David Sneddon Music

Early Beatles

2012-02-23T19:16:00.009-08:00

There’s a fascination about the early Beatles Photos and Music. What gave them that ‘magic’ – was it how they bounced off each other – how much did George Harrison (the quiet one) add. In the early days all three were front men and Lennon wanted the best in the band.

I’ve been having fun looking through early Beatles images.

I thought I’d add this blog as a treat for David! When I think of an ‘image’ for him and his music I think of the early Beatles for some reason. David’s melodic piano songs are highly influenced by 60s pop - from Elton, the Beatles, the Stones, The Who. At a time when mods and rockers walked the streets of London, when British youth was fascinated by the American blues records sold in back street shops and when pop music really took off here. It was fresh and exciting times for pop art culture, Mary Quant fashion, Twiggy, mini skirts and young music.Oh yes and David would have been a mod! No doubt!

Then it was all about the song and the instruments before the advent of the music video. (and oddly the Beatles were the first ones to make music videos, as they were so long at the number one spot they simply couldn't be on Top of the Pops every week!) On another note, David recorded his first video for his number one single 'Stop Living The Lie' in 2003 at the Abbey Road studios.

PS David's favourite Beatles songs - Day Tripper, Let It Be (I hope), Sergeant Peppers, more? Hope you enjoyed George Harrison Remembered. Here's a link you might enjoy. http://thehamburgbeatles.blogspot.com/

Matt Cardle talks of writing with David Sneddon (Daily Record 9th October 2011)

2012-02-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Matt Cardle Daily Record 9th October 2011 - ' I haven’t gone off on my own and written a shocking album, it’s been me with really good people. I am proud of it and the people I worked with are too.... . If James was a bit ‘I am not sure but let’s go with it’, then I would be worried. But he’s not. If they value it, then I do. Columbia would not let me release a bag of cr*p. They wouldn’t let me put out a poptastic 30 second record.”
MATT CARDLE has set his sights pretty high as he launches his solo career - he wants to do a Robbie Williams. The X Factor winner has already made it perfectly clear he is going to follow his own route after the show by signing for respected indie and rock label Columbia. And rather than Simon Cowell pulling the strings, he has surrounded himself with incredible songwriters and the man credited with making Robbie the world’s biggest male solo star, Chris Briggs. Matt told Seven Days: “I have co-written the album with some amazing people – Gary Barlow, Eg White, Biff Stannard, James Walsh, Nexus. “I got my dream deal with Columbia. Chris Briggs is my A&R man - he’s one of the best on the planet at what he does.
He did Robbie - what a task, to take someone from Take That and make them into such a huge solo artist. It’s really the same kind of task he has with me, coming from something that’s really not credible. Take That were a boy band back in the day, so it wasn’t the easiest thing to do, turning Robbie into what he became. “It really is the same sort of thing with me coming off the X Factor. Everyone has found it hard to move on from it so far - look at Leon Jackson, or poor Joe McElderry. Matt is well aware he is setting himself up for a hard time by moving away from pop to pursue rock credibility. But he insists he doesn’t care - he is confident in his debut album Letters and, more importantly, so are those big-name co-writers he worked with.
He said: “Of course, I am prepared for flak. People like the NME won’t be interested. You have to remember how people like that felt about Starsailor though. I have co-written a lot of the album with James Walsh from the band, do you really want to rip him? I’ve been writing with Eg, as in Adele. I haven’t gone off on my own and written a shocking album, it’s been me with really good people. I am proud of it and the people I worked with are too.
“If James was a bit ‘I am not sure but let’s go with it’, then I would be worried. But he’s not. If they value it, then I do. Columbia would not let me release a bag of cr*p. They wouldn’t let me put out a poptastic 30 second record.” It’s clear that Matt is thrilled with his ground-breaking record deal – he’s the first artist to have emerged from the X Factor and signed for a label other than Syco. It’s not only paved the way to the future he wants, but it gave him the big moment he missed out on after chasing it for as long as he could remember – signing his record deal.
He grinned: “The label is a huge thing. I came out of the meeting and it was like a dream. It was what I had been dreaming of for years. With Syco, you don’t get that. It’s automatic, you sign before you’re on the show. I felt like I really got signed when I moved. I remember asking my manager Will after the show if I had a record deal. He told me it was automatic which was a little bit disappointing. I sort of felt a bit robbed of the big moment. I suppose the big moment was winning.”
After winning the show, Matt was a mess, physically and mentally. Struggling with illness, he returned home to recover - and more worryingly, he found he seemed to have lost his gift for writing songs. “X Factor itself was a pretty uninspiring situation to be in. I started writing a little bit early on as we were not doing much. The pressure hadn’t set in. As soon as the shows kicked off, it was insane. There was no time to even think about writing. I came out at Christmas, went home, picked up my guitar and there was just nothing there, I was like a robot ready to learn another cover. It took a couple of weeks of just relaxing. It was hard getting it back initially. Of course, I was worried when I couldn’t write. I thought it may have turned off the tap. But it didn’t, it opened it up even more.”
Matt has never seemed entirely comfortable with the notion of celebrity itself. Modest and down to earth, he’s certainly not your average pop star - or even X Factor contestant. But thanks to the show, he feels he is more than ready to thrust himself back into the maelstrom of the public eye.
“I do feel prepared to be back in the middle of it all, back in the public eye. Personally, I feel that I’m prepared. I will cope with fame. You get pretty thrust in on the show, which prepares you to an extent. Paps are just funny. You’re walking around and all of a sudden a guy dressed all in black pops up, snapping away. I just laugh, it’s so intrusive. You can’t let it get to you. I like to play little games, if they are walking backwards you just pick your pace up and suddenly they’re tripping over themselves. When I come spinning out of a pub drunk off my nut, then they are unhelpful. People do get drunk, they fall out of clubs all the time but they don’t get their picture taken. I’m doing more of a rock thing so hopefully don’t have that squeaky-clean pop thing.
Matt has just performed his first shows promoting the album, kicking off in Orkney. “I love it. It’s me and my band, just going out kicking it, which feels wicked. We sit in the hotel bar, have a few drinks, then we get a cab to the show. It’s nice being at this level. The gigs don’t feel small, it’s still maybe 1,200 people. Compared to the X Factor shows, it’s small, but in terms of what I did with my band, it’s massive.”
Matt does have one more duty as last year’s X Factor winner - performing his single Run For Your Life tonight. Naturally, he’s nervous. Not least because the song’s writer Gary Barlow will be sitting behind the judges’ table, watching his every move. Matt said: “It’s nerve-wracking anyway but now I am going back with MY track. And some of the singers on there now are so good, the talent is unreal. It doesn’t matter that Simon’s not there. He never intimidated me, it was the millions and millions of people watching. The thing is, it’s Gary’s track and there he will be, sitting there going, ‘don’t screw this up’. I hope I don’t.”
It’s clear Matt is determined to take the chance he has earned – but equally, he insists it won’t be the end of the world if it doesn’t go according to plan. “I am not unobservant, but I was, like, asking Will if I was signed. I didn’t even realise he was my manager for three days. He was there beside me in the car, going everywhere with me, telling me what I was doing. Eventually I said, ‘sorry, this sounds so rude but what do you actually do? He burst out laughing and told me he was my manager. That is how I am. I’m really in my own little world, just floating around. “I have floated through the whole thing: ‘OK, now I am in London, oh, now I have a flat’. Now this, now that. I really haven’t thought about any of it. If it all goes wrong I’ll float back home and think, ‘that was funny’. I’ll wake up in my bed and that will be that. I pray to God I don’t have to eat my words as I will hang myself if I do, but you won’t get me in a jungle for 500 quid, doing I’m A Celeb or whatever. I am a singer and songwriter and if I am not doing that I won’t be on telly going, ‘remember me, I won a show once’. If you get to that stage it’s time to do something else."

David Sneddon mention on Lorraine Kelly

2012-02-21T09:04:00.002-08:00

Thanks to Lorraine Kelly with Matt Cardle on iTV, she made a nice David Sneddon mention -

'he's a brilliant songwriter'

She said that Mat had written wih Gary Barlow and David Sneddon for his debut album 'Letters'.

- http://www.itv.com/lorraine/celebrity/mattcardleisamazing/

David was mentioned on Lorraine today in an interview with Matt Cardle it was lovely to hear her talking about him in such glowing terms.... Great to hear that Matt Cardle is happy to talk about David. On Radio Scotland last week two guys were talking about Ainslie Henderson's good voice and how no one takes them seriously after these shows. Thanks to Sue for posting. Good vibes : -)

(Matt Cardle confirmed to play the Isle of Wight festival. Cool.)

My Site for David Sneddon

2012-02-15T16:28:00.007-08:00

Perfect Voice. David sang 'Scars' at Scotcare gig 2008

Hello From Fans!

David appears to have come out from his long long time in his undercover shell. Even yet he gives no acknowledgement to his fans, I hoped my belief in him mattered.

I started this Blog just 2 years ago, while I have been doing a site for David since 2004, yes for 9 years now, you can see here - http://www.davidsneddonfansite.co.uk/

I started the Blog here as it seemed the most up-to-date and ‘easy to use' way of keeping the fansite going. I also made a myspace fanpage back in 2006 where you can hear some of his songs from 2003 and 2006 - http://www.myspace.com/davidsneddonfans

Over 2006 to 2008 it was fun following David’s acoustic gigs, although often it has been like following a ‘ghost’ and I’ve felt foolish doing sites for someone who didn’t really exist, and even now doesn’t online! I hope he exists out there somewhere!

I’ve travelled to over 20 of David's gigs, written his Bio for nine years, I've taken some of my best photo work for him, as well as working on his fan sites, letters and more.

I’ve done the sites because of my belief in his music.

My Song

I sing my song for you

On that far away shore,

I sing my songs for you

A song you never knew.

Notes to fans - Please if David ever sets up online again (?) don’t write asking about gigs. He is very happy with his chosen career and presumably feels little need of doing gigs and all the time they involve rehearsing. I understand how much new songs would mean, and I miss his voice as much as anyone could, but we have to accept this is where he is at right now. Perhaps one day he will sing again, who knows? (also I just heard two guys on the radio chatting about the very good of voice of Ainslie Henderson, and they were saying how these shows mean that no one will take them seriously after…so sad really
And PS Why has Simon Cowell so much influence over reviewers, a man with limited musical taste and knowledge? His range travels far in the music world bizarrely.)

'Comes Back Around' David Sneddon on piano

2012-02-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

I adore David's piano and I enjoyed this clip of him backing Dave Gibson at the Regal Room London with the song 'Comes Back Around.' It is easy to underestimate the importance of quality backing.

X FACTOR winner Matt Cardle Writing wih David Sneddon

2012-02-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

Matt Cardle has toasted songwriting Buddie David Sneddon ... after revealing how the pair hit the right notes in a Brighton pub. The talent show champion hired 33-year-old Paisley man David to help him pen his first album... David spent a week with Matt holed up in their south-coast studio, bashing out lyrics. Two of their compositions made it onto the star’s debut LP, including the title track Letters. As well as Letters, another song written by David, named Slowly, features on Matt’s record. Matt revealed how drinking sessions along Brighton’s famous seafront promenade helped them to form their songwriting bond.
“There were a few other tracks we did together that didn’t make it on to the album,” said Matt. “I want to keep my next album fresh, so I’m not sure if they will be used then, but I’ll definitely take the ideas forward with me.”

Since winning Fame Academy a decade ago, David has built a formidable reputation as a songwriter-for-hire. David hit the headlines again recently after the part he played in up-and-coming songstress Lana Del Ray’s new album was revealed. That success has only served to prove the critics who wrote off Dykebar lad David as a reality TV flop wrong. And Matt is full of praise for David’s talent.
“It’s worked out brilliantly for him and he’s making a real success of things,” he said. “David and Jay both chip in to the writing process. They are a great team and a great couple of guys. When I worked with them, David and I gelled really quickly and I found it easy to sit down with him and write, especially lyrically. For me, the lyrics are the most important thing and we seemed to have a connection on that front. When you are writing music with someone else, it’s crucial that you are comfortable with them and I enjoyed my time working with David.”
Having also worked with Take That star Gary Barlow and Starsailor frontman James Walsh whilst recording his album, Matt is now preparing to step out on his own as he embarks on a 19-date UK tour. He will venture north of the border on March 15, when he plays Glasgow’s O² Academy. (EXTRACT) full article in
http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/

Can David Sneddon overcome his image?

2012-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

9 years ago David won a tv show, it seems impossible for him to loose this label even after 9 years, even after he has worked successfully for 9 years in London as a songwriter for other artists.

I noticed on the Talent Show that Darius Denesh (now known as Darius Campbell) through Westend shows, and also Myleen Klass through presenting, have moved on and overcome their reality show labels.

Not so with David. He may be building a reputation ‘behind the scenes’ but doing nothing in the media means he is forever stuck with his Fame Academy first name. He used to joke in 2003 about being stuck with his fame academy first name? I have closed Fame academy pages on the David fansite, it seemed the wise thing to do. I remember he brought up the show at Highbarn and he seemed to want to talk about it but there was no time...

Maybe his motives for participating in the show were wrong in the first place. He entered when he read it was about songwriting, rather than simply Karoke like Pop Idol. Sadly though the live Friday shows only screened the Karoke songs and none of the ‘students’ songwriting efforts.

Is he a ‘tv show winner’ or a ‘successful songwriter’? In the media’s eyes he is and will always be the former. Sad as I feel to write this. I’ve no idea why he does nothing to raise his profile in the media. I know he’s been offered tv work but turned it down. He has done acting and presenting in the past and how excellent he has been on tv too with his natural charm.

He has a true natural talent for music though and taught himself to play when his parents bought a piano. It was clear on the tv show his passion and ability for music. He’s not had the luxury of music teaching or college but rather is naturally creative. He learnt many skills through Pace drama where he performed lead roles in musicals.

Nine years ago I puzzled over this songwriting path for David, but I was wrong. And I know far more about the music business than I did nine years ago as I've been following many artists over this time. Music is my passion also and Publishing is the true creative side of music. I have puzzled why pop music has to hide in the studio but I know also what a harsh judgemental world pop music is. Clearly like the caterpillar emerging from its intricate weaving for its cocoon, perhaps it has to and only emerged when fully ‘ready’. All this careful preparation is necessary if an artist is to be on the A list or forever relegated to the B list.

I adore the live side of folk music - I wish the creative side of 'pop' and the live side of 'folk' music might be combined! ? Somehow!

I’ve no idea where David’s path may lead him. He’s been writing in an underground way for all these years and I am sure it has not been easy and has been an uphill struggle for him to overcome the prejudices that surround him. He hopes he can ignore the media yet the media affects his writing career, while the media puzzles over why he feels he has to hide..

I feel sad that reviewers tag him with the ;FA label; and I’ve no idea how he moves on from it. I hope it can be about ‘who’ David is now and not always about the past. Yet I fear too that unless he puts himself out there nothing will ever change and that’s the reality of it.

Lana Del Rey - National Anthem (Demo Version)

2012-02-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is SOO much better than the album version!

