Dane Kelly Talks New Single, His Voice And More

Manchester’s Dane Kelly released his new single ‘Scuba Dive’, out now on Magic Garden Recordings (in association with Revolver/Warner UK). We chatted to him here:

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Early music memory would be dancing in the house with older brothers to music playing in the lounge when mum and dad were playing it

 

When did you begin songwriting?

Began songwriting when I was 16, after picking up the guitar for the first time 

 

You have your new single ‘Scuba Dive’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Scuba Dive Story – 

Scuba Dive is a song about adolescence told through the story of a young girl who grows up, and to her parents distaste grows out of her “perfect goody two shoes phase” – 

She starts enjoying rock music and starts going out with friends till late, rebels against her parents, smokes, takes drugs, goes to gigs and starts dating. To her over protecting parents this is a nightmare, when in reality it is just her growing up and trying to understand new experiences she has never been able to access 

Inspired by “Girls just Wannna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?

I wrote the chord progression of the song and some of the lyrics, it was at a much faster pace before. Then I took it to rehearsals and played it, and my drummer Jack said to try it a lot slower. As soon as we did that then the parts came together through the guitarist writing the main guitar part. As well as the bass writing his part, with all my work I write the foundation and the lyrics, this song was definitely a joint effort of everyone’s talents 

Was it a difficult song to write?

Felt like once we slowed it down the song was very easy to finish, especially when finding what I wanted to write about when coming up with a story behind it 

Do you have a visualiser to accompany the track?

We don’t have a music video, however we would be open to doing one. I’ve made a lot of Tik Toks and short videos/photo edits with the track playing over it. I’ve also uploaded a canvas to Spotify 

 Where did you record the single and who produced it?

We recorded the song at Magic Garden Studio with the producer Gavin Monaghan, who was a great help and vision behind the track. Mixed and mastered by Liam and Louise from magic garden studio.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

As I’ve never worked with a producer of Gavin’s experience before, the most memorable moment would be listening to the track after Gavin sent us out of the room. Told us to come back in after a couple hours, then listening to what he added to the song. 

Then realising that we made the right choice  recording at the studio, and hearing the song getting taken to that level

Another memory was going to the local pub and realising you could get a chicken curry, fish finger sandwich and pint for £14. Unheard of nowadays haha

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

Last year I decided to buy a Fender 12 string guitar, as I was listening to a lot of music from the 70s and 80s that used them. Once I started playing on it songs like “scuba dive” were written. As the guitar has a very Bright and full tone to it which sounds uplifting, which I think played a big part in this record 

Especially when accompanied by my guitarists slide metal guitar lead. Sounds almost like a George Harrison type record

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

Yes, I’ve recorded multiple songs with Gavin Monaghan and we plan on releasing more at the end of the year/start of next year

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

1. Engagement from new audience members, that want to continue to listening to and supporting my music 
2. Audience to be impressed/inspired by the music and live performance 

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

12 String with a Fender reverb pedal through it always sounds warm and full of life, but my drummers got a 28inch symbol that always sounds class when playing live

How do you look after your voice?

Make sure I practice on the day, on the lead up to the gig and then drink plenty of water. Limit myself to 2 pints of Guinness before going on stage also 

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?

If I was able to write music/score for any adaptation, I would love to write music for Red Dead Redemption 2 film. Or any thing created by Rockstar or Naughty Dog game studios. 

I’d also love to write music for fantasy adaptations

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Bedford: strange, chaotic, love island, funny,  home

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

Yes, playing at the Eagle Inn on the 25th of September supporting Spielmann in Manchester. With the plan to play plenty of festivals and venues at the start of next year. Both down south and in Manchester 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Kings of Leon, Willie J Healey, Paolo Nutini, Thin Lizzy, Gerry Rafferty, Queens of the Stone Age 

What makes Dane Kelly happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy: A good meal, big old hike, live music, being in the pub with friends, running, golf, gaming, good films, dancing, good coffee, great music, accomplishment, good people, good friends, meeting new friends.

Unhappy: anxiety, people who moan about absolutely everything, hanging up the washing, putting the bedding on. Toe stumping, taking the bins out, weekly food shop, losing my keys, losing wallet, losing my phone. Putting on a nice outfit and then getting s*** down it straight away, sitting down to watch tv – realising the remotes on the other side of the flat. Last but not least, parking tickets/traffic wardens 

Feature Image Photo Credit: BJF Media.PR

Dane Kelly’s new single ‘Scuba Dive’ is out now on Magic Garden Recordings (in association with Revolver/Warner UK).

Stream ‘Scuba Dive‘ here: https://lnk.to/scuba-dive

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