‘Another Artist Spotlight’ presents Dave MacK. Dave is a West Lothian-based singer-songwriter, he cut his teeth in the 2010s with the band ‘Japanfour’. After a hiatus, we are lucky to be presented with new music. Dave’s debut release ‘Green Eyed Monster’ is a mature, emotive track about braving the minefield that is online dating. Dave’s unique selling point for me is his vocal, it’s tonally strong and jam-packed with soul.

We were lucky enough to chat with Dave after the release of his debut track.

Gary: First off, I’ve been an avid follower of your music career and I’ve been really eager to see you take the music scene by storm. What musically separates you from the young man in a band to a more mature and self-analytic style as a soloist?

Dave: Thank you, man! I’d say life experience, I’m writing about things that are real, be it relationships or challenges life throws at you. My songs are deeply personal, which makes for a good tune and hopefully resonates with the listener. 

Gary: Have you always written songs with the same approach? 

Dave: Dave: No, all we’d needed was some lyrics and a riff – the music just happened. I loved writing tunes that way because we all just clicked. It felt effortless, and we were good at it. It did make playing acoustic shows difficult because these songs were supposed to be played by a band, that’s an issue for a soloist. I’ve now made the conscious effort to take a more traditional approach to songwriting, building from an acoustic and focusing on writing choruses, something up until lockdown I hadn’t done before.

Gary: You are somebody I’ve always looked up to, in your early days as a performer, I remember both playing a show at a crazy golf place in Deans and it was chaotic but you were incredibly comfortable and cool on stage. Have you always had the presence and calmness in performance? Or is it something you’ve worked on consciously? 

Dave: I remember fondly, I’m sure The Snuts and Dead Sea Souls were on the same bill, madness! I appreciate the compliment man – in all honesty no, it’s all a facade and actually comes from a place of trepidation, public speaking etc was never my forte, I’d just put on my game face and I think I got away with it. Like anything, the more preparation and practice you can get in, the more comfortable you become.

Gary: Was it a conscious choice to focus on gigging and writing before unveiling your first single? What did you learn from it? 

Dave: Absolutely. I thought it was important to first adapt and become comfortable playing solo, in a band with distorted guitars you have a safety net, and you get away with making mistakes whereas up there on your own with an acoustic there’s nowhere to hide. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and highlighted aspects of performing that I need to work on, which is important if you want to improve. Every day’s a school day.

Gary: When did you feel everything come together and know you were ready to release music as a solo artist? 

Dave: With the abundance of free time in 2020, I focused on writing as many demos as possible. Once I got the ‘Green Eyed Monster’ master in 2022 I knew I was onto something and found the confidence to push on as a soloist. Since then I’ve continued recording, so now with a catalogue of music behind me, it feels like the right time to start getting my music heard. 

Gary: What motivated you to take the music course at The Academy of Music and Sound? What lessons did you learn and would you recommend this to others looking for a career in the arts? 

Dave: I’d always written songs the same way, take some lyrics or a riff to the band and jam it out. I wanted to know how you’re ‘supposed’ to write a song. Ironically, the most important thing I learned was that there is no right or wrong way. It’s all about how it sounds at the end of the day. That gave me the confidence to kick on writing. I’d recommend it but it’s not a necessity. I think you need to have confidence in yourself. If it sounds good, roll with it. 

Gary: Now you’re warmed up, here’s a big question. You have the best hair in the West Lothian music scene, for others who can utilise a good head of hair, what are the products? What are the routines? Truly incredible. 

Dave: Sea salt spray is king.

Gary: How excited are you about playing Sound of Iona this month? What are you most looking forward to? 

Dave: I can’t wait, man. I couldn’t believe they gave me the shout before releasing a song. I’m just grateful they stumbled across one of my cover videos. Festivals are just a different vibe, playing to a well-oiled crowd, meeting new people and discovering up-and-coming bands is what it’s all about.

Gary: Now, let’s discuss your new music. Talk us through your upcoming track ‘Green Eyed Monster’. What’s the story behind the song lyrics and production journey?

Dave: Green Eyed Monster is one of several songs written during lockdown. I delve into the complexities of modern-day dating, exploring the tumultuous emotions and challenges encountered, encapsulating the essence of navigating relationships in a digital age. 

Gary: How do you reflect on the first year of your solo venture? What have been some of your highlights? 

Dave: I’ve loved being involved in music again and everything about it: the apprehension before a gig, the buzz playing live, the crowd interaction (when there’s a crowd haha), the post-gig high. Writing and recording, the sense of achievement when all the ideas bouncing around your head come to fruition in the studio. I’d neglected music for a while, lockdown reawakened that passion and for me, nothing else comes close. 

Gary: Can you talk us through how best to keep up with your music, give you support and see what you have coming up?

Dave: Instagram, Twitter and YouTube are my main platforms at the moment for following my solo adventure. For anyone who’s into what i’m doing and want to support me I’d ask they stream and share ‘Green Eyed Monster’ as much as they can, for that I’d be extremely grateful. Also follow me on the socials and keep their eyes peeled for show announcements currently in the pipeline.

Dave MacK is a gentleman, a fresh artist ready to unleash outstanding music for all of us to enjoy. Below is a link to the debut single ‘Green Eyed Monster‘. I’m assured and certain that there is far more to come from West Lothian’s own, Dave MacK.