David Sneddon's SONGWRITING 2012

2012-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Announced in June 2011 - David had written songs for the synthpop duo Hurts 2010 debut album ''Happiness'' - "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood, Tears & Gold. " Their debut album 'Happiness'' reached the Top 10 in 12 European countries and has sold around 1 million copies worldwide. Hurts music is melodramatic pop.

He has also written the songs "Letters" and "Slowly" for 2010 The X Factor (UK) winner Matt Cardle's debut album, ''Letters'', which was released in October 2011 and charted at No.2 on the UK Albums Chart. He has worked with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in both the US and the UK, with several releases in 2010 and 2011.

It was revealed in January 2012 that David had written the song "National Anthem" for the 'Next Big Thing' Lana Del Rey's number one selling album Born to Die.'' The song on Del Rey's album was co-written and produced with David Sneddon and The Nexus. Lana Del Rey's debut album ''Born to Die'' reached No.1 in the UK Alums Chart and became one the fastest-selling albums of the year selling 116,745 copies, the biggest first-week sales of 2012. Digital sales accounted for 50,007 units to become the fifth album to sell upwards of 50,000 downloads in a single week.

Born To Die is the major-label debut by Ameican singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey was released on January 30, 2012 through Interscope Records and Stranger Records. Del Rey's first single from the album, “Video Games” received huge interest on Youtube and brought about the singer's popularity. David also wrote the song "Driving in Cars With Boys" with Lana Del Rey.

Sneddon works with the UK based songwriting and music production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a songwriter the past years. "The Nexus" work on major label projects across the UK, Europe and the US. "The Nexus" also specialise in the discovery of new talent, assisting in their development and have successfully taken several artists from independent to major label status. David has written songs for Hurts, Matt Cardle's 'Letters" and Lana Del Rey's No 1 selling album 'Born To Die'.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sneddon has written three songs for the synthpop duo Hurts 2010 successful album ''Happiness'' (1 million copies worldwide)- "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood, Tears & Gold. " Sneddon has also written the songs "Letters" and "Slowly" for 2010 The X Factor (UK) winner Matt Cardle's debut album, ''Letters'', which was released in October 2011 and charted at No.2 on the UK Albums Chart.

He has also written the song "National Anthem" for the 'Next Big Thing' Lana Del Rey's number one selling album Born to Die.'' Del Rey’s “Video Games” received huge interest on YouTube and brought about the singer's popularity. David also wrote the song "Driving in Cars With Boys" with Lana Del Rey. Sneddon works with the UK based songwriting and music production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a songwriter the past years.

Great spread in Vogue on Lana Del Rey - ultra cool! Photos by the incredible Mario Testino.

David Sneddon Mention on 'The Talent Show' ITV

2012-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

A nice mention of David on The Talent Show (you can watch ITV player) last night (Saturday 4th Feb) - said his songwriting was going well. Thanks to Aileen for posting to say.
I managed to watch the program. It was very brief and simply said he had written songs for Matt Cardle and Lana Del Rey - with no mention of Hurts or of his success as a songwriter. I felt they 'glossed over' David's achievements, as if it all didn't make sense to them that an entrant and winner(!) of a talent show might actually have musical ability..? According to the show Fame Academy was run like a school – with a headmaster Richard Parks and students!
They did show some clips, and one of David singing Stop Living The Lie on Top of the Pops. Sadly no clip of him singing ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, his wonderful Elton cover. David’s covers of Elton and the Beatles are the best I've heard and part of the reason I’m such a massive fan.
David did not appear for any interview about the show ( and neither did Lemar). I have to think David does not want to be associated in any way with the show he was on, so long ago now. David does not regret doing the show as it opened doors for him in the industry. http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/

There are No Words

2012-02-03T06:01:00.001-08:00

After 9 years...Dare I be hopeful?

It Has Been 9 Years! I do 5 sites for David, for 9 years now.

Will you speak with me for the sites as you promised in 2009?

It's been so hard all the wondering, all the silences.

My belief in his talent is as strong, perhaps stronger than it ever was.

It has been worth the efforts. I grasp at the joys, and he as one of the brightest stars, to save my falling into the muddy depths below. My River of Hopes.

2012. Has got off to a good start. Dare I be hopeful?

The great news of the Lana Del Rey song. 'National Anthem' is brilliant.

Surely a hit for him. Dare I hope? Looks like Lana is about to make No 1 in the album charts!

After 9 years

All the times at the gigs I had a short chat with David; At the Jazz Bar, the Troubadour fun, and the last time I saw him at the Barrowlands December 2008. (also at Cambridge, the Betsey, Regal room, Bedford, Highbarn Essex, Johnstone, Cobden, the Halo Bar.) It feels like just yesterday but also a lifetime ago!

The letters he's written and his kindly signing my Prints, which meant a huge deal for me. I appreciate so much the time he took to chat at the gigs, the letters and the signed Prints.

Something in his music resonated with me, I was captivated - sometimes blown away!

Taken on highwinds, felt deep tears, great joys.

Always meaningful and passionate (and never dull)

The Questions with no answers? Why were the media not supportive?

Was it the show? (even his being Scottish?) Was it all about 'image' in the end?

In the end ...

He had more charisma, talent and uniqueness than other artists I know.

More than that -He has something important and of value to say.

I’m truly glad you are happy yet in the back of my mind there is the wondering, don’t you wish to be the artist you were meant to be – one day. How can you possibly not wish for it? Do you still write your own songs? I hope you still do.

Something like rock n roll

Something like rock n roll

Grabbing hold of your soul

I saw the light in you.

Dreams…

It feels like so long

Dreaming for a song

I’ve hoped, I’ve prayed.

Sometimes it’s a gift

Dylan says a ‘place of magic’

I’ve believe in you.

In the end

It's all about the notes you sing.

In the end

You simply made the heavens ring.

music PLAYLISTS

Just made up an awesome 'Gerry Rafferty Playlist' - Such incredible songs, simply some of the best. Listening to George Harrison, Rab Noakes and After the Goldrush - I know what my sound is at last! Its awesome....

Billboard Music 2011

http://www.billboard.com/news/the-best-of-2011-the-year-in-music-1005616852.story#/news/the-best-of-2011-the-year-in-music-1005616852.story
Here's a short clip of a 2006 song many fans love.

David Sneddon FAN MYSPACE PAGE

2012-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

FAN MYSPACE PAGE
You can hear some of David's songs from 2003 to 2007 on the Fans myspace page I made for him a few years back - http://www.myspace.com/davidsneddonfanpage
I've just spent several hours updating all of David's Bio pages. Always believe in you...

David Sneddon interviewed Independent

2012-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

David has been interviewed for this Independent article.

The forgotten reality TV star taking Lana to the top

He was the spiky-haired youth who won the BBC's Fame Academy a decade ago, then disappeared from the limelight. But David Sneddon has been revealed as the unlikely collaborator for Lana Del Rey who called upon the Scot to help her score further chart success. Born to Die, the first "official" album by Del Rey, finally hits stores today after months of anticipation. The New York singer is tipped to enter the charts at No 1 despite dividing critics with her breathy pop that she describes as "gangsta Nancy Sinatra". One of the key songs on the album, "National Anthem", a tale of sex, drugs and romance, was actually written after a meeting between the singer and Sneddon, who has developed a new career as a songwriter-for-hire.
"Lana was in the country in 2010 trying to develop herself as a writer/artist and was working with various writers and producers. Our managers knew each other, so it was easy to organise a session to see how we'd all get along," said Sneddon, who enjoyed a No 1 single, "Stop Living The Lie", after winning the BBC1 talent show in 2002.
Sneddon co-wrote "National Anthem" with his musical partner James Bauer-Mein. "We heard some of the early tracks Lana had written and really liked the sound she was going for," said the Paisley-born musician, now 33. Pop stardom soon lost its appeal for Sneddon, who rarely speaks publicly about his Fame Academy experience. The only talent show winner to compose their own No 1 single, Sneddon waved goodbye to his £1m record deal after one album and pursued a new career, as a backroom songwriter.

Sneddon and Bauer-Mein are the team behind hits for soul singer Nate James and synth-pop duo Hurts. Sneddon rejects claims that Del Rey is a "manufactured" artist, a charge once laid against himself. He said: "She'd spent a while working on her sound before we met her so we were pretty quick to learn what she wanted out of a song. The lyrics are incredibly personal to her and although she enjoys the mystique of Hollywood imagery, you'll find a story wrapped up in every song."

Sneddon and Bauer-Mein hope to continue their partnership with Del Rey. They said: "We get along really well with Lana and had a lot of fun working with her on this album. If Lana wants to collaborate on the next album, we'd love to be involved. Quite simply, her songs are fantastic."
Sneddon, who gained a last-minute place on Fame Academy after another contestant pulled out, won the first series with 3.5 million votes. But he swiftly became disillusioned with the "dark side" of tabloid notoriety which reached a low point when he hit a London club barman who had been taunting him.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/

I'm very proud of My Portfolio Photos of David Sneddon I that consider some of my best work - http://pkimage.co.uk/davidsneddon

David Sneddon : New PHOTO

2012-01-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

New Photo posted 27th, David writing in the studio.

David Sneddon has Written Songs for Lana Del Rey

2012-01-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

It was revealed that David Sneddon and The Nexus have written the song 'National Anthem' for Lana Del Rey's forthcoming debut album 'Born To Die' - the major-label debut by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, which is set for release on January 27, 2012. Del Rey has had a huge following on YouTube in 2011 with her song ‘Video Games’ and is predicted for big things in 2012! . http://popcrush.com/lana-del-rey-national-anthem-tracks-girls-songs

Del Rey (aka Lizzy Grant) has written with the Fame Academy winner and his song writing partner, who have previously written songs for Hurts and Matt Cardle. Del Rey (aka Lizzy Grant has appeared on the BBCs ‘Later With Jools Holland’ and she is on the cover of Q magazine January 2012.

DIY Blog sees the song as a potential chart hit. Quote:” As a pop song, capable of breaking into the charts - and this is the context we should be putting Del Rey in… it’s a potential no.1 hit.” http://www.lanadelrey.com/

Quote Kicksnare blog – ‘Leak after demo after leak has hit the net. The latest ‘National Anthem’ is the first track to really catch me since ‘Video Games’….. Her beautiful and unique voice sometimes doesn’t seem to fit the tempo of her music, but ‘National Anthem’ is brilliant…. So take into account this is a leak and know the final mix will only be even more spectacular Ok Miss Del Rey, you have finally done it, I am under your spell.’ http://kickkicksnare.com/2012/01/06/lana-del-rey-national-anthem/

I knew that David was working with Del Rey but nothing about a song on her album until now. This is truly great news. This is massive news for David and his writing career!! : )) http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com

Belief ....I feel I've just had my long held belief in David validated overnight it seems...! In recent years I realised my ear for music and my eye for photography. It is not that I've been without my doubts over the years. There have been times I've questioned was I fooling myself. So to all those other fans who have bolstered and supported me with their equal belief, I send my huge vote of thanks! I'd never have been able to keep the faith without them and their support. Oddly early January I felt so calm about David as if all the times of 'worrying' for him had lifted and floated away.Then googling on Friday I read about his song for Lana - I was so hoping he’d have a song on her album as the next Big thing. It truly is the best news. I'm very proud of My Portfolio photos of David Sneddon that I consider some of my best work - http://pkimage.co.uk/davidsneddon

I admire his direct honesty and creativity.

In turbulent times his music has been as a place of refuge - a life raft and place of beauty in stormy seas.

DAVID SNEDDON is a Scottish musician and singer-songwriter who works in London. Sneddon works with the UK based Songwriting and Music Production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a Songwriter the past years. The Nexus work on major label projects across the UK, Europe and US. The Nexus also specialise in the discovery of new talent, assisting in their development and have successfully taken several artists from independent to Major Label status.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Many artists seek to ‘entertain’ – David seeks ‘musical credibility’, a much harder goal to attain but a much more worthwhile one.

2011 has been a highly successful one for David’s writing career. He has written with well respected Eg White and many other top songwriters. I hope 2012 brings even more successes for David.

In 2003 David did both ballads and rocky for his first album, Seven Years Ten Weeks. In 2004 he took his music rocky. In 2005 the Colne gig acoustic set with John and Harry made a big impact on fans. In 2006 he produced a more acoustic ep, but the impact of his voice live on the radio and at the gigs did not shine through, while the ep sold well.

What is his voice about? It is about the heartbreak yet joy of love with a sincerity rarely met. It is a soul voice that aches, soars and questions with a poignancy and depth with his unique piano melodies.

I’m a massive fan and do the fanpages because I believe in his song writing talents, but also because I believe in the magic of his own voice and that he has something important to say in his music and songs that I hope we might hear again. I pray one day he may still record his own voice again.

David was at the Oxo Tower for a New Year party - on London Southbank, he must have had a great view of the fireworks! Amazing display.

It is actually 9 years now! I hope my playlists, writing, thoughts, images, improve with time. Celtic coming up!

David Sneddon - 2011 Writing

2011-12-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

2011. Writing news - This has been an exciting and busy year for David with his writing successes. Hurts sold nearly 1 m albums and toured the major festivals. David and the Nexus co-wrote songs on Matt Cardle's album. He has been working with some very talented new artists, solo singers and bands, who've been gaining a lot of interest on YouTube. I'm very excited for these artists. He appears to have established himself as a songwriter of note in London.(no pun intended!)
The past 3 years since David chose to focus on his song writing in 2008, I hoped I might follow his writing career. It has been hard detective work often to know what he's been doing as he has been working in an underground way. I only post here about artists the press have already published online and that appear to be 'officially' connected to David's work. I've been following David's music career since 2003 now and writing his Bio.

Letter December

2011-12-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hi David,
I wish I knew where to write as your fan. It has all 'seemed' important? I'd wish to know that you are well and happy, future plans... In my view you are the best to come out of a reality show. .. or from anywhere. I understand why you focus on writing, yet as you are working in music I wonder too why you can't record a few songs? I can hear all these average voices - just not the best soul voice I've heard in such a long time... yours.
**My Fan Spaceship? Perhaps it might came down to land on your music shores..? Wishing you inspirations, wishing for new music and great songs.

David continues to make music in an underground way.

I try to accept the loss of his songs and voice and of the dreams that have kept me motivated for such a long time. There is now the poignant sadness when I hear songs that he has sung live.

I enjoy a lot of music, but his voice holds a special place, irreplaceable voice.

It's not about charts for me anyway, but about the music. Can I give up on the dreams...? My dream is not about charts - why has it to be all about those pop charts that I dislike so much anyway. Only one album in a hundred has any interest for me - this year Coldplay, Hurts, Adele.

My dream is simply a new album of his wonderful songs, his piano and deeply beautiful moving voice to hear one day.... Promise there will be another album one day, what would I pledge? I hope David that you haven't lost yourself to pop music. I believe you have a wonderful talent. Always believe in you..You are always a star to me.

3 years since David's last gig Scotcare Bedford - seems an age ago. What did happen David? I am ready for some nostalgia now .......

New Dreams... I Try to Dream.

2011-12-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

I’m excited for many young artists...yet amongst it all there is one voice that has stood out. Very sadly for his fans he has not sung his songs the past few years.

