Danny Addison Talks Debut Album, Favourite Instruments And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR
Singer-songwriter and musician Danny Addison will release his debut album ‘Porcelain’ on 29th August 2025 on Zenith Cafe Records. He sat down with JLTT to talk about the record, his favourite instruments and more:
What is your earliest musical memory?
Balancing Smarties on the bridge of my violin when I was about 4 years old. I think my teacher was trying to get us to hold it level. She also put Hula Hoops on the bow tips to get us to use the full bow. Good times.
When did you begin songwriting?
I was about 15 when I wrote my first song with a good friend of mine, Pete. I think it was the first song I was really proud of.
You will release your debut album ‘Porcelain’ on 29th August 2025 on Zenith Cafe Records. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
Me and brother Tom had always made everything together. But when it came to making the album, the guys at Zenith connected us with Matt Weir and Simon Francis. They came on as producers but also players on the record. That was a huge change from how we’d done it before, but it made all the difference in getting the record to where it needed to be. We spent a lot of time playing around with production ideas and parts. That was such a fun experience. And to get to do it all in the beautiful Salvation Studios in Brighton was another dream come true.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
Me, Tom, Matt and Simon all produced it together in Salvation Studios in Brighton. We also recorded in Forfey Studios in Belfast where Matt and Si work out of. We got most of the instruments tracked in Salvation and at Forfey spent a lot of time experimenting with effects, recording guitars with Colm McLean and recording Tom on the beautiful upright piano they have there!
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album’s recording sessions?
On the first day of recording we noticed a flute sitting in the corner of the control room. We didn’t think anything of it at first but then as the days went on we started talking about getting some flute on one of the tracks. Someone eventually asked “does that flute belong to anyone?”. Turns out it belonged to one of the assistant engineers Liisa Lotta who was working on a completely different session. We asked her if she’d be up for playing some flute on the record and she agreed! We tracked it that day and it completely transformed the intro to the track ‘Sense of Touch’.
Who were the musicians who performed on the album with you?
My brother Tom on piano and synths, Simon Francis on bass and synths, Matt Weir on drums and percussion, Colm McLean on guitars and pedal steel and Liisa Lotta on flute.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
One of the things I remember most was using an unbelievable-sounding 12-string guitar from the 50’s that Salvation Studios had. It gave so much life and sense of space to tracks like Tribe and Stains.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest I’d say ‘The Dune’. Angriest, ‘Tribe’ and most reflective, ‘Sense of Touch’.
You have also released the new single ‘Tribe’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
Tribe really came about after feeling suffocated by the echo chambers we find ourselves in. Whether that’s in groups of friends or social media algorithms. I wanted to write about the self-righteousness of the ‘correct’ group, being on the ‘right’ side of the argument and how being on the fence about something is a legitimate stance to take.
Do you have a visualiser to accompany the single?
Yes! There’s a music video up on YouTube for Tribe which I’m hugely proud of.
Did you work with anyone else in terms of the songwriting?
Other than my brother Tom producing the record, no. I tend to write everything on my own. Although I’d love to do some more collaborations in the future!
Was it a difficult album to write?
I think it varies from track to track. Some songs came very naturally and were written in a day or two. Others took years to write and were at times a real slog to get finished. I try not to resent songs that take a while to write. Some just need a little longer but it’s worth it in the end.
Who designed the album artwork?
So the album photo was captured and edited by the brilliant Jamie Neish. I then dropped it into photoshop and played around with text and arrangement. We then had Glenn Kennedy work his magic on the files and tidy/sharpen them up.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Hitchin. Quiet, quirky, beautiful, small and inviting.
How do you look after your voice?
I use a nebuliser a lot these days! It’s been a game-changer for avoiding sore throats. A LOT of water and then Jakemans lozenges on show days – would highly recommend!
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
The album launch is on 29th August at St. Pancras Old Church. Can’t wait!
Do you perform solo or do you have a band?
Both! I much prefer to perform with a band – usually this would be with a violinist, violist, drummer and bass player.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
That I’ve communicated the messages of the songs and that I’ve enjoyed myself.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I’m a huge fan of the Strymon BigSky MX reverb. It’s just unmatched. Give me that and the saturation on the Strymon Deco and I’m good to go!
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?
I would LOVE to write a score for The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It’s just a masterpiece. I never knew I could be so captivated by a story about people building Cathedrals in 12th-century England but it had me completely hooked. I’m not sure I would be able to do justice to such an incredible story but I’d love to try.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Hozier, Moses Sumney, Lianne La Havas, Foy Vance and Sting to name a few! I’d always tell people to listen to Signs of Life by Foy Vance and Wasteland Baby! by Hozier. Incredible songs, lyrics and production. Moses Sumney’s Aromanticism is an album that definitely does not get enough praise. It’s probably the album that made me feel that I could make the music that I wanted to make.
What makes Danny Addison happy and what makes you unhappy?
Friends, family, my girlfriend, and music make me happy. What makes me unhappy is cynicism toward art and effort. I can’t stand when people mistake cynicism for intelligence.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR
Danny Addison’s debut album ‘Porcelain’ will be released on Friday 29th August 2025 on Zenith Cafe Records.
In addition, an official album launch show will take place on Friday 29th August 2025 at St Pancras Old Church in London, United Kingdom.
Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/dannyaddison
