We chat to Liam McClair

ONE TO WATCH

It isn't easy to make a living out of music so it's impressive to discover that the North West currently boasts a thriving scene full of talented bands and singer/songwriters gigging and recording around the country.

Cheshire born and Manchester based Liam McClair has been writing and playing music since his teens. In the last couple of years he has supported the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen and Newton Faulkner, performed both here and abroad and is now about to launch his brand new single 'Hunted' with a special show at The Deaf Institute on May 7th.

I caught up with Liam to talk songwriting, making music a career and being a dead ringer for Zac Efron!

When did you start getting interested in music?

I took piano and trumpet lessons when I was younger while my elder sister learned guitar but she didn't play it much and one day I picked it up. At the same time, when I was about 14 or 15, I was also singing in choir at school and it all started unlocking possibilities for me. I also began to love that feeling of euphoria I got from performing. I've been a writer and singer now for 3 years and when my passport gets renewed soon, under 'occupation' it's going to say 'musician' which is really satisfying.

How difficult is it to get noticed?

It's a tough one. It definitely helps if you know people. Everybody's doing stuff online now and I've been lucky that tracks I've uploaded have been noticed and picked up by radio stations but it's a hard nut to crack. Radio pluggers can help if they like your stuff but it can be a costly route to go down with no guarantees...or refunds!

Why did you choose 'Hunted' to release as a single?

I've been writing since I was 16 and there always seems to be this process where a certain song just sticks out. My music teacher used to say to me if you can remember the melody the next day then that's the sign of a good song.

Whenever I've played 'Hunted' live it always gets people asking about it or saying it's their favourite - not that I'm completely audience opinion driven but it's good to get feedback indicating that it's a strong track so that's why we decided to put it out as a single.

'An Evening With Liam McClair' on May 7th officially launches it ...

Yes! The single will be available on that day to download from all the usual streaming sites and there will also be some physical copies out as well because lots of people still like that.

The gig is going to be a fun night. I wanted to make it a proper show so as well as my full band we've also got the fantastic comedian Nicola Hoult doing some stand up as well as music from Foxtails and Stained Glass Ceiling so I'm really looking forward to it.

We sold out Gullivers last year and for me it's been a case of just trying to progress and go up to the next level, building from gig to gig.

Are you hoping to attract record industry types to come and see the show?

Yeah but I'm not going into the show with the aim that this single will be the one that causes everything to take off. I see music as more of a long journey. I mean I'm hopeful of course and I want it to be well received but I'm not pinning my hopes on 'Hunted' getting plays on Radio One just yet because it's such a difficult thing to achieve.

There's been a gradual momentum with my music. I've been featured on BBC Introducing, 6 Music, Radio X and the last release made it to number seven on the i-tunes songwriter chart which was a real thrill seeing it listed alongside more established names.

How effective is the unavoidable world of online promotion?

Everyone's doing it of course but I dont think you can assume that if you post this blog or that tweet things will turn around overnight. It's all got to be part of a bigger plan. People can engage more directly with you - and vice cersa - online but I think it's most effective for general promotion to fans and followers to keep them updated on your music and sell tickets for gigs, etc,.

Would you ever consider auditioning for shows like 'The Voice'?

I can see that it's a good vehicle to get yourself noticed and promote yourself very quickly but it's just not something I could see myself ever doing. I love performing and writing my own music and as I mentioned, I like the journey of it, learning and progressing. It's more fuillfilling that way rather than everything happening too fast and going from doing smaller shows to playing infront of millions of people overnight. Where do you go after that? I think the best people start at the bottom, work their way up and get better at their craft.

Tell me about the Zac Efron comparisons?

Ha! I look a little bit like him I guess but I've had it since school with people yelling 'Zac' at me. I suppose there are worse people to be compared to I guess. A friend took a pic of me on holiday posing in shades and we managed to pull the wool over a few people's eyes on April Fool's Day by saying I was going to be his stunt double in a music biopic!

So what about the future? What's next on the career path?

It's a busy year ahead of more gigging and recording. After the launch show I'm going on tour around the UK. I'm also playing at the Isle of Wight festival and planning another  single to tie in with more UK and some European shows later in the year. So I'm hoping to  make some new fans and friends along the way. 

An Evening With Liam McClair is at The Deaf Institute in Manchester on May 7th.

'Hunted' will be available to download on all streaming types on the same day.

www.liammcclair.com    www.soundcloud.com/liammcclair     www.youtube.com/McClair7 

Published: 21-Apr-2016: (3699)