Declan Kelly has a way of captivating fans with his roots and his rhythm. His 2019 album Views with a Room – featuring the beautifully stripped back singles ‘Catch Your Ego’ and ‘Take Me in Tonight’ – was a deep and reflective project that engaged with themes too rarely discussed by male artists. In tackling issues of masculinity and despondency, all while maintaining authenticity and those incredible vocal arrangements, it is easy to see why Declan has gained the respect of fans, media and esteemed colleagues such as Bernard Fanning, Katie Noonan, Alex Lloyd and Kasey Chambers.

Written and recorded during lockdown, ‘Headlock’ encompasses the insecurities of having to navigate through these unprecedented times. Mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Justin Stanley (Prince, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Nikka Costa), the cold feeling of isolation is overcome by warm layers of folk rock, Marvin Gaye soul and Declan’s comforting vocals.

“Riding my bike to the studio each day, I got to experience the eerie empty streets and feel the reality of our situation. Fight or flight is the central theme of ‘Headlock’, trying to figure out how we are to survive this pandemic.”

Headlock

'Billie’s On Her Way’ is my song to new life and love in the family fold – the anticipation of Billie and being there to love, guide and navigate in the best way. Here’s to love and family!

Declan Kelly - Billie's On Her Way

Track 7 off "Tales from the Neighbourhood"

07 Rise The Sun

Beginning with a sombre guitar riff, Declan opens the album singing about the cold, bitter days and how we can overcome the heaviness of life. With three distinct sections tackling despondency, regaining control and looking forward with positivity, Declan uplifts us with airy vocals and dreamy piano.
Declan: “In the face of it all and with the pressures of living and surviving in this day and age, it is good to remind ourselves that we all exist as humans on this earth together and we all have our ups and downs. This song tells us to try not to be overcome with the stresses of everyday life.”

Views With a Room

Oceans Away

“Sometimes we may never know why a love might not go according to plan, and we may never need to.”
A melancholy feeling at heart, this song isn’t soaked in pain but instead an air of disappointment hangs over like a grey cloud. With the 808-beat holding the song to account and laying the foundation of loss and heartache, Declan ponders where things went wrong in this disconnection between two lovers.

Views with a Room

Tell Me Why

“Catch Your Ego” is about reigning in your ‘untrue self’ that sometimes let’s fly at the expense of the one you love and most of all, your own expense. This roots-inspired chorale contains a simple message to remain grounded, perfectly matched by the smooth, ‘wailing island’ harmonies by long-time collaborator Winston Stephenson and reflected in Kelly’s humble yet honest performance. This track also features ARIA-nominated artist Dan Kelly on guitar.

Catch Your Ego

“This slow brooding tune was recorded with the feeling of being isolated on an island looking for answers out of one’s loneliness. Who or Whatever we pray to, we all look for connection and to feel loved.”
Everyone has a spiritual relationship of some sort, be it religious or other, and as this song lulls you softly, Declan facilitates this connection to a Higher power. This recording features Cameron Deyell on guitar (Sia, Katie Noonan).

Views with a a Room

Following the Sun

Following The Sun

“There’s a light I don’t want to go out / Don’t ever think when it gets too dark to see / That you can’t find your way”
The opening line of this song addresses the growing epidemic of suicide in western culture, predominantly by men. “Just Stay” is a reminder that there are those around you that love you unconditionally, always here for you to lean on, and serves as encouragement for us to look ahead, “you’re just about to blossom.”

Just Stay

An appropriate song to follow, “Big Tough” takes aim at the historical idea of masculinity and how we raise our young men to behave. Should we suppress our emotions out of fear of being thought of as weak? Of course not. Therapeutically, the swinging, soulful backdrop puts you at ease, as Declan encourages men everywhere to open up and find the strength in numbers.

Big Tough

The closing track of the album, Declan finishes with a loving, stripped-back piece. Featuring Jenna Murphy (E for Echo) on piano and vocals, the simple sentiment contrasts beautifully with the complexities of the instrumentation and harmonies. Declan’s quest to find answers to all the problems that affect his life is resolved by one beautiful realisation: “All I want is for you to be here too.”

All i Want

All I Want

Music runs through Declan Kelly’s blood. With an Irish father and a Maori mother, herself a talented musician, he was encouraged to learn the drums and guitar at a young age. He’s aligned himself with some of the greatest Australian musicians we’ve seen, plying his trade with The Beefs (with Alex Lloyd) and The Bondi Cigars, before releasing his debut album Tales From The Neighbourhood in 2005 with support from the late Andy Glitre.

It is easy to see why Declan has gained the respect of fans, media and esteemed colleagues such as Bernard Fanning, Katie Noonan, Bobby Alu, Kasey Chambers, Eugine ‘Hideaway’ Bridges and more, through his authenticity and spectacular musicianship.

During the 2020/21 pandemic, Declan put aside touring plans, and spent the lockdown period back in the studio. The first single and title track from his new album, Headlock encompasses the insecurities of having to navigate through these unprecedented times.

HEADLOCK out now. 
Listen on all platforms here >>> ffm.to/headlock-album
Purchase digitally, on CD or pre-order vinyl here >>> declankellymusic.bandcamp.com

Declan Kelly

Popular tracks