His voice and personality took hold of my attention on a tv show 9 years ago. He not only had a fun enthusiasm but an intense infectious joy of life, love and music. He shone on the show and won the public vote hands down. As a piano player myself, I particular enjoy the voice alongside piano. His piano playing is full of emotional depth and pauses and reflections. His voice had a pure expression - it ached with poignancy and soared with release. I try to focus on those artists he writes for, and some are excellent, even as it is his voice I yearn to hear. He is such an enthralling and insightful artist.

In 2006 he wrote some wonderful, highly memorable and moving songs. He performed them live and recorded five for his White Noise ep which he made available on the Indiestore and which sold well. When he performed the songs at gigs his voice overwhelms. Something feels lost on the recordings however, and I thought of the ep as the ‘held back’ ep. While the ep was very good he seemed to hold back and the depth of emotion and character did not come over on the studio recordings. Especially on his One Old Soul, which live is his most gripping vocal, wheras on the recording it has thudding drum over-crowding a subdued vocal. This was a huge disappointment for me by comparison to his live voice. At the gigs there is always the special live connections.

My best loved piano artists are McCartney and Elton who are also artists that have most influenced his music. Perhaps he wishes he was working in the 60s, back when Elton had his Publishing deal writing with Bernie Taupan. (Elton was influenced by bluegrass player Leon Russell). When McCartney was inspired by the longs hours playing to all kinds of audiences in Hamburg, and Lennon by the rock n roll of Buddy Holly. Back when it was all about the song and not the gimmicks, lavish videos and pyrotechnics.

And this is my gift for him.

I enjoy expressing my love of music in words – but it is in my photos that his character comes over most vividly. Images are truth- makers and unlike words they never lie or tell half-truths. They tell of the honesty and poignancy and rich emotions of his voice; of his real character and the joy of his melodies and the escape of listening to his songs. His voice soars and caresses emotions with intimate assurances. Even now I still consider his photos my best.

I try to dream.

He has had to hide his identity to detach himself from the show. It is only recently that he has felt able to uncover his identity after the success of Hurts. I’ve no idea what next year holds in store. Hopefully news that is good, new songs, great gigs even. ...

No HURTS Review

2011-11-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry no Hurts Photos or review of their ABC O2 gig Glasgow Thursday 3rd November 2011. No Photo pass. I would have enjoyed to see HURTS with their bigger stage show..

I enjoy to support David Sneddon and his music but feel sad for his hiding. I have written David Sneddon's Wikipedia page, his Bio, Photos, reviews and more the past 8 years. http://www.davidsneddonfansite.co.uk/

His music inspires me.... Since 2008, the past 3 years since David chose to focus on his song writing, I hoped I might follow his writing career. I only post here about artists the press have already published online and that appear to be 'officially' connected to David's work.

David Sneddon 's Songs

2011-10-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

David's songs have seen me through good times and bad the past 9 years. They mean a huge amount to me. Especially - One Old Soul, White Noise, No More Words, On Your Side, Longest Time, Northern Lights, Anticipation, Scars, Without You, Stop Living the Lie and newer songs Cry When I Go, Stay Till Tomorrow. And some of the lovely covers he has sung at the gigs - such as McCartney’s Let It Be.
There is something deeply moving in his voice, songs and piano. As with Joni, Dylan, and the Beatles his songs are part of my life. Yes I can hear David's songs sung through other artists but it is his voice that moves me.

Stop Living The Lie Photos; Ready For Some Nostalgia?

2011-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ready for some nostalgia....? Some Stop Living The Lie stills.

David on Top of the Pops, Don't let Go - I love this clip, thanks to magicmary989 for posting. I haven't seen this one for so long a time.... Back then in 2003 the clips were all on video.
David is singing live, he is great live and how much better this is than the recorded version of Don't Let Go.
What did happen David?

HURTS at T in the Park 2011

2011-10-11T17:04:00.001-07:00

Hurts Review - Düsseldorf Mitsubishi Electric Halle 4th October 2011

2011-10-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

It’s lush, rich and gloriously crafted – the now fiftysomething Pet Shop Boys finally have their heirs. There’s that same sense of being simultaneously lightweight and bubbling with pathos, and the sense that there’s no such thing as too many layers of sound.... quality pop is as important as quality rock or indie or hip hop or punk and I really wish there was more of it around.

The lights go down and the additional players take their positions. Back home HURTS can pack the Ritz – itself a long-recognised signifier that a Manchester band has “made it” to a certain level – but here they’re bond fide mainstream pop stars, as we discovered last year on a trip to Switzerland: our boys from back home were barely off the (German) pop stations piped into cafes and bars. So this isn’t just a gig, it’s a show. The eleven-piece band including string quartet sit motionless as searchlight-style spotlights sweep the red glow and two hooded figures walk to the front and unfurl black flags. The strings and drums crash into life and the immaculately-suited duo stride on to screams, launching into “Silver Lining” – and it’s one of the most ridiculous, ostentatiously brilliant things I’ve seen in the live music canon in ages. The sound is just enormous – all credit to whoever helped with the orchestration arrangement here. So what if it’s all plotted and scripted to the hilt: from Take That’s dance routines to Rammstein’s pyromanic showpieces it always is at this level. “Wonderful Life” is next, with the capes and flags discarded to reveal two balletic and somewhat interpretative dancers: you just don’t get this sort of thing – or indeed the harp which will make an appearance later – in the grubby indie basements where much of our musical life is played out.
It was, however, in a particularly grubby indie basement that Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson first caught our eye. The basement was Manchester’s Music Box, in 2006 – a great new bands night by High Voltage fanzine which presented four fresh-out-the-box bands every Thursday – and the band was Bureau, fresh out of school. (Interestingly one of the other near-debutantes that evening was a young post-hardcore trio called Dresden, whose intense 17-year-old frontman Cal Wright is now better known as acclaimed techno act D/R/U/G/S). Theo bounced around the stage like all the adrenaline he’d collected in his eighteen or so years on earth was all coming out at once; I wrote “Bureau are a pop band in the best possible sense of the word. They look and sound like they’ve landed fully formed from some planet where 80s synthpop never got corporate and dreary.” Soon after, a largely forgotten Dexys offshoot called THE Bureau forced them to change their name; sadly their debut single (also courtesy of High Voltage) had already been pressed, so Daggers were forced to promote a single (“After Midnight”, worth hunting down if you like electropop I once decribed in print as “so 1982 it could sink an Argentine warship”) that didn’t even have their name on it. Then one day thieves cleared every last thing from their rehearsal room and they called it a day. It was a while before the surviving duo resurfaced, the glam disco clobber exchanged for evening-wear and the thumping Eurobeats for… well, this.
It’s lush, rich and gloriously crafted – the now fiftysomething Pet Shop Boys finally have their heirs. There’s that same sense of being simultaneously lightweight and bubbling with pathos, and the sense that there’s no such thing as too many layers of sound. Songs that come across as a bit weedy on the pair’s debut album, such as “Evelyn”, have grown legs, wings and guts. “Sunday” – probably the closest to that upbeat Euro sound that they get these days – has echoes of Giorgio Moroder, himself influenced by the synthetic wonders of Kraftwerk and their peerless mid 70s innovations: innovations which laid the foundations for modern electronic pop music, on a quiet street less than a mile from here.
Hurts’ show is spectacular. The dancers come on for a quick turn with the string quartet before the boys re-emerge with the pseudo-operatic torchsong “Verona” and their party trick of turning Kylie’s “Confide In Me” into the Pet Shop Boys song it always was at heart. The final “Stay” is magnificent and encore “Better Than Love” feels almost transcendentally joyful. And yeah, in a day or two I’ll be back in grubby indie basements, but this was a fantastic excursion. No guilty pleasures crap here – quality pop is as important as quality rock or indie or hip hop or punk and I really wish there was more of it around.http://louderthanwar.com/

David Sneddon - 3 Years since last gig

2011-10-09T05:24:00.000-07:00

3 years today since David's last gig at Scotcare Bedford - seems an age ago....

Matt Cardles' single 'Run For Your Life' release today and Mstt is on X factor show tonight - http://www.mattcardlemusic.com/gb/

David Sneddon Your Voice!

2011-10-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so incredibly proud of all your successes - against the odds!! Always believed in your music. Your songs always seem to go somewhere and I never tire of them. I hear your voice in 'Letters' incredible.

Jools Holland show. It is good it is not about any charts... well maybe YouTube hits.

I'm so glad you love music now. I remember at the Troubadour you said to me -

'I don't' like music!' I said, what on earth do you mean?

You replied, ' on the radio, all the rubbish that is played.'

I said, 'You look for music in the wrong places.'

I'm glad you know where to find it now.

Miss you.

Matt Cardle at Koko 'Letters'

2011-10-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Matt at his London gig at Koko.

'Letters' and 'Slowly' songs with Matt Cardle

2011-09-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

You can now hear the tracks David has co-written on Matt Cardle's debut album LETTERS. Both Letters and Slowly! I adore hearing David's songs - but oh dear on Letters (especially the acoustic version) I hear David's voice on the chorus so much. Also love the way he writes his verses.
'Letters' sounds so much like David.

I hope you enjoy them. (you can pre-order Matt's album)
I love both songs.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/letters/

http://www.mattcardlemusic.com/gb/releases/entry/letters_deluxe_edition/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY David!!

2011-09-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

I hope you are another year older and wiser now.

I lost my dreams once. I've been following your career the past eight years and you are now a successful songwriter in London. Through my belief in your talent I was able to discover again my own belief and lost dreams. My joy of your music kept me believing and hoping. Art is not simply the notes or even the heart - it is also a much deeper soulful thing. And unless we reach that place, that 'far away shoreline' we can't feel or express as a true artist.

I can hear mnay singer - songwriters just not the one artist I wish to hear most. Because you work in music you are unable to sing! It's a crazy world we live in that's for sure!

I miss the searching poignancy

of your voice.

Your gripping piano

The joy of your words.

Hurts NME March 2010

2011-09-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Quote -

'After our interview we tried to chase up some other rumours (!) About the involvement of their A & R, rumoured to be their unofficial third member. About the other songwriters they're alleged to have been working with - including Fame Academy winner David Sneddon. We asked Adam about Sneddon's rumoured contributions. This is the email response we got back:

" Decisions are like weights, you have to be strong and carry them above your head with pride, like an Olympian. The music is our fundamental ware, our javelin, the steely spikes on our running shoes. We must retain control; of the music or else everything else will fall part. We are not interested in treason, in overthrowing The Man, because we understand his value to our craft, and the beauty of our co-operation and collaborations."

Riight. So you're saying you don't work with anyone else? 'Delegation is not something we are interested in, especially not within our musical vision. It is impossible to delegate the thoughts inside our heads to other people, it would simply cease to be Hurts. Obviously. Discussion, understanding and grooming are things which may happen. But so long as we shall live, we will continue to be in control. Hurts will grow ands extend as and when we want it to."

We thought we'd try going straight to their A & R - Spice Girls songwriter Biff Stannard - about his involvement. He came back to us with this . "Much like an exercise regime for an athlete, I provide a service similar to a personal trainer. I have experiences of building muscle and fitness, however, my sole aim is for my athlete to beat me in the race."

Of course , these aren't really answers, more like propaganda. The idea of athleticism has been music touted as part of Hurts vision. That's what they're sticking to. Hurts are almost authoritarian with their image; not difficult interviewees - indeed there's a sharp sense of humour at play beneath the surface - but serious nonetheless.

..Hurts need power, not just in their music, but every facet of the world that they inhabit.

That is something to be celebrated - the best pop has often been meticulously planned. Finishing with...

'Their performances, their attitude and above all their songs are head and shoulders above any other British pop band right now. First they'll take Manchester, then they'll take Berlin. Just don't trust a word they say. Enjoy the myth-making. '

Sounds good to me - bet David is high right now. He even logged on on Monday...

David Sneddon Standing by You

2011-09-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Other fans say that they enjoy the sites and say they look professional and I've been very proud of my work for you - both my writing and photos. I couldn't do better. I've put a lot of care, attention and thought into the text and layouts - and doing websites is not as easy as it looks! I've been proud of them and hope you might be too - I felt you deserved a quality site. Obviously doing the photos and Prints meant a lot to me. A month back when the Hurts news broke, I thought well I can continue to follow your writing career I hoped.

The fanpages, are about my belief in your talent... I only post what is out there for all to see if they google for you. I have other artists I follow and promote, as well as my own projects. While I still believe in my work for you. I follow Hurts and they are good and I'm proud of their successes. I spent many long hours removing all mentions of your songwriting work.

When I'm over in Edinburgh I often eat at the corner restaurant and think about the gigs there, they were so magic. I never imagined that they would be your last in

Scotland

, oh dear. Best not to think of it all - and when I hear songs like Deacon Blues Dignity or Elton's Don't Let The Sun they bring back so many memories. I don't believe I'll ever hear you sing again. If 'David Sneddon' no longer exists what am I doing the fanpages for....

I will never forget first hearing your Seven Years Ten Weeks. Or how perceptively moving your later songs were, and the beauty of your voice singing classic songs like 'Let it Be'.

I stood by you

I stood by you when I hated to see you hurt in the media.

I stood by you when many in the business appeared to have deserted you.

I stood by you when fans took to other artist's flags.

I stood by you as the number one artist for me.

I stood by you when there was little to hold onto except belief and hope.

Belief and hope that true talent wins in the end...

Perhaps, as I hope, your ship has sailed for your future successes - and you have gone on that far horizon. I hoped I could still travel on the journey with you.

The Power of Words

The power of words hits me in the stomach,

They float above me trying to express my heart.

The stories that brought my soul home,

The stories that spoke of truths,

Stories that took me deeper,

Taught me about passion,

Taught me about love,

What is real.

David Sneddon - Northern Lights Highbarn

2011-09-05T04:39:00.000-07:00

Matt Cardle's album 'Letters'

2011-09-05T04:21:00.000-07:00

David Sneddon has co-written songs for 2010 The X Factor winner Matt Cardle's debut album "Letters" which is due for release in October 2011.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/Matt-Cardle-teams-up-with-David-Sneddon.

David is now a successful songwriter and you can follow his writing news on - http://twitter.com/WeAreTheNexus

Hi Dave, I hope you are well and still alive?? Is it OK to post about your writing for Matt Cardle news on the sites. Is it Ok to post about The Nexus on the sites?

Matt Cardle's new album 'Letters', the first single is co-written with Gary Barlow 'Run For Your Life'

http://www.mattcardlemusic.com/
Matt also worked with songwriters Eg White and Guy Chambers for this album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coCwyRhb_2A

Matt Cardle's 'Letters' album tracklisting -

1. Starlight
2. Run For Your Life
3. All For Nothing
4. Pull Me Under
5. Amazing
6. Faithless
7. Beat Of A Breaking Heart
8. Stars & Lovers
9. Letters
10. Reflections
11. Walking On Water
12. Slowly
13. When We Collide

The album is available to pre-order right now, in both standard and deluxe editions. Simply get clicking on the link of your choice below…

‘Letters’ - the deluxe edition: Amazon / Play.com / HMV.com

David Sneddon Time Flies!

2011-09-05T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hi David,

Time flies! or lies?

So they say...

And here I am still hoping sometimes dreaming....

I hope you enjoyed the Paul Simon playlist I sent over. And the Melodramatic songs.

