Anyone original who has the balls to create....im thinking miss a. difranco, im thinking mr d. rice, but life in general has to be credited as the biggest influence, its so hard to escape....
Sounds Like
decide for yourselves.....(if your not hearing the mp3 then turn your speakers up darlin)!Or turn the jukebox off up there and watch this vid x (song:Faithful Lover)
Get this video and more at MySpace.com
pretty much the coolest thing ever -
Pure Imagination
New album "AN INNOCENT EVENING OF DRINKING" out NOW!!!
JOIN ME AS A FRIEND HERE, BUT DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP TO MY MAILING LIST TOO!!!
SEE MY WEBSITE declanbennett.co.uk and go to the 'CONTACT' section to sign up and I'll send you regular updates on gigs and releases...
Declan Bennett (aka sumladfromcov) is a hard-hitting, dynamic acoustic singer-songwriter from England whose unashamed and honest tales of love and sexuality and emotionally charged lyrics have won him a diverse and devoted fan base around the UK and beyond...
No stranger to fame (with mainstream chart success by the age of 20 as part of a pop/rock outfit, a lead role in an award-winning West End show at 21, not to mention a recent seven month tour of America starring as Roger in rock opera RENT), Declan is about to release his second full-length album “An Innocent Evening Of Drinking”. Currently starring on Broadway as Roger in the original award-winning production of Rent for a limited season (until 4 May), Declan is also performing his own gigs around New York and will be returning to the UK for a short tour in April.
From the moment Declan began introducing his solo repertoire at unplugged nights around London a few years ago under the pseudonym sumladfromcov, he began to get repeated requests for recorded material from a rapidly expanding fan base.
Having already experienced the frustration that writing for a major label could entail, he decided to go it alone, and, in 2005, brought out his debut album, The Painters Ball, on his own label Covboy Records, distributed by Proper, available from record shops throughout the UK and worldwide from online stores like www.amazon.co.uk and iTunes.
Over the past few years has been playing numerous respected acoustic venues and festivals around the UK (as well as turning up in a few unexpected places too, including a live set for the cool festival club favourite Silent Disco) and all over America.
He has supported at sell-out gigs for artists as diverse as Boy George, Seth Lakeman and Nizlopi, and has headlined his own packed gigs in places like London's Soho Revue Bar which have drawn fans from as far away as Switzerland, Germany and Norway.
Having released a limited-edition EP The Kitchen in early 2006 (recorded unplugged in his London kitchen and available through his website www.declanbennett.co.uk), and in 2007, a further EP ’10 Nelson Road’ (available under his own name from iTunes) he is currently looking forward to the release of new album "An Innocent Evening Of Drinking", to be released on April 14.
There is also a free live download album on his official site (www.declanbennett.co.uk)
What they've said about Declan and his music...
'Uncut ' **** (four-star review of An Innocent Evening of Drinking)
'
Far more than a showbiz wannabe.. Bennett has crafted some unusual variations on the acoustic singer-songwriter template... frequently gripping lyrics' Adam Sweeting
'GT' **** (four-star review of An Innocent Evening of Drinking)
'Declan's soulful vocals glide through the chatty, reflective lyrics. His strong songwriting deserves a wider audience.'
'He has a voice full of emotion and yearning, his lyrics and melodies have a pop edge without being lazy or radio-desperate' Boy George writing about Declan Bennett in 'Time Out London'
‘His are unusually honest, intelligent, and subtle pieces of work. Openness and vulnerability are a running thread with him.
There’s a diversity of subjects but the recurrent theme is this desire for truth, integrity.’
Mercury Moon magazine 2007
‘Unlike many other peers swimming in the acoustic pool, Declan Bennett effortlessly stands apart. He’s a confident and charismatic performer, with deliciously simple, welcoming melodies and captivating lyrical themes, his Midlands accent shining through to add colour and honesty to his performance. Delight in his music now before the media giants jump on board.’
Powpowpow magazine
'I'm absolutely convinced that Declan Bennett is going to be massive.
