Cullen has moved from band to solo artist down to a D

Groove Tube with Cian O’Connell

Multi-instrumentalist D. Cullen has spent the best part of a decade on stage and in the studio. From early success as a burgeoning singer-songwriter in his mid-teens to chart-topping releases with the now disbanded the New 52, Darragh has proven his ability and consistency across multiple styles and genres.

Now back under his own moniker and with three singles already to his name, D. Cullen appears to have settled seamlessly back into life as a solo artist.

He plays Galway’s Róisín Dubh this Saturday October 5, as part of an Irish mini-tour in celebration of the release of his latest single Alright.

The song may be more stripped back than the contemporary rock of the New 52 but with an undeniable hook laid on by a euphoric choral arrangement, Cullen shows that his new work leaves room for ambitious arrangements. He cites producer/collaborator Boo Hewerdine as being particularly impactful.

“He’s been amazing for me,” Darragh says of Boo. “I’ve worked with him for the last four years or so on and off. He’s just incredible – he always brings an amazing songwriting touch to all of the tunes and his sense of arrangement is always perfect. He matches perfectly with what I want to do and he’s a great collaborator.”

Having released his debut album at fifteen, it’s been a long road back to solo work for Darragh. His years with the band were fruitful and necessary but it has been a welcome few months of artistic autonomy.

“It’s actually been really nice,” he notes. “I started out as a solo artist – that was my training and my bread and butter as a kid. The band was an amazing detour… We had an amazing couple of years but I think being a solo artist kind of feels like home to me.

“The nice thing is the band are still a little bit involved. The guitar player helped record some of the vocals on the song, the bass player and drummer are always there for notes and feedback so I always give them a preview of the mix.

“But it feels nice being a solo artist – it feels like my kind of speed I think. We’re all still good mates. Everyone’s happy to see each other succeeding which is the main thing.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.