I wrote a song today, the first in a while...for me the tune and words usually come together.

Caricatures

We were talking about Harrison Ford and how he was the only actor in Star Wars to make a Big Career. Mark Hammil who played Luke Skywalker does 'voiceovers' for movies and that he is very good. But he was so typecast as Luke that he was unable to get other parts. Which made me wonder about you. Are you so typecast as 'FA David Snedon' you can't now be anything else? And in your dream of being a successful writer, this can only be achieved by your being 'someone else?' I guess I am truly puzzled even now about many aspects of it all. The media is all about it's fast sound bites.

David is now a successful songwriter and you can follow his writing news on - http://twitter.com/WeAreTheNexus

He has something new to say in his songs and there are not many artists I can say that about.

I was on the phone outside Biblos restaurant on the corner of Chambers Street and 'Gerry' of Martian fame walked past looking his deadly serious look in a long leather coat. He didn't see me. Perhaps it is all fleeting odd moments that we have here and nothing is real or as it seems..? Life leads us on strange paths and on those pavements that have seen to many footsteps...'Real harmony comes from the heart. Trust, respect and friendship are all essential' Dala Lama.

My Field of Dreams. I search through them as they hover above,

Sometimes golden, Sometimes hollow.

Your Sites? I was wondering do I make the David fansite an Archive now?

NB: Is it OK to post about 'The Nexus'? on the sites now??

It did seem important to be your fan and to believe in you.

The David Bio pages. The work to write the Bio has been immense and is probably the biggest thing I've done for you. It seemed important.

It feels like dreams floating off to the heavens, and into deep clouds...

Letters. Are written when we are sad, confused, alone, optimistic, upset, thoughtful, pensive, seeking answers. They are written to offer experience, hopes, insights, news. To communicate. They are about belief and hopes. Our Dreams.

What do words actually mean? A truly complex part of our brains.. they represent ideals, concepts, thought processes, emotions, objects, themes.

And letters..They seem to matter, yet they are only drops in the ocean.

Why is there is nothing to say, and why none of it makes any sense.

The only thing that makes sense is the music and is the thing I cling on to.

Some few people are charismatic in photographs?

2011-08-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

When actors go for screen shots some 'jump out' on the screen and simply hold your attention. Good examples are Robert Redford, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, and Grace Kelly.

Grace Kelly 'All photogenic people have square faces [Grace's] mouth, the tip of her nose, her nostrils - all are extremely sensitive. Their beauty is effective, against the ragged background of the square face' In his book. In his book 'The Face of the World' photography Cecil Beaton explained why the camera was insane for Grace Kelly.

Some of my best are of David Sneddon. He was on a reality show and has gone on to be a successful song writer. The camera loves him,. He seems to glow and express that charisma that is so hard to define in words. Like Grace Kelly his looks work perfectly - the slight pout of his mouth, his nose not creating too long a shadow, his eyes have soft smile lines with a hint of mischief and fun yet with a deep sensitivity.

Robert Richardson theatre director on Grace Kelly. 'When you looked at that picture, you were not looking at her. You were looking at the illusion of her. The camera was insane about her - just like I was. When I looked at that photograph I knew that her future would have to be in pictures.'

David Sneddon Your Music

2011-08-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

I will never forget first hearing your Seven Years Ten Weeks. Or how perceptively moving your later songs were, and the beauty of your voice singing classic songs like 'Let it Be'. It's hard when it is always about the past and I feel I can't post any recent news of your music all these past years. I wish it wasn't always about the past? P

David Sneddon - Dignity

2011-08-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

David Sneddon - Scars Scotcare Bedford

2011-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget about us...Thanks for the Inspirations...

2011-08-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget walking down Buchanan street Glasgow in August 2004 and thinking how the people there were unaware of the talent of one of their own. David was performing that day at one of the stages for the Merchant City festival, but as he'd won a tv talent show he was not to be taken seriously as an artist. It has taken many journeys for him to prove his talent.

Questions? Do you want the fame? - yet you go to the press too. Life offers no easy answers... You have said - 'I'll do another album one day but I need to take my time/ doing a big album doesn't appeal. I love being a songwriter/ I love performing. I don't want to be famous/ I went on and won a show called fame academy!' I wonder that you have been torn in two. Maybe you know now.... 'You appreciate fans long time support/ you walk away and we never hear from you.' All these long years I thought you valued my belief in you, my commitment, my views on music, my photos, my writing. All during the hiding it seemed important to keep supporting you - I tried. Now all I see is the back of your head and those faded dreams.

I don't really care about songs anymore or gigs even - just the missing you.

I thought that you might post now the hiding is over (??) I wonder that you are tired of being asked over and over about gigs. I really don't care about that - gigs are only a bonus - or even songs. Just enjoy to hear from you and your blogs were such fun - I'd love to hear your views on the Hacking scandal! on Murdoch's evil empire and all...?? You are such an incredibly astute, interesting artist and that's what interests me. That's why I'm here. I'd no idea if you were a lightweight or what back on the show, I was simply following my instinct. I've often felt so badly over the way the media and press were with you, a hard burden on your back I'm sure. Did sudden fame also effect you badly? You were held back by your lack of a 'defined musical style' and 'image' with your music in 2003 but not now with your 'melodramatic piano songs' and you have a clear style now, I'm so happy for you. Always about the music. I'm truly happy you are focusing on your writing and I hope you believe me? I know I long to hear your voice on new songs, but I am OK with it as I wish for your success and happiness.

If you now have the 'anonymity' you appear to seek what are my fanpages for anymore. I hope it has all mattered - my belief in you, my photos, music thoughts and writings. I know you are probably immersed in your writing and you are working with incredible artists and I am truly happy for you. Then I wonder am I deluding myself and are you simply, as you said yourself, 'a writer of cheesy pop for others?' Yet many of the concerts I go to are so boringly dull dull. I'll always believe in your music.

I believe totally in your talents. I would not be doing a Music Blog or a Photography site if its wasn't for you and my belief in you. Your passion (and my son's too) for music and life restored my own faded dreams. I don't expect anything in return and my sites are my thank you to you - only to hear from you occasionally, 3 years nearly the hiding now.... We had 6 months 2004, a year 2005 and now the past 3 years of the hiding. The 3 years you were online from 2006 to 2008 were wonderful. The past 3 years of the hiding have been like a dark tunnel where the lights keep disappearing... And it is nearly a month now since the press on your songwriting - yet nothing. And so I guess the hiding will continue yet ...

I wrote about Mozart's heavenly melodies, Bach's piano, Dylan, Richard Thompson, Joni's songs, Paul Simon's voice (more) I've made beautiful photobooks, dedicated websites, written many letters to media, dealt with enquiries, posted letters and CDs to others, travelled many miles.. and I held fast to my belief in you even amid the doubts and painful times. I wrote about the essence of being real and honest as an artist, so that our voice can shine through. With all of that I believe my greatest gift to you is my letters about art, words and music. I've done it all freely as my thanks for all your inspirations. It means a lot to me your successes with Hurts - after everything, after all I've been through too the past years. The worrying, the hopes and dreams. It's hard for me to believe things are good now.

I hope the years will never fade you, Or lessen your passion and joys...... If it's meant to be you will sing again - sometimes answers 'come to us' and we need to let things happen as we work towards those goals. I expect you are as HIGH as a kite right now, and I am happy for you. Oh well I better get back to my own writing...... And so the Hiding continues.....I wish we would hear from you..

I imagine it has been hard going for you at times. Don't we wish we could alter media perceptions - not so easily done even if you are Murdoch! Its one strange beast. Ignorance and stupidity abound...... but truth will always win in the end. Be sure of it.

'Everything was in transition and I was standing in the gateway. Soon I'd step in heavy loaded, fully alive and revved up.' DYLAN Chronicles.

I believe in you not because of the show but because of the voice I heard on the radio in April 2003.

David Sneddon Photobooks

2011-08-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dear David,

When these Photoboks arrive I feel so many emotions opening them. All the years being your fan since the show in 2002. All the laughter and joys; all the tears and heartbreak; the efforts and work and the successes; the wonderful artistic journey and the pleasure of your moving piano and songs. In the end it is all about your voice.

I've taken time to select and edit the best quality so that these Photobooks are the best I can offer you. I'm pleased with them and I hope you are too. The creamtone black and white works perfectly. These Photobooks 'may' be the last ones that I make for you and I believe they are my best.

I've dared to dream. Your Fan Always. June 2011. http://pkimage.co.uk/

As Your Fan

I've know some of the best times of my life

Laughed till I cried,

Walked on air,

I've known some deep despair,

Cried for lost days

Lost hopes.

I've also dared

Dared to dream.

PS Adding a part of my review about Dick Gaughan (Scottish folk singer) -
There is an urgency and force about Gaughan's music as if he feels strongly he has important messages to get off his chest in his music. Gaughan searches below the surface of songs. He plays open chords on guitar and his playing is melodic and strongly emotive. The words of his songs ring true and with his opening song 'What You Do With What You've Got (which he said he would keep as his opening song until he found a better one) he sang -

Its' not just what you're born with, but what you do with what you've got.

What's the use of two strong legs, if you only run away.

And what use is the finest voice if you've nothing good to say?

What's the use of two good ears, if you don't hear those you love.

Words & Music : Si Kahn

He sang not of resolutions but of holding on to your vision.

NME review of HURTS at Latitude festival

2011-07-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

I purchased an NME magazine today and there is a really nice review for Hurts in their review of Latitude festival. Cool.

NME review of HURTS at Latitude festival
Hurts of course, can never sound like the future, only an update of the past, but then, perhaps it's time we all dropped the '80s revival' label. Sure, when they were new, it was fun to chortle at the wet-look quiffs, sax solos and self-consciously moody videos. But now they've sold a million albums, it's time to stop sneering. Hurts are a phenomenon. How many other British bands sell out arenas in Ukraine and get mobbed on the street everywhere from Reykjavik to Berlin? The key is the emotional power of the songs, which comes across no matter what the setting.
Still, a field in Suffolk is probably not the ideal venue for a Hurts show, but 'Stay' has evolved into something like a universal power ballad, and the bit in 'Verona' where the opera guy does his hurricane voiced solo spot is both hilarious and majestic. Of course it doesn't hurt that everyone fancies the creaseless Armani pants off Hurts.
It looked so good in there with the National etc. Kudos for David - the review made me think those in the industry have changed their tune towards David - no pun intended! lol

I especially liked this bit -The key is the emotional power of the songs, which comes across no matter what the setting.

David Sneddon - has the HIDING stopped?

2011-07-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

NEWS July 2011
David Sneddon was spotted backstage at HURTS gig Somerset House! I guess the 'hiding' has officially stopped now!?? (Re posts on TWITTER)

I'm still in shock and I can't believe that he has come out of hiding - it's been three years now the hiding...

David has been working in an underground way as a songwriter the past years.
David is doing things in reverse! He had the high profile album release and tour first... and then the Publishing deal afterwards... and it feels like the start of his career now.... Most artists start with the Publishing deal firstly ... and then release their Album after a few years working in the music business!

If you check out David's newer songs on Youtube and myspace, they are entirely different from the over-produced sound of his hit singles after the show in 2003.

Sneddon has written for other artists and co-wrote international hit "The Message" for

soul artist Nate James. He is now signed to major music publisher Sony/ATV Music Publishing as a songwriter and he describes his music as 'melody-driven' indie pop. In 2010 and 2011 he has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in both the US and the UK. In June 2011 it was revealed in the press that Sneddon is the co-writer behind three songs on the synthpop duo Hurts 2010 debut album Happiness - "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood Tears and Gold."

HURTS were in the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll. Their song "Illuminated" was the soundtrack to Sky1 HD's advert 'Unmissable Drama' in 2010. Their 2010 Europe and UK tour sold out and they also supported the Scissor Sisters. Hurts won a NME Award for "Best New Band".http://www.informationhurts.com/gb/home/ David has written for Scottish singer songwriter Dave Gibson and for 'Wonderland' Louis Walsh's new girl band. Sneddon works with the UK based Songwriting and Music Production team "The Nexus" and has been building a strong reputation as a Songwriter the past years. He has performed on television, radio and theatre.

David Sneddon's melodramatic piano songs

2011-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

PHOTOS - the two faces of David - the intense one and the smiley fun one!
He writes melodramatic piano songs.

He is a writer of timeless and unique songs. His songs are songs within songs: they express raw emotions, wistful-toned, thought provoking introspection. There is something very poignant and heart-breakingly real in David's voice. He can soar and whisper, turn ballads into blues and transcend genre. His music is immediately accessible, full of dramatic shades of light and dark, with soulful highs and dreamy long late nights.

Its in the way that his voice goes soft on the verse which is very poignant and then soars which is so releasing. Your piano is also so emotionally moving.. His songs may be melodramatic but they are also full of joy and hope.

I'd rather have a 'Hello gig', not a goodbye one! I'm more excited than ever about David's music. It feels like the start of his career and I feel vindicated for my belief in him. Because his music is going so well. I hope he'll always be writing new songs...I dont' think he is bowing out, I hope not? I hope to always follow his music. I can't see him releasing old songs either as he likes to be doing what is new. This doesn't mean that I don't hope he might release under his own label one day - who knows what lies down the road? I cant' see a gig when he's so busy right now though sadly : ( Me no regrets at all! It's been magic and still is because of the music he writes. My only regret is missing his beautiful voice.. Miss you guys too!
I was doing David's Bio for this year for 2011 - and realised there was loads (!!?) especially compared to the last 2 years. Looks good really...and in 2010 virtually nothing!
NEW DAVID SNEDDON BIO PAGES (links on right)

I dreamed David might one day play piano in the concert hall here - I guess I can still dream...

Sometimes but rarely in a lifetime a voice captures your attention with its depth and beauty, with it's ability to move in profound ways.

Hurts - Illuminated live in Belgrade Arena 25.05.2011

2011-07-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

WOW- GREAT clip! Theo is such a cool frontman..goosebumps.

Hurts - Illuminated (Live @ Rock am Ring 2011)

2011-07-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

David Sneddon Writes for Hurts

2011-06-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

It was revealed in the press today that David Sneddon is the songwriter behind synthpop duo Hurts 2010 album 'Happiness'. http://www.facebook.com/hurts
David (and his writing team the Nexus) is the co-writer behind 3 songs on Hurt's album 'Happiness' - 'Illuminated', 'Silver Lining' and 'Blood Tears and Gold.' http://www.thesun.co.uk/David-Sneddons-a-write-talent

Hurts were in the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll. Their song "Illuminated" was the soundtrack to Sky1 HD's advert 'Unmissable Drama' in 2010. Their 2010 tour sold out and they also supported the Scissor Sisters. Hurts won a NME Award for "Best New Band".

HURTS at T in the Park - http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/festivals/tinthepark/2011

David Sneddon has been working in an underground way as a songwriter in London the past years. He has also written songs for many other artists including a song for Wonderland's debut album, the new girl band from Louis Walsh. In 2009 he signed with Sony ATV Publishing and he has been working with several high profile and highly anticipated emerging artists in both the US and UK.

David is doing things in reverse! He had the high profile album release and tour first... and then the Publishing deal afterwards... and it feels like the start of his career now..

