Damn The Dam Star John Hanlon comes out of hiding
DAMN THE DAM STAR
JOHN HANLON
comes out of
“hiding!”
Award-winning artist releases beautiful new
album
At least two generations of New Zealanders have been born since John Hanlon was a regular feature on our airwaves. Those old enough to remember him will recall songs like the iconic protest Damn the Dam, the soaring melody of Higher Trails and jaunty pop beat of Lovely Lady.
True fans would be aware that he
dominated New Zealand’s Record Awards during the mid 70s
collecting Album of Year and Songwriter of the Year
awards three years in succession. A feat never achieved
by any other artist before or since.
As well, he won the
APRA Silver Scroll two years in
succession.
Then, without so much as a polite goodbye, he walked away from the spotlight and virtually disappeared and little has been heard from him since.
Where did he go and why? And why has he now
decided to step back into the musical arena after an absence
of over 25 years?
Why would he choose to launch a series
of three new albums now, when the record industry has been
decimated and albums are rapidly becoming a thing of the
past?
Will his new songs be relevant in this day and age?
According to John it’s not about him as an artist and has never been:
‘For me, it’s all about the songs.
People will either like the songs — that is find something
in the words and tunes they can hold onto — or they
won’t.
I try to write timeless songs with words that
matter and tunes you can hum. Age — my age or that of the
audience — doesn’t come into it. Neither, at least not
for me, will trends in music.
‘I’m going to approach
each new album in the same way as an artist approaches an
exhibition. Each one will be different, in style, mood,
colour and content.
‘And, hopefully, people will come
to appreciate I’m not a singer seeking stardom but a
songwriter working hard at his craft for the enjoyment of
anyone who cares to listen.’
The album will be available from late July. John will be in New Zealand and available for interview from July 27. Please request your sample copy via Skip Ink (details below).
www.Johnhanlon.com.au
ENDS