Earlier this year, we introduced you to one of Scotland’s best kept secrets and one that you definitely need to uncover, especially if you are a fan of such artists as Don McLean, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce or Lynyrd Skynyrd to name but a few of the classics. Perhaps Warren McIntyre (aka Warren Starry Sky), who founded Starry Skies in 2014, has an old soul, but it’s fair to say that he has also managed to attract quite a bit of attention in this modern world to this superb music.
In any case, the band is releasing the single ‘Light In Your Soul’ today digitally. A positive, heartfelt and gorgeous reminder to remember the light and strength inside themselves regardless of the challenges they face, this song is a beautiful taster of heir fourth studio album ‘Small Wonders’. Excellent work all around – a great and worthy listen.
Shaped by personal encounters with music icons Nina Simone, Iggy Pop and Chuck Berry, Warren McIntyre (aka Warren Starry Sky) founded the band in 2014 to encourage the proliferation of positive, hopeful music. Today, he is joined by Jenny Lunan, Heather Phillips, Sophie Pragnell, Johnny Rooney and Adam Scott, having supported Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian, The Vaselines and Teenage Fanclub over the years.
Dubbed a “masterpiece” and their strongest work yet, ‘Small Wonders’ is a hearty crowdfunded 10-track collection with a brilliant blend of indie rock and folk pop. These shimmering delights celebrate the small wonders that are all around us, these songs were written in 2021, when we were all really grateful for small things like being able to go for a walk with a friend.
“‘Light in Your Soul’ started off as a tribute to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She has been getting a lot of criticism in the press and this got me thinking about female leaders.I wanted to write a message of support to Jacinda to let her know that, even in far away Scotland, there are people who admire her and the kind inclusive approach she takes to leading her country. Her public show of empathy for the Muslim survivors of the Christchurch shooting was admirable and showed the strength of connection,” says Warren McIntyre.
“The verse lines “Hey there sister…..I don’t believe in these leaders – but I’d follow you to the end” and the chorus reminder that no matter how dark it gets it is important to remember the light were little messages in this song as a personal thank you to Jacinda”
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Packed full of inspired and catchy songs with thoughtful lyrics, ‘Small Wonders’ was recorded and produced at Maybank Studios by Matt Harvey, perhaps best known for his work with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by legendary mastering engineer Frank Arkwright (The Smiths, New Order, Coldplay, Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur, Bryan Ferry).
‘Light In Your Soul’ is available across digital platforms, including Spotify. The full ‘Small Wonders’ album can be ordered onBandcamp or on CD and sky-blue vinyl via Last Night From Glasgow.
CREDITS
Written by Warren McIntyre
Recorded and produced by Matt Harvey at Maybank Studios, Glasgow
Mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios, London
Album artwork by GND Design, back cover photo by Didier
Released by Fox Star Records
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