I follow many young artists. A few years back this young Scottish singer and songwriter caught my attention on TV (actually over 8 years now!) - a David Sneddon from Paisley. To my surprise he went on to win the show - and one might say that real talent won out in the end! Even as his first release was a number one hit here in the UK it appeared that the press here couldn't wait to put him down. David is a musician and he dared to write his own music! I never understod why his wonderful song 'Without You' wasn't released as a single. Another major factor was that the tv show he appeared on did not receive good reviews. It had a weak format as it attempted to be a mix of Pop Idol, Big Brother and talent show contest.

David later became disillusioned with the whole circus that surrounds promoting pop artists with little time for music, and he decided to pursue a career as a songwriter for others. As any celebrity can tell you the limelight isn't always so kind. There are many things I might write about the press around David but that might take an entire book! I hope that he might talk to me about it all as he said he might. While of course good PR should take some, if not all, control of any media perceptions and press around a star.

Over this time I have followed David's career. While he continued his job as a songwriter in London - in 2004 he performed some gigs with a rock band called 'The Sham' and released one download single 'Baby Get Higher'. The band also headlined at hogmanay in Aberdeen. Then in 2006, on a hot July day that I remember, David performed new acoustic piano-melody-driven songs at the Bedford in London. In January 2007 he released an EP called 'White Noise' to good reviews. He played 3 sold out shows at the Jazz Bar Edinburgh that August 2007. I will never forget those moments - the first time hearing 'One Old Soul' live at the Bedford, and hearing 'No More Words' at the Guildford gig. I was blown away entirely....

David wanted to be an artist and not a popstar with all that entails, so he took a back seat in the music industry to be a writer. As Joni Mitchell once said ' What do you want to be, a rock n’ roll star or an artist?’ For you can't want to be both. David has something important to say in his music and a beautiful voice to say it with, so I hope he will sing again one day.

It has been a long road being David's supporter (so much for fast fame!?) - sometimes the journey has had long down times with all the years of his hiding and all the waiting for any news. There have been times I have questioned but I always held on to my belief in his talents after hearing his album and his newer songs.

I know it is not easy for young artists these days and many have publishing deals writing for other artists for several years before 'breaking into' the business. I know that music is David's first love so it is wonderful to read of his successes.

So many wonderful times. And I know too how much David's music means to others.

Belief motivates us to climb those mountains and makes life worthwhile.

I like to hope it is really about the journey as an artist. I'm a big fan fo his songs.

I wrote once that David's songs were 'timeless' - they never age. That's a sign of a true artist.

David performing his song 'One Old Soul' at the Bedford London October 2008, his last gig there.
If you check out David's newer songs on Youtube and myspace, they are entirely different from the over-produced sound of his hit singles after the show in 2003. David Sneddon YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/david+sneddon and http://www.myspace.com/davidsneddon

Hurts are a British suynthpop duo from Manchester composed of singer Theo Hutchcraft and synth player Adam Anderson. In 2011, Hurts won a NME Award for "Best New Band." They were in the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll. Their song "Illuminated" was the soundtrack to Sky1 HD's advert 'Unmissable Drama' in spring/summer 2010. Their debut album 'Happiness' was released in 2010 and contains a duet with Kylie Minogue entitled "Devotion". Three of the songs on their album were co- written with The Nexus team which includes the songwriter David Sneddon - "Illuminated", "Silver Lining" and "Blood Tears and Gold." Their UK 2010 tour was sold out and Hurts supported the Scissor Sisters on their UK tour later that year. Hurts have appeared on Sky Sports show Soccer AM and are appearing at the major summer festivals 2011.

May 2011 - NEW! David Sneddon Fans Facebook page -

2011-06-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

May 2011 - NEW! David Sneddon Fans Facebook page -

http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Sneddon-Fans/213276568692852?created
New Photo galleries and clips. It's been fun making this page.

PLEASE 'LIKE' THE NEW PAGE!

I am a writer and music photographer and I attend many gigs and festivals. I've been to many of David's gigs from 2003 to 2008. Sadly he has not gigged the past years, preferring to focus on his writing career, which is going very well for him. While I miss his gigs and songs I hope for successes for his music.
I can't say if or when his hiding might stop. I know he is very happy and busy. I am not doing the fanpages to get David out doing gigs (!)- just to follow his career in any way and keep in touch with other fans, and perhaps in the hope that he will stop hiding one day..? I see on Twitter an Youtube that he is still loved out there, even after all this time.

David Sneddon and a chef from Alloa Scotland

2011-04-25T07:55:00.001-07:00

Photo of David posted 10th April 2011- looking well in his kilt! (Next time pick a plainer more excotic backdrop David!) Seeing the recent pics makes me miss you more.

Epilepsy Adrenline Rush 2011

2011-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

VIDEO clip of 'Epilepsy Adrenline Rush 2011' posted youTube had David doing the jump. First citing of him for two and a half years!

David Sneddon Regal Room Photos

2011-04-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

To help with missing David I've been re-editing Regal Room images. David is a wonderful artist and storyteller.

The gig October 2007 with Julian holds so many memories - the rugby was on beforehand and the gig was late. This was a fun gig and the Regal Room is a perfect venue for these kind of gigs. David's music is very moving - the way his voice goes soft and then soars, is very emotionally gripping.

I'm not here because I expect another No 1 single - I'm here because I respect David both as an artist and as a person. It is hard to explain what it is like doing a site for an artist in 'hiding.' I hope for wonderful new songs :)

My biggest heroes are not about charts - as Joni once said, 'Do you want to be an artist or a popstar, You can't want to be both.'

David Sneddon Photo

2011-02-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

NEWS Feb 2011

A PHOTO of David ( I think?) was spotted on Twitter - possibly a recent one! So maybe he does still exists out there...? He is looking well (and thirsty!) - and at 32 still looking 19. I like the new look! - he is indeed Peter Pan!

NEWS February 2011

It's very wonderful to know you love the songwriting and things are going well for you David.

I used to write - can't you do both song writer and singer songwriter - but I was wrong and best all your energies are focused on one direction. And true for most of us. As this is clearly your route in you have to focus all energies on it. Of course I miss you and your songs terribly - but we all have to follow the right path, and give that 100%. While I do also hope that the hiding will stop.........sometime...? I hope I can still follow your journey. I will never forget those moments - the first time hearing 'One Old Soul' live at the Bedford - and hearing 'No More Words' at the Guildford gig. I was blown away entirely....

**Please take a look at my Photos and live music reviews - love to know what you think of my work.** and I hope you like my images.

David Sneddon - One Old Soul

2011-01-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

David Sneddon NEWS 2010

2010-12-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

HOPES 2011? The hiding will stop! I feel like I am holding a candle vigil for David - as if he no longer really exists out there..... Some fine new songs.
For me David will always be number one.

December - How long ago Highbarn now seems.. David kindly signed prints for me, which I greatly appreciate. I don't know if we will hear any news of him next year? Will we ever hear you sing again? While we hear nothing, I believe and hope that his writing is going well (?) I read that he is out and about at the old London venues, so I guess that he still exists somewhere in a parallel universe? I try to focus on the good things being a fan - all the lovely songs, your magic voice - I hope things are well with you. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

*2010 October 2010 - 8 years ago in 2002 was the last time I voted on a Reality tv show for the talented David Sneddon from Scotland. I've never voted since as it is all such a farce. He is now a successful songwriter working in London. 'The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Tis dearness only that gives everything its value.' Thomas Paine

20th Sept 2010 - David's indiestore 7Digital closed. YOU CAN HEAR HIS SONGS - http://www.myspace.com/davidsneddon
It was nice seeing his 'White Noise' ep in their chart the past years, and at No 1 often over that time. It's now over 3 years since David released these songs in early 2007 - and 2 years since his last gig at Scotcare. We've had little news this year - only the news of his trip to LA for his songwriting work, his cancelled gig in January, and no other songwriting news. David is rarely online. I'd like to be able to say there is some news, but sadly I can't. Sorry. I try to keep the faith and to hope there will be something, sometime.... some new songs. The last time David performed was at the Regal Room July 2009, I never saw the webcam.

2010 - David focused on his songwriting career 2008 - 2010,
while he also performed a few occasional gigs in London in 2008. He signed in 2009 with new management and to major publisher Sony/ATV as a songwriter. He has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in both 2009 and 2010. Some exciting releases expected.

May 2010 - DAVID SONGS - His 2003 album songs were autobiographical. His 2006 songs about the self reflected in others. These new songs are about universal themes - with their powerful leaping melody, character stories and heart-wrenching vocal. While not the acoustic style of his 2007 White Noise ep, these songs have even more raw emotion and depth - along with a more commercial and radio-friendly sound. Being a fan has often been either feast or famine.
As if travelling in a dessert - we see an oasis ahead but its all a mirage - and then suddenly we get to drink at the well and hear new songs... It's a rollercoaster ride, where my emotions have been all over the place, and it has been so long - worrying, wondering, questioning, ...

In 2010 David travelled to LA for his work. I am happy for him as I know that success for his writing is his dream. Sometimes we get stuck in a box not of our own making, and altering perceptions of us are nearly impossible - hopefully they can be changed..... one day.
31/12/09 - STV 'The Scots Factor', a documentary - includes a mention and Tv clips of David. Shown at 10.15pm before STVs Hogmanay show - and celebrating the best Scottish talent in 'Scotland’s Always Had Talent'. Plus the Academy Live which features hart-toppers Travis and The Fratellis. Susan Boyle's album is the biggest-selling debut of all time - while she is not the first Scot to be successful in a reality talent competition. In The Scots Factor, STV remembers the many Scots who have lit up Britain's talent shows, including Leon Jackson, Michelle McManus, David Sneddon, Keith Jack - and Darius Danesh..
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I will always believe that David's songs are superior. I've written many gig reports (which are posted on the site) and it is hard to explain in words what David's live gigs have meant to his fans, and I believe my photo's express this far better. For me his music and voice, and also his passions and belief, have inspired. I don't really understand a lot of it all, and I'm sure many have wondered about fans waiting patiently for so long, and it really has not been easy to keep faith at times. Perhaps its just the hope of new songs - and that makes me realise how much music means to people.

Learning about David the artist has opened new doors - and I hope there are more still to open! Over these years I've listened to David's music - both recorded and live gigs. He has a beautiful quality to his voice - moving yet restrained, soaring yet subtle and deep. His voice moves me like no other singer, and I believe in his talents - and that's why I travelled to the gigs.

Unlike any other singer, quite simply his songs break my heart. His subtle and pure tenor voice brings varied musical brush strokes- from thoughtful moods to tearing heartbreak.

David Sneddon BIO June 2010

2010-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

DAVID SNEDDON _ musician, singer, songwriter, ...

David draws on a range of influences for his music from the Beatles, Sinatra to Damien Rice, John Mayer, Richard Ashcroft and Bob Dylan. And you can hear the effect on the range and tone of his vocals and in his songs. His piano and voice moves with soul and energy - at times he throws his head back and his playing is as mesmerising as his voice and songs. David's music draws inspiration from 60s melodic pop but with a very unique voice.

I'd Rather Busk on the Streets than Still be Living the Lie - David reveals why he turned his back on career as a pop star.' ..he has had more chart success than any other reality show graduate. To date, David has scored four No.1s - his own plus three foreign chart-toppers. ‘ Daily Record, June 2007 IT'S BEEN to the industry's benefit that the Paisley lad chose music over his other passion, football. The winner of the first BBC series of Fame Academy in 2002 has gone on to success not only as a singer, but perhaps more notably, as a songwriter for many top names.” Scotsman, Dec 2007

' melody-driven singer/songwriter. ' David's direct, clear and deeply expressive voice. He writes with a sincere vulnerability, beautiful melodies and imaginative lyrics. His songs express...‘deeply held emotions that capture clear and moving images; with his emotional piano and his honest vocals and words. He is taking it back to basics with no PR or runners in sight… only himself, his piano and a few songs." David as intelligent, insightful artist - profound, releasing, multi-layered, his songs always surprise.

:DAVID SNEDDON is a Scottish musician, singer and songwriter who works in London. He has written for other artists, and co-wrote “The Message” for

soul artist Nate James. He is now signed to major music publisher Sony ATV Music Publishing as a songwriter, and describes his music as 'melody-driven'. He has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 David travelled with James Mein to LA for his writing work.

Previously, he had played with a band called the Martians with John Kielty, and performed in theatre, radio and television. Sneddon won the first BBC UK series of Fame Academy in 2002. He released his single 'Stop Living the Lie'" in January 2003 which was a No 1 hit single selling over 250,000 copies, and making it the 12th highest selling single of the year. 'Seven Years - Ten Weeks' Sneddon's album released in April 2003 four months after he won the show and containing his own compositions, entered the UK Albums Chart at no. 5.^[ He also had three further UK hit singles with his compositions - 'Dont' Let Go' no. 3, 'Best of Order' no. 19 and "Baby Get Higher' no. 39. "Baby Get Higher" has since been a success hit on the dance floor for Almighty Records and a singles chart hit for Dutch singer Van Velzen. David is the only winner of a reality TV show to have a number one hit single with a self-composed song, without working with any co-writers.

I expect it has not been an easy ride for David - or for his fans for that matter! After all the expectations of the shows, the highs of the chart successes and playing the SECC Glasgow and the Scottish tour for his album, he was never happy with the popstar role thrust on him, but he did love all the music side - the writing and recording, which he has a natural talent for. I heard David sing a very beautiful song acoustically on the radio Clyde One in April 2003, called 'Without You' and a favourite song with many fans. He was backed by John on guitar and I've believed in David's talents ever since then. I never understood why this song was not released as a single.

Questions? There are many things I might say, and trying to step back from it all ( which isn't easy) it is really quite an unusual story. He had successes performing in theatre and musicals, presented a tv show and played with bands, entered and won a UK tv show, had hit records, decided to quit the performing stage and pursue a songwriting career where he has had success writing for emerging new talent. Many questions surround (why?) - even now 7 years later. WHY did he quit so dramatically being a popstar? Was he upset by the fame game as he has said and the pressures surrounding the celebrity circus - as appears to be effecting Susan Boyle? Why was he marketed to older teenagers when this was not the show's target audience.

Impressions. This young-looking, fresh-faced 31 year old has handsome boyish good looks. He is funny, confident, extremely charming and likable, a dreamer. He is charismatic yet self-effacing, direct and determined, down-to earth even humble about his obvious musical talents, and deeply caring. He is meanwhile full of contradictions. He can be stubborn and opinionated and enjoys to speak his mind, and at the same time he can be strongly empathetic and sociable. He can also be evasive, elusive, and enigmatic at times....

The Showman and Successes. When I first encountered David on tv in 2002, he appeared confident and fired with energetic enthusiasms, and ready to grab hold of opportunities freely with both hands. After all the euphoria of winning and the challenges of the show - he was disillusioned by the experiences of 2003, while at the same time offered exciting opportunities. David did a university tour, TV shows, and he supported an artist whom he learned piano from and one of his all time musical heroes, Elton John, in Hull which was a highlight of the year for him. However all this appeared to mean little in a music industry geared so strongly to image, and with the Fame Academy show having such a poor one. In fact the shows short-term premise was that they were offering fame for only a year - with a penthouse flat, a car and a recording deal - after which it would all be taken away like some pop star Cinderella. This all suggested that they were not searching for an artist with any musical ability - while David with his styled hair and smart jackets looked so much the young pop star then, yet his strong piano melodies expressed a creative talent. I looked at David's promotions in 2003 after he won, and thought how off message and weak it all was, and I believed he deserved better. He had played lead roles in musicals at Pace Drama, presented a Tv show and sang with the Martians band. A self-taught musician he had been playing piano and writing songs for many years.