I have his album on constant repeat' 'Little Britain's' Matt Lucas
'Declan is the real thing. He sings from the heart, and I defy anyone not to be touched by his songs' Award-winning songwriter Linda Thompson
' '3 Words' is a hit single just waiting to happen, 'Thin Air' is an earnest, moody delight. He has the potential to be very big indeed' 'What's On In London'
'Acoustic soul and lyrical attack is embedded in the heart of his music' bbc.co.uk
'A definite thumbs-up. A masterful but tasteful exposition on erotic longing and emotional turmoil' 'The Orpheus' Virgin Megastore instore magazine
'As far from the world of boyband pop as the earth is from Pluto... a startlingly fresh debut' 'Gay Times'
DEBUT ALBUM "THE PAINTERS BALL" under the name Sumladfromcov is available worldwide on ITUNES, from online stores including AMAZON.CO.UK and from record shops throughout the UK
EP
"10 NELSON ROAD" available ON ITUNES ONLY
Five acoustic tracks (full band versions of four of the songs on the new album!)
PLUS OUT NOW - NEW ALBUM "AN INNOCENT EVENING OF DRINKING"
Awesome show at Rockwood - we were lucky to get seats. It was packed! See, you need to stay in NYC and play more shows :)
Small favor though, how about a weekend instead of a week night... it's a long drive back to Boston and apparently the Connecticut State Police don't like us much. I guess the speeding ticket was worth it anyway ;)
hey Dec, I loved the show last night, and if possible it was better than the CD release party, but not by much ;) and the Lauren Hill cover was so much fun :D hopefully next time you and Harley are in the same room together you guys can both get up on stage... hint hint ;)
Rock the house tomorrow night, I know you will! I'll be there in sprit :) I'll just clap to myself for you like every 5 minutes, estimating that it's the end of a song so you somehow get my support in one way or another haha.
i saw u one last time in rent tonite. took a 5 hr long bus ride at the risk of failing my finals this week but who cares, i had to see u perform one last time in Rent. you were sensational as always and I wish you all the best in everything that you plan to do!!
I hope your last day of RENT was great! Thanks for being such a great Roger! I also just bought your album and it is by far the best album yet! Your talent continues to amaze me! Great work!
HA!! Beat ya to it! I just downloaded it on iTunes... I am totally digging it....Havent stopped listening to it since I downloaded it!!!! Thanks for adding me!!! Talk soon!!! Jenn~
Declan, you're my idol! When I went to see Rent for the third time there was an understudy for you and I was so upset haha. So I asked one of the guys who sells Rent souvenirs if he would give you a letter I wrote you, but he said that would be to weird ha. It's so sad to know you're off Rent because I would have loved to see you on my birthday, June 2nd. Good luck with your new album! I'm in love with your song, Therapy. I hope I get to see you perform somewhere another time.
Declan, I am so excited to work with you soon! I am so proud to have seen you twice on "RENT"!! You are truly blessed and truly talented! I will be in touch soon... Lisa
so sad to hear that you wont be in rent anymore. i wanted to see it again before you left =/ i wish i could be at one of the shows today. You were amazing when i saw you and your performance as Roger really touched me, He's always been my favorite one out of everyone. Enjoy your last two shows today. You're amazing <3
I raise a glass (from a bottle of Jack)on your last day in RENT.Hope its memorable!Dont forget to keep us up to date here in the states.Keep those blogs coming!
I'm about to head out to see you at your last performance. You're probably performing your 2PM show right now, but I'm very excited that I get spend your last show "with you."
You're gonna do great and hopefully I'll get a chance to snap a pic with you :) Enjoy the rest of your time in the states love. <3
As I'm sitting here writing this you are getting ready for your final performance at RENT and I'm wishing I was there to see it. You are going to be missed playing the part as Roger. Good Luck to you tonight and Best of Luck to you in whatever you have in store for the future. Keep all of us updated on what your doing.
Enjoy your last 2 days in Rent! Wish I could be there for the final performance. Any plans after its over to stay in the states or are ya heading home?
heya sorry didnt get back in touch sooner have just got back from ny was an awsome few days saw rent on .....tuesday i think yer tuesday with two of my friends was awsome dead impressed gutted couldnt have done a stage door stop and said hi but ahh well it was awsome welldone
hey dude-in thailand at the mo-really enjoyed ur last one-thought u were brilliant-v inspiring-hope it went well dude-and will be sure to make it to the next one! jonny
Sooo I used the iTunes gift card I got for my birthday (which was like last January haha) and used it all on your songs =)
And I love them alllll. Limelight and Storm are on my Top 25 Most Played or whatever that playlist is called. I love themmm :) I'm seeing you May 4 btw! Very pumpedddd.
I cant stop listening to the new album!! My fav today..Z's and Q's!!! i've probably listened..well too many times to count. You really should put it on your page so that I can put it on mine. :)
