Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Dinah King, who discusses her origin, creative process and goals in music.
Review Fix: How did the project start?
Dinah King: I have always sang. Ever since I can remember I would stand up in front of my family and sing songs from Disney films, memorising every word and practicing constantly… my poor wee mama! Music was a big feature at home with myself and my 3 siblings playing every instrument known to man… again, my poor mama! I started singing in my local church age 14 – quickly stepping in to lead the music programme there at 16. When producer Jimmy (Funeral Fires front man) asked me to work on a few songs with him after a 10 year hiatus, I was over the moon! Then Covid-19 hit the world so with a lot more time on my hands, what started as me singing a few backing harmonies for Jimmy became Dinah King and what you hear now.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
King: I write with my producer Jimmy who is also the front man for Glasgow based Punk Rock band Funeral Fires. Jimmy is great at making my creative thoughts come alive and you’ll often find us on the floor with a sea of paper and guitars!
We are both quite cut throat when it comes to ideas so if one of us isn’t keen then it’s out, from the music to the artwork.
Review Fix: What’s your standout song? How was it written?
King: Eyepennies is made up of covers from artists like Billie Holliday and Sulfjan Stevens. It has been curated in my own style to tell a story of sadness, loss and hope. Something we can all relate to.
The standout song has to be Cocaine & Abel written by Amigo The Devil. The words are very personal to me and I hope listeners will take something away from the raw lyrics.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2021?
King: The second album is in the works and plans are being made around shows and touring next year once the pandemic is over. 2021 will be an interesting year for the industry but we’re hoping the world gets back to normal soon so we can see you guys in person at shows!
Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?
King: My music is very emotive. I’ve tried to put songs together that will make people stop, think and hopefully relate. There’s a certain sadness to John Wayne Gacy Jr which certainly comes through where the last song, Gloomy Sunday is more despairing.
Ultimately, I just want people to feel something when they hear my songs.
Review Fix: What’s next?
King: I have started work already on the next album which will have a more upbeat feel to it. The theme is very different so much less sad but still in my kooky style.
Expect to be surprised again!
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