Origins: Sneddon enjoyed performing in musicals from a young age, and when his parents bought him a piano he discovered he loved writing songs, and taught himself to play. David was inspired by his father’s record collection of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison and Elton John, and he cites the Beatles as a huge influence. He studied music at school, won several talent competitions and played lead roles in musicals both at school and at PACE Youth drama. "The person who has inspired me the most is Elton John. I love the Beatles, but as I was growing up, I always wanted to play the piano like him. I've never had any lessons, so he has been my only teacher.".........?" After attending The University of Paisley for a year, David decided to pursue a career in music. He was offered several opportunities – a musical in London, and a part in a young boy band called Arena. He performed in musicals and sang with bands in

Scotland

for several years. He also presented 'Inside Out' a children's show on Scottish TV. While acting in Romeo and Juliet he met John Kielty - David was Romeo and John was acting Juliet's father. After playing some acoustic nights together at the Tron in Glasgow in 2001, they decided to start a band, and called themselves The Martians.

Fame Academy. Sneddon was not originally selected to enter the Fame Academy House (Witanhurst House Highgate London) but he was drafted in as a replacement when one contestant withdrew from the TV show due to illness. The 12 students were coached by music and dance teachers. David became popular on the show and went on to win over the public vote being voted the overall winner. He won the finals of the show performing " Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John, “ I Don't Want to Talk About It" by Danny Whitten, and his own composition "Stop Living The Lie". He won the public vote with approximately 3.5 million votes in December 2002.

Album. A talented musician and songwriter, the title of Sneddon's debut album -"Seven Years - Ten Weeks" - was a reference to his years struggling to get his music heard, and the ten weeks on the Fame Academy show. David had been a prolific writer on the show and the label took the rare step for a young artist of allowing him put out self-written and co-written songs for his singles and on his debut album. The album contains all original compositions written by Sneddon, two co-writes with Scott MacAlister and four songs co-written with Martians member John Kielty. David wrote songs about his seven years after leaving university when he performed with bands, and on stage in

Scotland

- and about his ten weeks singing live on the BBC television series. It contains his three chart singles "Stop Living the Lie", "Don't Let Go" and "Best of Order." The piano-driven ballads and rocky numbers drew influences from Elton John and Bon Jovi, while on tracks such as "Don't Let Go" "Without You" and" All My Life" Sneddon showed his own unique voice. With David on piano, he was backed by Elton John's band. The album was produced by Hugh Padgham who produced Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel in the 80s. Mercury's faith in Sneddon was rewarded when the first single, "Stop Living The Lie", went straight No 1 UK charts in January 2003. His second single "Don't Let Go" reached No 3. Sneddon's album, was released April 2003, four months after he won the show, and entered the

album chart at No. 5.

Sneddon signed an exclusive publishing deal as a songwriter with Universal Music Group in October 2003. David's main focus has always been his songwriting. He said "I've loved all the music side of it, it's everything I hoped it would be - the recording, the studio, writing, but the other stuff..........?"

Performing. In 2004 David was songwriting in London. He formed an indie-rock band The Sham with John Kielty in 2004 and 2005. They played gigs in London, and Scotland and headlined at the Hogmanay Celebrations in Aberdeen. The Sham included Jay Mein(bass), Ed Carlile(drums), Si Jones(guitar), Jake Gosling(keys) and John Kielty (guitar). In 2006 Sneddon started writing and recording for a solo album. In July 2006 he showcased his songs in a series of intimate, acoustic gigs with John Kielty on guitar in London, Essex and Scotland. In an interview for FPR Radio Oct 2006, he said "It's not what people are expecting, I’m trying something a bit different. The feedback, from people who know me from the show, on the new songs has been incredible." From July 2006 to Oct 2007 David performed gigs mostly in London at the Bedford, the Regal Room, The Cobden and the Troubadour venues. When John Kielty moved to

America

in late 2006, David brought in David Mullins as his backing guitarist. He also presented a radio sports show on BBC radio in June 2007. David did a few gigs in

Scotland

over this time - the Oran Mor, Dunstaffstage, the Jazz Bar and the Kilsyth festival.

TOP SELLING NO 1 "White Noise" EP* - In 2007 David released a 5-track EP called "White Noise" his first recorded work in years, which has topped the indiestore chart from 2007 to 2010. The EP includes songs "White Noise", "Time", "Lady Lullaby", "One Old Soul", "Wish You Well". The EP has sold well and received good reviews. It topped the Indie charts for 4 months – at No.1 for over a month. In Jan 2008 the ‘White Noise’ Ep returned to the chart, and was in the No 1 slot August, Sept , Nov 2008. March - Aug 2009 the EP was no 1.

2010 Songwriting. Since 2003 David has continued working with James Mein in their London studio discovering, producing and writing with new talent. He has always been very positive about his writing career going well, which he clearly loves. He has written for other artists, including the international hit “The Message” for UK soul artist Nate James, and "Baby Get Higher" which was a success hit on the dance floor for Almighty Records and a singles chart hit for Dutch singer Van Velzen. He was worked with Julian Perretta who signed with Sony and toured with Mark Ronson.

In July 2009, David signed a new deal with major publisher Sony ATV Music Publishing and writes for labels Decca Records, Universal and Syco, Simon Cowell’s label. “This deal has been in the pipeline for a year…we wanted to wait for the right deal. I don’t think there has been another reality TV winner who took a back step to this side of the industry but I like being able to get on with my work. We had to prove ourselves...and so that’s why we did a lot of development work.".

**From 2008 to 2010 David decided to focus exclusively on his songwriting career, while he also performed a few occasional gigs in London over this time. He signed in 2009 with new management and to major publisher Sony/ATV in July 2009, as a songwriter. He has been working with several high profile, as well as highly-anticipated emerging artists in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 David travelled with James Mein to LA for his writing work.

David Sneddon NEWS *2009

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Dec 5th 2009 - Regal Room January gig is cancelled due to David's writing commitments and his possibly being out of the country early 2010. David blog - he feels badly about letting people down and says he plans to re-schedule the gig. The good news is his writing work is going very well.

'WHITE NOISE EP' - No 1 indiestore chart - July 1 to December 2009!
March 2009 - David's TOP SELLING "WHITE NOISE EP" back at NO 1 slot!
The Ep has topped the chart the past 3 years from 2007. Well done David!

Oct 2009 - GIG! Shuga Bhudda @ Regal Room Gig-Thursday January 28th 2010.
For ‘One Night Only’ – as he works exclusively as a writer David will not be gigging again for a while. A full one off show with special guests.

Oct 2009 – David posted a blog about his break for 2 months from being online. .
October 13 2009 - Evening Times. Smiley 2003 Photo of David with article about a 27 year old Paisley girl singer Sharon Fehlberg & her band the Systematix. She started Pace drama when she was 11 alongside James McAvoy and David Sneddon.

*August 2009 - David signs new deal with major publisher SONY ATV. ‘I’ll be working with various well-known pop acts. We’ve got some work lined up with other labels like Decca Records, Universal and Syco.'It’s a massive opportunity. To an extent, this is a bigger achievement than winning Fame Academy. To become a respected songwriter is something I’ve wanted for 15 years.' David has been completing his apprenticeship as a songwriter by penning tunes for a number of up-and-coming stars with James Mein. “This deal has been in the pipeline for a year…we wanted to wait for the right deal. I’ve taken a bizarre route to become a songwriter. I don’t think there’s been another reality TV winner who took a back step to this side of the industry but I like being able to get on with my work. We had to prove ourselves, that’s why we did a lot of development work.’

Question. Could you attend a David charity Gig this year? Date: Nov - Oran Mor venue Glasgow - great venue, good size and atmosphere etc. If David is too busy with writing commitments - then into 2010 - while I hope we can go for one in 2009!

July 7th 2009 – David performed at the Regal Rooms London. He was being a judge for a singer songwriter night and performed after. He performed White Noise and Rocket Man. We've not heard David do a gig for over 9 months now and it would be wonderful to hear him sing. Disappointing.

July & August 2009 - WHITE NOISE EP No 1 indiestore. July 1st to 7th, 18th, 23rd to 31st. Angust 1 to 12th
Over 5 years of my Photography on the David sneddon fansite! From the live gigs David performed – Fame academy concert April 2003 to the Scotcare gig last year in Oct 2008. I’ve set up a new photo site, which includes David’s, Martians and other artists. One on David’s Wikepedia page.

June 2009 - David BLOG myspace - he says his writing work is going well.
Capgemini Black and White Ball raises £55,000! The ball was held at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel, the dinner was attended by over 400 of Scotland’s leading businessmen and women who were joined on the green carpet by David Sneddon and Miss Earth Scotland. Scottish TV celebrity, Bryan Burnett was Master of Ceremony.

June 2009 - NEW link SYTWs album reviews I’d not seen before. It inspired me to write a new review and made me feel very nostalgic thinking how much this album meant to me in 2003 six years ago and how much I looked forward to hearing where David would take his music. http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/music-records/seven-years-ten-weeks-david-sneddon/

May 25th 2009 – NO1 magazine website – Photos from the ball.
*May 12 2009 - NEW! DAVID PHOTOS on Prince's Trust website. David was looking smart in a kilt and there is a photo of him in the white pedicar. He also peformed at the ball. Press expected in No 1, Scottish Field and OK. Oddly I was only a few streets away at the Hinterland festival Glasgow.
May 2 2009 - David rides pedicar to ball with Miss Earth Scotland. Quote- ‘No stretch limos pulled up to decant the hosts, but a pedicar with Scottish singer David Sneddon on peddles, ferrying glamorous Miss Earth Scotland, Courtney St John.’ Scotsman

May 22nd 2009 - HEAT magazine contacted me about a photo of David for an article called ‘Where Are They Now’ I was excited about the publicity for David but they didn’t published anything. The article ran 2 weeks ago.

*May 1 2009 20:00 David is attending the 'Prince’s Trust Black and White Ball' The Hilton, City Centre, Glasgow, Scotland. Tickets online £100.
COLNE DVD? anyone know about it? David Gigs – Nostalgic for David gigs so I’ve put the Colne gig in my top Photo section. This was a wonderful gig and many fans raved after about it. This was my first time hearing David play piano and sing with John Kielty and his performance was mesmerising. David, we miss hearing you sing.

March 7th 2009 - David's TOP SELLING "WHITE NOISE EP" back at NO 1 slot!
for another 2 weeks - Indiestore chart. The Ep has topped the chart the past 3 consecutive years. Well done David.

*Feb 2009 - NEW management. David has posted that he is with new management for his writing work with James Mein.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dec 2008 - the "WHITE NOISE EP" still at top of indiestore chart, been there all of 2008!
*28 Oct 2008 - DEACON BLUE WEBSITE - Forum thread on David's Dignity on YouTube Note: Deacon Blue website warning - Don’t enter the website from Google, as popups appear which attempt to install malicious software on the user's computer.

27 Oct 2008 - HALO BAR LONDON: PLEASE NOTE THAT DAVID SNEDDON AND JAY MEIN HAD TO CANCEL THEIR PERFORMANCE ON 28TH OCTOBER!

*October 9th 2008- THE BEDFORD for Scotcare: Fun, warm, challenging set.
Nostalgia, New Songs, Ep Songs. David sang a full set of 7 songs - White Noise, Scars, Dignity, One Old Soul, Little Houses, Without You, Stop Living The Lie. Wonderful to hear ‘Without You’ live, David’s beautiful Celtic-tinged piano melody from his top SYTWs album. A strong favourite of many fans. David looked cool in a light grey suit.

*9th Oct 2008 - Scotcare Charity gig Bedford Belham London. 'A Celebration of Scottish Music' for St Andrews day with Treasure Tones, David Sneddon, Dave Gibson. Tickets are available online for £12

12th September 2008 - Birthday boy David's Buddies head for 'Sned in the Park!' Friends are travelling from both London & Glasgow to the village of Ermington in Devon for David's 30th birthday bash - where a marquee will be set up in the garden of girlfriend Eleanor Roffe’s family home. (Paisley Daily Express)

David Sneddon The Journey

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The Journey

Impressions. This young-looking, fresh-faced 31 year old has handsome boyish good looks. He is funny, confident, extremely charming and likable, a dreamer. He is charismatic yet self-effacing, direct and determined, down-to earth even humble about his obvious musical talents, and deeply caring. David is meanwhile full of contradictions - he can be stubborn and opinionated and enjoys to speak his mind; at the same time he can be strongly empathetic and sociable. He can also be evasive, elusive, and enigmatic at times, while experience has left him scarred, cautious and rather wary.

The Showman and Successes. When I first encountered David on tv in 2002, he appeared confident and fired with energetic enthusiasms, and ready to grab hold of opportunities freely with both hands. After all the euphoria of winning and the challenges of the show - he was very badly let down and disillusioned by the experiences of 2003, while at the same time offered exciting opportunities. The show's directors expected to have Lemar to promote after the show finished, and were unsure when David won with over 3 millions votes exactly how to promote him. David did a university tour, TV shows, and he supported an artist whom he learned piano from and one of his all time musical heroes, Elton John, in Hull which was a highlight of the year for him.

As David had been a prolific writer on the show, they took the rare step for reality tv of allowing him put out self-written and co-written songs for his singles and on his debut album. He had the successes of a No 1 chart single, followed by a No 3, No 16 and No 39. His debut album charted at No 5 in the

album chart. However all this appeared to mean nothing, to an industry geared so strongly to image, and with the Fame Academy show having such a poor one. In fact the shows short-term premise was that they were offering fame for only a year - with a penthouse flat, a car and a recording deal - after which it would all be taken away like some pop star Cinderella. This all suggested that they were not searching for an artist with any musical ability - while David with his styled hair and smart jackets looked so much the young pop star then, yet his strong piano melodies expressed a creative talent. I looked at David's promotions in 2003 after he won, and thought how off message and weak it all was and I believed he deserved better. Before Fame Academy David played lead roles in musicals at Pace Drama, presented a Tv show and sang with the Martians band. A self-taught musician he had been playing piano and writing songs for many years.

I sense from his songs he is deeply sensitive and feels in extremes. I met David at several of his gigs from 2004 to 2008 and he is one of those people who fixes you with his intense and fun eyes and his star presence. I've noticed too that he inspires strong loyalty from friends and work colleagues alike - as well as from his long time fans. In 2003 I saw David perform at the sold out FA concert SECC Glasgow (a huge thrill for him), the Garage Glasgow and his Safeways signing. He is much taller than he seemed on the show. I have many fun memories of his visits to Glasgow, and I heard him on the radio on his visit back to his hometown of Paisley. I remember the excitement of buying his Seven Years Ten Weeks album, which was recorded with Elton John's band. I enjoyed this album so much with it's quality songs and perfect vocal.

