Emerging country-pop artist Danny McMahon prepares to captivate listeners with his poignant new EP Boys Cry Too, out on May 24th (2019) via Puzzle Maker Records.

Opening track Everything sets the tone for the EP instantly; soaring with emotion as McMahon’s country-tinged vocal takes center stage over the beautifully infectious musicality. Critically acclaimed single When I See You stirs the soul immediately as McMahon’s intricate guitar picking twinkles over warm piano chords and haunting harmonies, sounding akin to the likes of Lady Antebellum or Keith Urban. Talking about the single, McMahon explains

It was written by a songwriter called Dan Evans who wrote the song about his grandfather who had recently passed away. I remember getting a message from him saying he’d just played it to his family and that they were all in tears, at that point I realized we’d achieved the relevant emotional connection we were looking for.

Throughout the EP, McMahon creates a sound that is honest, personal and rich with a storytelling charm. He blends authentic country sounds with modern pop melodies, creating something that will appeal to fans of each genre equally.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Danny about the new project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I was sent “Letter to Me” by Brad Paisley, and from that moment onwards I was hooked by the authenticity and the real qualities that Country Music possesses. I felt like I could finally be me. 

What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

A great couple of questions because for me they were two very different things. I was happy as a Country writer and never saw myself as the artist. However I was persuaded by lots of people in my life to give it a go and it picked up interest from various places very quickly. I think being invited to play Springboard Festival in San Diego only two months after the record came out made me realised there was something that was clicking with people which was a great feeling! As a songwriter I’m always trying to be relevant and with Country music that just seemed to happen really naturally. They wanted to hear the autobiographical stories in my songs and that for me as a writer works perfectly. 

Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

My tastes always change. I loved the Emo Rock stuff as a teenager. Bands like You Me At Six and Paramore I was into massively. Then I started to discover 80s synth pop like Duran Duran and Japan because I loved the way they explored their production and I that stuff actually still massively influences me now with my production in the studio. I often use retro synths as a base layer for my songs. Then now since discovering Country Music I’m influenced by so many artists. Sam Hunt, Brett Young and Rascal Flatts but to name a few. I have two equal favourite Country albums of all time being “Me And My Gang” by Rascal Flatts as the vocal performance and melodies are stunning and the other is “Montavallo” by Sam Hunt. The production ideas and use of genre fusion is a stroke of genius in my opinion. 

However, my starting point is always the same, “If you look hard enough you can find inspiration anywhere.” I mean the idea for the song for “Boys Cry Too” came from a poster I saw walking the streets of Nashville. I popped it in my phone notes, and 5 months later it was relevant. 

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I’m always just trying to bring songs into people lives that are relevant to them. So on this record I’ve explored heartbreak, Male mental health issues, loss or a loved one and feeling trapped in an identity. I hope that’s subject matter that will really talk to people. All of these songs were at some point feelings I’ve experienced, so hopefully that level of shared human emotion has been channeled to a place where it can help others on their subjective journeys. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Beat of The Music by Brett Eldridge

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

CD’s keep me alive on the road selling them so I should probably say those! There is something magical about vinyl though 

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Spotify, because it’s the most engaged with your listening trends. They also have some killer playlists! 

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I think with information so freely available on the internet these days shifting tickets for shows as an independent artist becomes harder. People don’t like leaving their computers all too much if they can help it. I will say though that British Country Music fans are some of the most supportive people I’ve ever met and its thanks to them I’m able to to this as a job. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

All my socials! @dannymcmahonuk is my handle. Then obviously Spotify and Apple Music are the two most happening places for streaming.

I also have a brand new music video out for “When I See You” which is one the EP: https://youtu.be/cbfeEEq0s6A

Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thanks for having me, and thanks again to everyone who’s making this such an exciting journey!