We have a song premiere (also our song of the day) from acclaimed East London singer-songwriter Theo Bard with his new single Memories of Dublin. This uplifting song tells a story of a short and sweet love affair, in the typically direct and frank narrative style that marks him out as an exceptional songwriter.
The song is a clever play on the Irish folk song Dublin City in the Rare Old Time, with references to the lyrics throughout. While the song pays homage to the folk tradition, there is nothing backward looking about it, as Theo delivers a full and evocative sound that hits you in the gut.
Produced by Theo himself, the recording features some prestigious musical talent: Max Baillie (recently featured on BBC1 Proms Extra) on strings, Brooke Sharkey on backing vocals, and Tansay Omar (Bjork, Boy George) on drums, and was mixed by Adrian Hall (Goldfrapp, Alicia Keys).
The single is a follow up to Bard’s recently released EP, You Give, and the singles Evil Eyes and Never Alone.
A leading figure in the East London music scene, Theo is a skilled lyricist and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, violin, bass), with intelligent lyrics and a deft ear for melody. His songs are borne of a lifetime steeped in music and song; playing violin from the age of four, a childhood spent singing round campfires at Forest School Camps, and his craft honed busking on the streets of London.
He is also the man behind the highly respected, and distinctly underground, Woodburner. Woodburner has grown into a heady experience that regularly attracts over 400 revellers a week to its summer season at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. For more information on Woodburner visit woodburnermusic.co.uk
Theo will be heading into the studio in the New Year to work on his debut solo album for release in 2016.