in post-ceasefire Belfast), McNair developed an interest in recording and arranging songs using quirky instruments. Over the past two years, songs have been written and demoed in this vein and (to the dismay of many a sound engineer) live gigs now involve glockenspiels, melodicas, clarinets, walkie-talkies, and the odd clapped out radio.

Support slots with anti-folk heroes Jeffery and Jack Lewis, and Chris Brokaw (Codeine), airplay and live sessions on BBC Radio and local community TV, and articles in local press have garnered wider support for McNair’s music. A total of 4153 website hits so far in 2006, and over 5000 plays on Myspace show the support which is developing.

Recent years have seen McNair garner a reputation as a producer/engineer. From a small studio in his attic, David has produced many Belfast acts such as Fast Emperors, Element and Six Star Hotel.

A favoured collaborator of fellow Irishmen The Amazing Pilots, David is a regular touring member of the band. He has toured Europe with the Pilots, in support of Pedro the Lion and Richmond Fontaine, and has appeared on national radio in the UK and Ireland. This experience has instilled a quiet confidence, and has given him a renewed desire to pursue his own music.