It has been a journey for David to find his own sense of musical style. In 2004 David performed with John Kielty in an indie rock band called the Sham. He announced the new band at a charity concert at the Armadillo Glasgow in May, after which fans held a fan party at the City Inn. The band were accomplished and the songs of a high standard, while the element missing was David at the piano, and the arrangements didn't quite work for David's melodic songs. Later in 2005, shortly after the Colne gig, David began working on a new solo album. He had been keen to get away from the 2003 'balladeer' image he felt was part of the 'Fame Academy' label that was now stuck on him, and his new album sound was 'Killers influenced' with quite a rocky and electronic sound. From what I know the songs were wonderful but the sound wasn't quite right. Then in early 2006 he changed track yet again and began work writing and recording a more acoustic sound for his songs.

Gigs. Then in January 2007 David released his White Noise ep, his first release for nearly four years. The ep sold well, and had songs - One Old Soul, Time, Lady Lullaby, White Noise, and Wish You Well.

My Review - the EP offers a timeless authentic sound. His music portrays wide-ranging moods with his pure sensual vocals in contrast to his positive notes piano. His voice is one moment melancholy and then tender, evocative and then forceful. His classic songs express the joy of love and offer a subtle blend of sensitive melody and rhythmic moods. Engaging and absorbing.’

The good news about the EP was it sounded as if David had found his true inner artistic voice and that he could only grow from here. David did several gigs and festivals in 2007, and from July 2006 to Oct 2007 he performed occasional gigs mostly in London, at the Bedford, the Regal Room, The Cobden and the Troubadour venues. When John Kielty moved to

America

in late 2006, David brought in David Mullins as his backing guitarist. He also presented a radio sports show on BBC radio in June 2007. David did a few gigs in

Scotland

over this time - the Oran Mor, Dunstaffstage, the Jazz Bar and the Kilsyth festival.

I am very fortunate that I have many truly treasured memories of several of David's gigs over this time. A special mention for the fun London gigs run by host Tony Moore, who is a supporter of new talent. Tony runs events at The Bedford which is set like an Elizabethan theatre, and the Regal Room with its grand piano, velvet curtains and intimacy. I've also had such fun at the unforgettable gigs at the 'atmospheric and sociable' Troubadour in Earls Court, where David took time to chat to his fans and where we had singing sessions with host Billy. Happy happy nights....

The last gig I saw him perform was in October that year at the Scotcare gig at the Bedford London, where before his set ( he was on first) he came up and said in my ear ' I hope you are ready for some nostalgia..' I wasn't sure really what he meant. Perhaps I do now?

Postscript : My Journey

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At David's Highbarn, when I had my first SLR I was so excited with the shots I got there, and I haven't looked back since. I can still remember how I felt arriving at Stanford airport and the sun was leaving a late golden glow in the sky. David's family had travelled down and were at a table behind us - it was simply one of those perfect nights. At his Metro gig I got fun shots with a small disposable and realised it was not all about the equipment but about having a good eye. For David's Jazz Bar gigs I got a new lens. (I had already been shooting live gigs in 2006) These gigs were over 3 nights, and the photos I got there are very special to me. In 2007, after realising I was getting pretty good shots I applied to take some music festivals, and was getting good feedback on my work.

In 2009 I decided to set up as a photographer - I work very very hard at it and there is always loads to learn to take those special shots... sometimes there simply are special gigs.

David Sneddon Fansite

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When I was setting up my site for David 5 years ago in 2005, I spent quite a while trying to express how I felt about his music in words - and in images. I have gig reviews on my david fansite, and it seems so long ago since I set this site up. His music was important to me and I enjoyed it so much I hoped he would continue to make music, and I would be able to hear his moving songs and his lovely voice. Here are a few extracts.

David Sneddon - his sensitive & soulful piano-based songs and soaring vocals.... his music expresses raw emotions wistful-toned thought-provoking introspection there is something very poignant & heart-breakingly real in his voice & songs he can soar & whisper turn ballad into blues & transcend genre

David writes inspiring melodies and sings with an expressive voice, that makes you believe in possibilities, while his songs are emotional his personality is fun-loving and light-hearted, and when he sings he wears his heart on his sleeve in a very personal way.'

DAVID SNEDDON _ singer, songwriter, musician...

David draws on a range of influences for his music from the Beatles, Sinatra to Damien Rice, John Mayer, Richard Ashcroft and Bob Dylan. And you can hear the effect on the range and tone of his vocals and in his songs. David, piano and his voice moves with soul and energy. At times he throws his head back and his playing is as mesmerising as his voice and songs. David's music draws inspiration from 60s melodic pop, with a very unique voice. 'Acoustic melody-driven singer/songwriter. '

David's direct, clear and deeply expressive voice. David writes with a sincere vulnerability, beautiful melodies and imaginative lyrics. His songs express...‘deeply held emotions that capture clear and moving images; with his emotional piano, and his honest, expressive vocals and words.

He is taking it back to basics with no PR or runners in sight… only himself, his piano and a few songs." David as intelligent, insightful artist - profound, releasing, multi-layered, his songs always surprise.

'With his challenging and sincere songs, and the edge and strength of his tenor voice..Floating on the pure & honest passion of Sneddon's voice, I get lost in his voice.'

David Sneddon Portfolio Photos

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A selection of my best David images from his gigs 2007 and 2008. These are some of my best photos. He is so expressive in both his music and his face, and I am honoured to be inspired by both - and from his unforgettable gigs. They were my motivation for pursuing my photography portrait work. Forever grateful David.

My David Sneddon BLOG

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It had been pretty emotional for me putting up these past gig reviews and thinking about all the past memories and dreams. While I live with small hopes that following David's music is not all about the past.... I was listening to his song' Hiding From Me ' and thinking how ironic really!

Scotcare at the Bedford October 2008 was David's last gig - we were not to know - although I did feel a deep sadness after the gig. Yet also these past two years we have heard that he is signed to Sony and that several high profile, as well as highly anticipated artists are releasing songs co-written with David. This has been very exciting news for his fans.
I know it has been a hard graft for David overcoming the false premises of the reality tv show he won back in December 2002.

While I have the fansite, I decided to do this blog for him just incase - as a backup. It has been hard knowing what should go on the blog - so I picked the top gig reviews, David's first album 'Seven Years Ten Weeks' Reviews, Portfolio Photos, Bio., Fan reviews. I've re-edited text on the gig reviews.

The last time I voted on a reality tv show was for the talented David Sneddon 8 years ago in 2002! He is now a successful songwriter in London. A month ago I posted - 'Those 'un- reality' tv shows should carry a warning! - Don't be fooled 'these shows can seriously damage your prospects! '
I remember the excitement of listening to his album back in April 2003 - and looking forward to his second album and where that would take him musically once free of the reality show label. Sadly these labels stick....

I continue to be stunned by the beauty of David's voice, songs and piano. I am SO pleased that his talents, that I've believed in for so long, are finally being recognised. That's truly wonderful. It's so incredible and it has been so long!! Even while I believe, I've begun to give up on it all so it is really very hard for me.
I miss David, his incredible songs, his moving voice and his fun gigs - and I hope he still exists out there somewhere. I hoped to offer David a hand up - and in so doing I gave myself a hand up. I'm forever grateful, when I thought at my age dreams had passed me by.
Glasgow is truly a great great place for music.
I live in my fantasy world - which helps me to make sense of things, sometimes?

Story of the Fansites for David Sneddon, the Sham and The Martians

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Here’s the short version!
The Sham Fansite was started in July 2004, after working on a first site for David from February 2004. The Martians Fansite was started in February 2005 and the David fansite in April 2005.

For the first year of 2003 being a fan was simply a bit of fun. We shared the euphoria and the questioning. Then in 2004 David stepped out of the public eye after moving to Universal, and it was not an easy time for fans. We had no idea if David would be performing again. We waited patiently(??) A few of us got together to set up a site for him and called it David Sneddon’s Best of Order after one of his 2003 singles. We were all beginners to site making so we learnt as we went along! In May 2004 we were thrilled as David announced he was starting a new band The Sham at the Rofa gig in Glasgow (where we had our first fan party) and would be doing small venue gigs around London. After this announcement Pat and I set up the Shamfansite in July 2004, which was a lot of fun posting the pics and reports from the Sham gigs.

In early 2005, after feeling there was a lot of John info, chats, emails and more on the Sham site, we decided to set up the Martians Fansite for John Kielty’s band. Around early spring Pat and Sue set up the Charity site, mostly to include news of the Struan charity and Sue’s fundraising. 2005 was very quiet after the February gigs with no new gigs posted and over that time I set up the David Fansite which I had a great time doing.... as I had a strong feeling we may see David solo again at some point. My instinct was right because in July 2005 David announced he was working on a new solo album!

The Martians site was always more real though with the contacts with John and the Martians gigs in August 2005. In fact I think it was the contacts with John that really inspired my writing, as I started to write about John’s music and the outline of a new John Bio. In particular my chat with John in October 2005 (thanks John!). This in turn assisted with my constantly evolving and new David Bio for the Fansite, and the challenge of finding the right words, adding enough but not too much. Now I enjoy writing reviews for other artists too and have so many projects on going.

I voted for David on the Fame Academy show and I thought he was an inspiring and talented artist. I saw him perform on the FA tour, and at the Garage Glasgow April 2003. I was very surprised with his debut album, Seven Years Ten Weeks - it was a mixture of strong ballads and rocky songs, beautifully sung by David and I loved the album - to be fair though it was recorded in a rush and it doesn’t have a single style to it. David was unhappy with his Label Mercury and left them for Universal in October 2003 to work as a songwriter.

A year ago a strange thing happened it was as if my own life was intersecting with my online life. I had started doing the sites simply as a fan, along the way I discovered I loved doing them. But it was more than that - I had always read and written but now I felt I knew where I wanted to channel this. It wasn’t only the sites as I sent off emails and articles to various places and got several very interesting replies from editors, producers, writers, artists and more. Before visiting David site to find out if he was doing gigs in 2003 I had hardly bothered with computers, they were something my computer expert son built. I found new possibilities opening up - I got myself a new digital camera and loved taking gig photo’s – which is quite a challenge with the poor and constantly changing lighting conditions.

Then David went on myspace in March 2006 - yet another new networking world! I have read that Dylan ( who is another of my musical heroes) has inspired others. I’ve been a big music fan since I can remember - I play piano, grew up with the Beatles, musicals, the Stones, Scottish folk, Joni, John Martyn, Richard Thompson and more. David’s sensitive yet edgy personal piano based songs and his awesome voice have been an inspiration - and his coming from reality TV something of a surprise!

David Sneddon's BLOG Wednesday, November 08, 2006

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I love being a songwriter. It's a weird thing though. This week I've had 4 songs picked up around the world for various artists that we'll probably never hear in this country (although you never know) and presently have a few hit records in the top 10 in various countries. Tonight however, I play the Troubadour with MY songs to an intimate but passionate crowd and get a bigger buzz!!! One brings home the cash, the other I do purely out of love for music. Now, that sounds a bit naff but it's true. I love these gigs I'm playing at the moment, it feels like a whole part of the London music scene I missed out on cause of all the shit I went through when I first moved down from Glasgow. But I'm so pleased I decided to do it. It's such a good laugh and it's also fun meeting the other musicians on the circuit. I've no idea if anything will ever happen for me again with my own recording, (although it won't stop me doing it!) but with my writing doing well, I could happily gig till I've got a bus pass. Although, it's fucking tricky taking a piano on the bus.

Performing

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David is playing with a renewed energy and rawness his heartfelt songs... He keeps it real and true to who he is as an artist. His songs are full of clear images, with his emotionally gripping voice singing the wonderful melodies he is so gifted at writing. 'It’s not what people are expecting, I’m trying something a bit different. The feedback, from people who know me from the show, on the new songs has been incredible.'' FPR Radio Oct 2006.

*VENUES DAVID HAS PERFORMED AT - The Regal Rooms, The Bedford, The Jazz Bar Edinburgh, Kilsyth Festival, The Boardwalk, Jericho Tavern Oxford, The Cobden, The Troubadour, The Betsey, The Hobbit, The Boathouse, The Piazza, Covent Garden, The Fleece and Firkin, The Bull & Gate, Highbarn, Oran Mor, Glasgow.

Story so far...

PACE drama shows, theatre & musicals, TV presenting, Bands.

2002 - The Martians band. David WINS Fame Academy Dec 2002.

2003 - A No 1 Hit Single. A debut No 5 UK chart album of his own songs, "Seven Years Ten Weeks" as well as 3 chart topping singles.

Gigs; TV; Radio; Presenting; Uni Tour & Roadshows; Supported Elton John & Bryan Adams

2004-2005: Sham band gigs London & Scotland

2006 -2008: Acoustic Gigs with guitarists John Kielty & David Mullins. Songwriting in London

2008 - 2010: David focused on his songwriting work with James Mein, he played occasional gigs in London.

source INTERVIEW WITH DAVID ON RADIO PAISLEY (FDR) October 2006

David grew up in Paisley, near Glasgow Scotland. At Primary school a teacher suggested a Youth drama group and it was one of the best experiences and gave him confidence to perform. At the age of thirteen he started playing piano and writing songs. He was looking for direction and was open to new influences and searching for that lucky break wherever it might happen to come. He took the gamble of a TV talent show as it was advertised as being about songwriting, after sending off demos and gigging for years. It was the best experience and changed his life. At the time he was with a band the Martians with John Kietly, who are very good and still around today. He was beginning to wonder how he could get into the music business, and he hoped the show might get him down to London to make contacts, and perhaps even a Publishing deal.

The show wasn’t exactly what he expected with the focus on performing pop covers. David performed well though, and went on to win the show, much to his surprise! His Label rather than offering the chance to develop as an artist, wanted to control his image and sound. David had two big hit singles and a hit album, but early on he knew that the 'Bubble gum world of pop' wasn’t for him. He had some great times on the show, and made good friends, and the Fame Academy tour was a huge success, in fact the biggest tour of its kind. David supported Elton John in Hull, and enjoyed doing Top of the Pops and having the number one single, which he is unbelievably proud of now. Universal offered him a Publishing deal, which was a good opportunity to continue there without having to release any singles, and to be able to write the kind of songs that he wanted to write and to develop as an artist.

David has worked as a songwriter since joining Universal Music in October 2003.

He has written for - soul singer Nate James and new talent such as the 18 yr old Julian Perretta. It has really paid off with his writing taking off in a big way recently, and a string of hits worldwide. Because of his experience he helps these artists with melodies and hooks. But when he is writing, some of the songs are more personal and he keeps them for himself to sing. David is out doing gigs again in London with new backing guitarist David Mullins, and has an EP coming out soon which will be released on the Indie Store. He will possibly release a new album (?) He wants to make a career as a singer songwriter alongside his writing. David has had good Scottish press about his songwriting success. ( FPR Radio Interview Oct 2006)

‘Really good press in the Record, surprising but nice. Some media have a grain of truth, some no truth. It was good they had focused on my song writing.’ - - - - - - - - - - - - -

JOHN KIELTY INTERVIEW

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JOHN KIELTY KINDLY GAVE ME AN INTERVIEW FOR THE MARTIANS FANSITE IN 2006. I MET HIM AT THE ORAN MOR GLASGOW.. HIS LEATHER COAT WAS FLYING BEHIND HIM MUCH AS I IMAGINE HIM DOING DOCTOR WHO ONE DAY - HE'D BE PERFECT FOR THE ROLE!

