Yukon-based singer-songwriter Declan O’Donovan is touring in support of his new album, Broken Sky, and will be at Tractorgrease Cafe on June 25.
A masterful songwriter collects life’s experiences and artfully turns them into songs that capture the imagination of a listener. O’Donovan is that songwriter, that contemporary troubadour who utilizes a broad palate of voice and piano to tell intriguing stories through the music he creates.
Broken Sky is the follow-up to O’Donovan’s self-titled debut album, released in 2012. The sophomore release was recorded with Juno Award-winning producer Jean Massicotte (Patrick Watson, Adam Cohen, Lhasa) at Studio Masterkut in Montreal and features members of Patrick Watson including: Robbie Kuster, Mishka Stein, and Joe Grass; and Brad Barr from The Barr Brothers. All music was written while O’Donovan was living between Whitehorse, Toronto, and Montreal from 2014 to 2016.
“Jean gave my songs a landscape to live in and explore,” says O’Donovan. “He brought with him a sound and an approach that gave every note warmth and direction, and he gracefully coaxed out incredible performances from everyone involved, making the songs simultaneously grounded and unrestrained.”
With B.C. tour dates now underway, it’s safe to say that O’Donovan will be spending much of 2017 on the road. Following the dates in Western Canada, the next stop will be Japan in late July.
It’s a busy year of touring and that suits O’Donovan just fine.
“I don’t really have a home, and with the exception of a piano, most of my belongings fit into a suitcase. I’m quite happy to just live on the road for a while.”
Broken Sky is now available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services.
Declan O’Donovan performs Sunday, June 25 at Tractorgrease Cafe at 7 p.m. Tickets $12 and available at 604-858-3814 or email tractorgrease@gmail.com. eTransfers are welcome.
