Music runs through the blood of Declan Kelly, a deeply soulful Australian singer-songwriter born of a Māori musician mother and an Irish father. At once delicate and powerful, Declan wields a vocal that commands attention around campfires and in theatres alike, and an innate sense of rhythm that requires no fanfare or adornment to draw listeners in. With four studio albums to his name, Declan is also a producer, and one of Australia’s most in-demand drummers for the likes of Bobby Alu, Bernard Fanning, Kasey Chambers, and Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Declan put aside touring plans and spent the lockdown period back in the studio. Conceived over the years when Covid locked us all down, gigs were cancelled, and for Declan and his partner, a baby (Billie) was born. The album title 'Headlock' says all that needs to be said about the last three years. “It’s the right call with this madness, it’s a major haul for us to carry, we’re caught in a headlock with these roadblocks, it’s time to say goodbye to hard knocks” sings Declan.
Co-produced by Declan and his close friend Justin Stanley (King Stingray, Prince, The Vines, Beck, Mark Ronson, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton) in Declan's studio in Sydney’s Surry Hills called The Nest. The album was mastered at King Willy Sound and features Declan’s closest musical friends helping when called on to add another layer of beauty.
Dig deep and you will find pearls of wisdom and the chance to reflect and appreciate our shared humanity.
'Headlock' was released at the end of 2023, and Delcan will be touring the album during 2023.
