Blair Dunlop Talks New Album, Touring With Shawn Colvin And More

Apr 10, 2024 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist

UK vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Blair Dunlop has released his latest album ‘Out Of The Rain’ and will embark on a UK Tour to support it. Having witnessed his talents in Milton Keynes supporting Shawn Colvin, we wanted to learn more about the man and his craft:

Your new album ‘Out Of The Rain’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
It’s my first record in a few years so I definitely came to it with a fresh perspective. I had to whittle the songs down, so it felt like I had more options then with previous albums. Ultimately, I think I care less about certain preconceptions as I get older, so that’s given it a freshness and freedom.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?
Jim Moray produced it and we recorded at his home studio, and also at Edge Studios in Cheshire.

You also have your new single ‘Let’s Get Out Of The City’ from the album. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
I have a lot of love for London, I consider it a second home, but I felt the need to get out, as a lot of people do. The song is born out of that really, the need to get out of the madness of city life. Sonically, Jim pushed on this. We jacked the tempo up and cranked the amps to 11. I took some convincing but I love how it compliments the lyric now.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
It’s not strictly a novel, but I think I would have to choose a live action film of the Naruto Manga. I’ve just finished the series, and I’d love to take some of those themes in the original Anime and put my own spin on it. In terms of traditional novels, I’m partial to a bit of Jane Austen, so maybe something cheeky and quaint for Pride & Prejudice.

What is your earliest musical memory?
Probably screaming into a Fisher Price tape recorder. I was inseparable from it, apparently.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I mean, yes… How long have you got? I love my trusted Gordon Giltrap signature acoustic guitar by Vintage these days. In terms of effects pedals for my electric, I have a beautiful harmonic tremolo by Walrus Audio called the Monument and that is very often just left on during gigs.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Chesterfield. Quaint market Town, now tired.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
I broke down on the way to Edge Studios when we were tracking drums, popped a tyre on a pot hole. By the time I got to the studio, Jamie had laid down the entire album. I only ended up having 5 minutes with him to say good job, see you around!

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?
Yes, I’m touring the UK in Spring, 24 dates, and I’m sure I’ll be touring again in autumn.

Last year you toured the UK supporting Shawn Colvin. How did that opportunity arise, what was that experience like and do you have any memories, highlights, stories from that tour?
I’m not really sure how it came about, but Shawn has been a huge influence on me as an artist, so it was a bit of a dream come true, to be honest. Again, I broke down on that tour and had to be practically towed onstage, that was a low point, but the rest was an absolute pleasure. Shawn and her tour manager, Mike, were so accommodating; and I think it was a good fit, I felt a lot of love from her crowd, particularly at Union Chapel.

How do you look after your voice?
I don’t really… Much to my mum’s dismay. To quote Suzanne Vega, I try not to talk to loud. Loud talking will ruin my falsetto more than shouting, it’s so odd.

Was it a difficult album to write?
In parts, yes. I found it hard to motivate myself to write in 2020/21. There were some songs that just fell out as I got back on the horse, though, so it did get easier.

What makes Blair Dunlop happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy – football, cars, the Great British Menu. Unhappy – football, mushrooms, war in the Middle East.