Dan McLean, Jr. is back with another powerful single titled “Let’s Stop Hurting Each Other“. I had the opportunity to grab a few minutes with Dan to discuss the new release.
Welcome back to MTM Dan, how’s life been treating you since your last release?
Things have been going great. Thanks. I’ve been busy playing, writing, and just working hard!
Is your new song/video, “Let’s Stop Hurting Each Other”, inspired by a personal event or are you acting as a storyteller in this one?
I’m the storyteller. That’s the case in most of my songs. I imagine myself as the song’s protagonist, and image a better me, a smarter me, a more “together” me, a more patient me, or whatever. I’ve certainly been in situations like “Let’s Stop”, and I think it’s pretty rare for someone to get a grip on themselves and start to behave much better in a very difficult situation. It requires an openness to being vulnerable in a situation that’s already combative. It requires trusting the person you no longer want to be with. I think it’s an admirable feat that doesn’t seem possible, or even desirable, to most people. It seems easier to keep trying to hurt the other person.
Were you satisfied with the response to your last release “I’ve Seen Love”? Do you have an album in the works?
The response continues to be really heartwarming. So good, that I’ve had to update all of my promotional material, and have created a bunch of new stuff. A video for “Let’s Stop Hurting Each Other”, and a whole new “EPK” (electronic press kit). I’ve been approached to play quite a few shows outside Toronto, and that’s a great way to reach new audiences, so I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m ready for those shows. The album’s still in the works, and every time I’ve raised enough money, I’ll do more recording.
Are you performing live? If yes, Where can people see you? Any plans to tour or do events outside Toronto?
I’m rehearsing for shows with “Dan McLean Jr & Some Honey”, which is me and my three backup singers. The songs were written specifically with backup singers having “scripted” parts. They’re not just harmonizing with me, but they also sing lines that represent a lover’s perspective, or a friend’s advice, or a listener’s observations. Audiences are loving the stripped-down yet lush sound of just an acoustic guitar and four singers.
On May 28, I’ll be filming a show with them in Guelph Ontario, so that I’ll have some first-rate promotional materials to try to hustle more shows in new cities. I’ve also invited some friends to open the show, so that they can get more good promotional video, too. Jane Lewis and Mandippal are two of the best songwriters I know. Period.
Where can readers connect with you online? Hear more music?
- http://danmcleanjr.com
http://www.youtube.com/DanMcLeanJr
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/dan-mclean-jr/id400158430
Any last thoughts? Words of wisdom? Shout outs?
I just want to mention that I’m hugely grateful to my Producer & co-writer Dave Dunlop, and my Executive Producer Greg Wells (Adele, Mayer Hawthorne, Twenty One Pilots, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Rufus Wainwright, Theophilus London, Mika, Timbaland, OneRepublic, Deftones, Pink, Kid Cudi, Burt Bacharach, kd Lang, Sir George Martin, and the Count Basie Orchestra). These guys are long-time friends, and I couldn’t trust anyone more than I do them.
