Track of the Day: Niall McDowell - 'Tennessee'

Three months after Niall McDowell released the vengeful yet fun and flirty single, 'Do You Think I'm Pretty?' back in May, their second single of the year, 'Tennessee' has arrived.

Here to remind everyone that they're not like other girls, the queer country ballad shows McDowell returning to their roots within the niche cottage-core Irish-Americana community, citing Sheryl Crow and The Chicks as influences.

'Tennessee' is a blistering, whip-smart and a touch narcissistic track, complete with slide-guitar and violin staples of bombastic country hits. The crooning McDowell touches on topics of long lost love and main character syndrome in the impressive offering.

McDowell's latest was recorded in Start Together Studios with Ryan McGroarty of Beauty Sleep in November 2020, and is the second in a Singles Series to be released throughout 2021, each in a different style and genre "to show charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent".

This song release coincides with McDowell's first live show for an audience performing new music since the pandemic began. They are slated to play a co-headline show with Laytha in The Sunflower Pub in Belfast on Friday, August 27th (unless the world collapses again).

Belfast singer-songwriter Niall McDowell’s debut EP Valentine was left to speak entirely for itself upon release two years ago. The project's glittering-yet-hazy guitar melodies and nostalgic lyrics were picked up on by a keen few with an ear for its soft, pensive melancholia.

Their next standalone single, 'You Have My Heart' was released in April 2020. It acts as a transitional vessel between Valentine’s stripped back approach and the genre-shifting influences McDowell is incorporating into their 2021 Single Series. In June 2020, McDowell contributed 'You Got It' by Roy Orbison for Heavenly Creature Records "80s Something" Compilation, helping to raise funds for No More Dysphoria.

McDowell’s subtlety in making and releasing queer music that is lo-fi yet touching and accessible has allowed a small following to form, building momentum for his next project and eventual continuation of live performances.

Check out the lyric video for 'Tennessee' below: