Welcome to www.DeclanBennett.co.uk
Declan Bennett (aka sumladfromcov) is a hard-hitting, dynamic acoustic singer-songwriter 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 seven-month tour of the States starring in rock opera RENT), Declan is at present putting the finishing touches to his second album in New York.
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, including a live set for the cool festival club favourite Silent Disco), plus 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 and a further EP '10 Nelson Road' (available from iTunes) earlier this year, Declan is currently putting the finishing to album 'An Innocent Evening Of Drinking' due for release early in 2008.
Declan is also currently starring for a limited season as Roger in the original, award-winning production of RENT on Broadway, as well as gigging in New York and beyond.
Declan's myspace page is at http://www.myspace.com/declanbennett
What they've said about Declan and his music...
'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
'Dark and soulful, occasionally downright sinister. Deeply mature stuff'
Attitude
'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
'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