Hamish Donald Shares Latest Single, “Deadbeat”

London-based independent artist Hamish Donald returns with his new single “Deadbeat,” providing a glimpse into his debut EP Would You Still Believe?. A blend of folk, pop and country, with a singer-songwriter core, “Deadbeat” is a playful and sharp-edged feel-good track that captures the gap between who you are and who you want to be.

Built around the line “Girls on TV,” the song explores fantasy and self-image and is a juxtaposition between the allure of “Girls on TV” while “acting like a deadbeat.” At the heart of the song is aspiration, irony and self-deprecation while retaining a feel-good feel. The tension between these two is what gives the song its bite, setting its upbeat energy against something more conflicted underneath.

Written and arranged by Hamish Donald, “Deadbeat” was recorded at 123 Studios with the producer Brett Shaw. Mixed by Ollie Barnett, who also played drums and additional synth work. Through an extensive array of analogue gear at the studio and both their styles, they bring a warmth to the track.

“Deadbeat” marks another step in Hamish’s growing catalogue. Remaining in the familiar introspective songwriting but moving into a more playful sonic space. As he builds towards the release of his debut EP, “Deadbeat” introduces a more off-centre, self-aware part to his songwriting without losing the intimacy that defines his music.

He comments:

“I liked the idea of writing something that felt fun and feel-good but the only way I could seem to get there was by taking the mick out of myself a bit. I had this image in my head of someone sitting on the sofa all day, watching TV and thinking, ‘I could do that.’ It definitely feels like a move into slightly different territory from my previous releases.”

Hamish Donald ‘Deadbeat’ album artwork