Connect with us

We Speak Music

Mark Duggan Shares New Single ‘Dance Myself to You’

Published

on

Irish singer-songwriter Mark Duggan is known for his clever lyricism and combining of acoustic and electronic elements which can reach out and take people somewhere else for the length of the song. He returns with his latest alternative rock tune ‘Dance Myself to You’.

The idea behind the song titled ‘Dance Myself to You’ was to write a melody that would gradually expand from a single solo instrument to a thick sound at the finish. Along with Mark Duggan’s vocals, the single is a longing, yearning one with an interesting production that includes a drum machine, bass, guitar, drum kit, synths, and other elements.

The ballad is evocative of over-the-top ‘80s ballads as it swells from a whisper to an explosion of sound. Beginning with just an electric guitar and voice, the song gradually builds in bass, percussion, ambient pads, and other guitars. An electric guitar solo that was improvised in one take and a choir of voices drive the song’s last minute. Each verse of the song begins with one of three straightforward pictures of loneliness from the lyrics. The characters’ thoughts are drawn to this missing person by these visions, and no matter how hard they try, they are unable to bring them back, no matter what steps they take.

The lyrics had to be written first in order to determine how long the build-up should take, and they were written rather fast once Mark Duggan had the three pictures that opened each of the verses. The reason the outro lyrics were added later is that he chose to complete the build-up with a lengthy fade-out, leaving a significant amount of empty space in the song.

The song’s base of sound fills in the gaps between any rhythmic elements with a variety of synth and guitar parts that use a lot of delays and reverbs. The guitar solo was recorded on the first take with the intention of sounding a little raw and guttural, while the drums were selected to be fairly conventionally ‘80s. He chose to attempt some choral harmonies near the end of the song and added some harmonies to the chorus while performing the vocals.

Mark Duggan chose to write the outro lyrics over them and make sure every instrument plays considerably busier than they did earlier in the song because he liked how they pushed the drama of the ending over the top. After his old bass broke during the demos, he had to acquire a new one, thus the bass was the last part of the song he added. The song’s mix was designed to highlight the contrast between the number of instruments playing at the beginning and end of the song, as well as the intensity of those performances, which provide the song’s dramatic conclusion.

On the song, Mark Duggan says, “An almighty release of a ballad, to me it is an acceptance of a situation and it emotions by letting them explode outward.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement

We Speak Music

Marsha Swanson Releases New Song “Like An Angel”

Published

on

By

Marsha Swanson

Now out, Marsha Swanson’s most recent track, “Like An Angel,” has already started to stir among listeners of progressive pop. Released on January 31, 2025, the song, which offers a very personal experience, honours the one-year anniversary of her album “Near Life Experience” which came out in 2024.

The track was originally an untitled ghost track from the album and it has been re-recorded with a live band and a string section, bringing a new level of emotional depth. It was produced at Echo Zoo Studios by Henry (King Thumb) Thomas, whose credits include Randy Crawford and Paul Weller, the track blends the ethereal beauty of the original with a fresh, dynamic arrangement. The lineup of talented musicians—Martyn Barker (drums), Tony Qunta (guitar), and Anders Olinder (keyboards)—adds to its lush, atmospheric sound.

Inspired by those who have departed but still lead us, in life “Like An Angel” pushes into themes of love, acceptance, and remembrance accompanied by a visually spectacular video filmed by award-winning filmmaker Sam Chegini. Comparisons to the work of Kate Bush and Tori Amos help one to really relate to the spiritual and cinematic sense of the song.

Having already reached the semi-finals of the UK Songwriting Contest, “Like An Angel” reinforces Swanson’s reputation for insightful lyricism and compelling compositions. With continued airplay and critical acclaim, the single stands as a powerful testament to her artistry—a gift to listeners and a celebration of the album’s lasting impact.

Continue Reading

Trending