I have been editing the photos from the Troubadour gig last week. I was thinking back to the first gig I saw David and John perform at the Metro in August 2004. I had this little disposable camera and got some great shots of the two of them laughing and joking together. That’s when I realised how close they were. Actually that’s not strictly true, the first time I saw them perform was on 'Top of the Pops' - that classic TV pop charts show that ran for 40 years and finished in 2006 - when David’s single Stop living the Lie was number one. I noticed John in a denim jacket and he looked so up for the gig! I wondered then who he was.
I first met John at David’s Safeway signing in Glasgow. John was standing at the side leaning against the counter, and later on I got him to sign my extra SYTWs copy and talked with him a bit. I later met John at the Rofa gig in May 2004, when he and David came backstage to chat with fans, and I got a lovely photo with him there. At the Sham gigs in 2004, John always had a big smile on his face and a hug for everyone. At the Metro he arrived with his guitar slung on his back. He liked to watch the performers, but after the gig was always happy to chat.

The Martians band: John was great at keeping in touch with the site in 2004, and I have several chats with him posted on the Martians fansite. We heard great reports from those making Martians shows in 2004.
In early 2005 there was so much John info on the site we decided to start a Martians site. Fiona and Pat helped me set the site up, so a big thanks to her and to Pat. The Martians always busk at the Edinburgh festival and they are so much fun!! In 2005 they performed their Evil face show. John took us on his Ghost tour down Edinburgh closes and to Greyfriars graveyard, which is a very spooky place, and is the inspiration for his musical, The Sundowe. He was excellent at this, very scary! He seems to be fascinated by things like thumbscrews! and other torture weapons.

When I was taking the photos at the Troubadour gig last week, I had no idea it was John’s last with David for a while, until David announced before the last song that John was off to America. I was taken aback and it has been hard looking at the gig pics, as John looks sad and introspective in them. I did wonder at the time he was much quieter than usual. John grew up in Clydebank, about ten minutes from where I live. He has a clear idea of where he wants to be artistically, and he has been an inspiration to me. He has made many fans at all the gigs through the warmth and generosity of his personality. I had been wondering that John was doing his own thing more and more, and I know he has been very busy with his Sundowe musical. They have a close musical partnership that I am hope will continue. They enjoy writing together and have inspired each other. Paulinex

Reflections July 2007-06-22

2010-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

The past year being a David fan has been quite extraordinary.
I have this memory of David donning huge glasses at Johnstone town hall last August, not far from his hometown of Paisley, to sing Elton’s Rocket Man – it felt like here was David expressing how Elton first inspired him with music.
Just weeks before a rather nervous David put his new songs out there at the Bedford. I remember feeling quite sick myself. It may have been the fact I was going with my family on holiday to the south of France in two days and my 17 year old had lost his passport! I had to leave him all these instructions to get a new one ( which on the phone they say takes weeks!) and pray he got it sorted. I often decide to make these trips at the last minute.
I’d seen David here with the Sham band in 2005. Tony Moore runs an excellent music venue, with the venue totally separated from the bar. John and Jay were backing David on guitars. John had just heard his Sundowe musical had won the Quest for a new Scottish musical so he was quite high! David started with One Old Soul and it was as if the room was quaking, I just felt all his emotion and passion float over me. Then he sang Not Your Son and moved to the more soothing emotions of Lady Lullaby and Northern lights and White Noise. Helen had offered me a seat closer to the front. I had a new camera but I was not at all comfortable with it. I felt frozen to the seat. I knew David was where he needed to be with his music.

I went on holiday and listened to my recording of the Bedford. I was so excited with his new songs. David did several gigs in July which I missed. I managed a couple of London gigs in August. At the Troubadour in November David said he was recording a new EP, and the White Noise EP was released in January this year.
The response from fans and others to the EP has been excellent. I forgot – in December I travelled to the Highbarn gig. As I arrived at Stansted the sky had this golden glow. The Highbarn is the tallest building in Essex and it’s the first full set I have heard David do. It has this golden ceiling of wooden timbers and huge shiny silver balls were decorating it for Christmas. I thought of all the gigs I have been to over the years and how this young man blew me away with his voice and songs. He was playing a beautiful deep brown shiny grand piano called Sophie. David seemed very happy on stage and his parents were sitting just behind our rather large round table. As well as his new songs he sang some of his 2003 hits and a couple of covers.. A wonderful memory.

Early 2007 David did a tour of gigs with young singer song writers Chris Townsend and Jake hook. Then he took a break to concentrate on his writing with new artist Julian Perretta. They appear to be great mates and I am sure David loves working with younger artists. I met Julian briefly at the Regal rooms gig in May – he is very tall! It’s obvious they have a lot of fun working together.
I have always thought David should make a career being who he is. His second love after music is football – and this June he is presenting a football radio show on BBC Scotland for 5 week. David is also wonderful fun whenever he has been on the radio.

The best news this year was to hear David is doing a run of 3 gigs at the Jazz Bar at the Edinburgh festival. He has not played here since he was singing with the Martians before he entered the FA show in October 2002. I am sure he must feel quite nostalgic about going back there. The Jazz Bar is run by a musician and is just a street down from the high Street. Edinburgh is the most fun place just to walk around when the city is taken over by performers of all kinds (literally!!)

*In 2002 David wanted to be Robbie, in 2004 the Killers and now he is being himself. I found this quote in his press in 2003 and I keep meaning to find the reference. 'The person who has inspired me the most is Elton I love the Beatles, but as I was growing up, I always wanted to play the piano like him. I've never had any lessons, so he has been my only teacher.'
Too much to do too little time. Now I know all quotes need references, all photos need careful filing/labelling, to write rough draft reviews while it is still fresh in my mind. The festival pics have just taken me the last five days here. They are nearly done thank god. It feels like things have come full circle.

I hope in the back of my mind there will one day be another David Sneddon album. Ever since I drove back from Anniesland in April 2003 after buying my copy of Seven Years Ten Weeks, I’ve been looking forward to what David would do with his next album, when he was free of the FA shackles. I felt he had something important to say in his music even though he sounded unclear of his direction then. David cuts through the unwanted dross with a clear purity in his music. So many songs always take the same direction but David always makes me sit up and take notice.
The Charts are meaningless and only about what suits the Record Labels. As long as David has a clear musical voice and continues with gigs…… ( Please excuse me feeling nostalgic I think it’s the time of year etc. etc. )

David Sneddon's Songs.

2010-11-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

I couldn't do this without a write up on David's songs. I love so many and some are very special for me. I was blown away by No More Words - there is something in this song, a moving deep spirituality and questioning. One Old Soul is another favourite - with it's soaring chorus and passions about love's bonding. Some of his songs such as Northern Lights have softer lilting piano, and his songs are filled with deep insights - Scars, Little Houses, Insomnia, Anticipation, more. I never tire of David's songs as there is always something new in them. I just watched the Best of Order video. I was so surprised at the Garage gig by this song, and yet it has definitely been a favourite of mine. Loved it. In fact when I consider the album, I listened to this song more than others. Yes it was a departure - but surely arts about challenging those boundaries. I remember at the Garage Glasgow - and it was so much fun after the show, I was mesmerised. I believed then and still do, that there was a very subtle and unique something in his voice, songs and performance - an intensity and special magic that expresses a wide range of emotions. I see film scenes often through his songs. I knew back listening to his album he'd write some wonderful music one day. This is not about perfections ( while rehearsing, working, rehearsing are crucial too) - more about the heart and emotions. His songs give tears, joy and hopes. My true thoughts - I love the way he tries new things by challenging boundaries and always surprises. The important thing is that David has something new to say.

The One Day Album? At several gigs David told his fans that he would one day do another album. Yet I wonder his fears are great even now seven years after the show. He writes and records for other artists, and I am glad he is happy and doing well with his work. I have hoped he is OK and I know the quality I hear in David's songs and voice. While I also try not to feel sad for him knowing his joy of performing, and thinking of his saying how much he enjoys performing his own songs., and I am not sure I that I really understand why there's been no gigs for so long. David posted a gig for January 2010 and then cancelled it - which made me think he still wishes to gig. Perhaps he may one day do a 'low-key album' - and has no desire to tour and promote a bigger album again as he did in 2003. Perhaps he simply needs to focus right now and is very busy. Mostly I expect nothing, while I also miss him badly - it is his music that is special for me, and as long as I can still hear his music through others. I've also watched and heard him play piano backing other artists and I can feel his joy of this too - and his love of music comes over so clearly. I've supported David firstly because I believe in and love his music, and would miss his music, that's my motivation. At his Regal Room gig March 2008 David said - 'Over the past six months I have written over forty songs and not one of them for me, so this is a rather nice experience getting to play my own songs again.'
Being a fan has often been either feast or famine. As if travelling in a dessert - we see an oasis ahead but its all a mirage - and then suddenly we get to drink at the well and hear new songs... It's a rollercoaster ride, where my emotions have been all over the place, and it has been so hard going - worrying, wondering, questioning, .
David said it would be worth the waiting and I will always believe in him.

*DAVID POSTS * At the Troubadour he said,' I love my job. Tonight however, I play the Troubadour with MY songs to an intimate but passionate crowd and get a bigger buzz!!! One brings home the cash, the other I do purely out of love for music. Now, that sounds a bit naff but it's true. I love these gigs I'm playing at the moment, I could happily gig till I've got a bus pass.'
I just had a post from David saying they may do more gigs next year - maybe John will beam in from Mars! who knows they may even write that collaborative album online! 'You make it sound like that's it forever!! Don't panic! John and I are already talking about more gigs. I'll work with someone else while he's away but that's not us done... not by a long shot... ;-)'

QUOTE Amanda Ghost, singer-songwriter (Times April 2006) When I first met Joni Mitchell, she said,’ What do you want to be, a rock n’ roll star or an artist?’ I didn’t really know what to say, and I totally misunderstood the question. It’s taken me six years to understand what she meant. I said, ‘Both.’ She said, ‘ You can’t be both.’ For years, it bugged me. What did she mean? We all want to be successful, we all want to be good. What she meant was, you can’t want to be both.

David Sneddon Fan Views

2010-11-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

I wish I was able to communicate to David just how powerful his raw voice is, I'm sure it is what won him FA but then his label didn't know how to handle a truly emotional singer, who had 'it' without needing all the technical wizardry of the studio. Helen

I much much prefer David acoustic. On his B sides and at the Colne gig - the music flowed perfectly there with David’s singing leading the music. David’s vocals were the most perfect and clear and Harry’s guitar was rhythmic and light, perfectly matching David’s songs. David’s voice should be heard clearly and not drowned over with studio effects. Not many singers are so talented they can carry their vocals acoustically, and they require the backing band or the studio to enhance their vocals. David has a very expressive and distinctive emotional voice. For me that’s his biggest strength. I want to hear the edge, the ‘specialness’ and beauty of his voice clearly. Pauline

When I first heard No More Words my reaction was ' bloody brilliant!'

David has talent He definitely knows were he’s from and he’s

getting there, where he wants to be. Bla.Bla.Bla promoting its the

industry big chiefs that make the money. God some pop stars cant

even sing...Live....let alone sing their own material...a song...it

does go to their heads sometimes!! some are even born into it. take

care all Clairebear xxx

Guess who`s back...David Sneddon and his gang, its meant to be./Claire

It was great to relive Colne again and David at the piano singing is what appeals to me most. David's voice is so much better singing on his own with John. It would be great to have another gig with David, John and Harry. Aileen

Yes, I have always liked the acoustic stuff that David does. It brings out the quality in his voice, which I think sometimes gets drowned out by the band. However I still like the band stuff too. No More Words, Star, 20th Century Boy etc. are great with the band. This is a long term thing. David and John together are a magical songwriting combination. Ian

I haven’t met a David fan who doesn't think that anything David has recorded is better in the acoustic format than in the released smooth pop style, He has a uniquely raw emotional element in his voice that seems to flow from the heart and touch his listeners in a way that opens their hearts to his pain. I hope and pray that this new album capitalises on David's voice rather than on the 'sound', Colne version of GB is very different from the Sham version and INMHO far far superior. Helen

David you are the most inspirational singer songwriter that has ever emerged from the reality TV genre. You have the most touching lyrics and almost heaven like face that a person would ask for. Love ya! Liv

David Sneddon The Garage gig, Glasgow - 28th April 2003 Happy happy memories!!

2010-11-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

That was on the Monday - I bought David's debut album on the Tuesday at the Safeways signing.

On the way in we heard David on Radio Clyde. He was a busy guy that day, in fact he played 7 gigs in 10 hours to match the album title.

I remember we waited ages in the rain, and at one point David's parents walked past us to the head of the queue, and someone thought they were queue jumping, I said no, it is David's Mum and Dad. The woman in front of me was over from Amsterdam, and had been in Edinburgh with her husband on business. She was originally from Glasgow and was very excited to be able to see David. I should have worn a hat too because my hair was fairly frizzy by the time we got in! They had told us 5.30 for 6 but it wasn't until 6.30 we got in.

The place was pretty dark inside. We rushed up the stairs and managed to secure a place in the second row. The band came out first and played a bit. There was mad hysteria when David eventually appeared. He was smiling away and looking a bit taken aback as he usually does!! I'd not heard the album yet and sitting at the piano David started with the rocky and fun Follow Me - that was a huge surprise after expecting only ballads. The band and David performed six of David's songs from his debut album ' Seven Years Ten Weeks' showing the diversity and originality of his songs. The wonderful jazz influenced Lazy, the powerful Bluebird, the stirring Don't let Go, and his number one hit Stop Living The Lie. David started at the piano but as the stage was not raised it was hard to see him.

I remember vividly when he stood up to sing the rocky Best of Order - wow !! weak at the knees stuff. Also how he looked getting the gold disc for his album sales!! he was so chuffed. Little did I realise the impact of this gig, making me the dedicated fan I've been the last few years,...... patiently (?) waiting for the next album! The following day I met David at his Safeways signing and what a lovely guy he is.

David Sneddon Memories

2010-11-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

In 2002 I was impressed by a singer and musician - DAVID SNEDDON, with his tenor voice, melodic songs and moving piano.
David is a singer-songwriter, and a writer of piano based melodies. I will never forget his first appearance on TV in an ill-fitting brown suit when he sang Uptown Girl. He had that something extra that’s so hard to define. He shone with an infectious spontaneity and sang with a beautiful tenor voice. When he entered the show his performances went from strength to strength. Then he took to the piano to play his own songs to prove his talent to singing coach Carrie. It was a priceless moment. He blew audiences away with he sang Elton's classic song 'Dont' Let the Sun go Down on Me' and made it through to the final. His singing of 'I Don’t Want To Talk About It' and it was mesmerising. His debut album was full of engrossing and heartfelt songs, sung with his perfect voice. '

Some favourite memories of David. Oct - Dec 2002
My first memory of David is when he wheeled his suitcase into the Fame house - he had that look of pure joy and excitement all over his face. He had the most wonderful attitude to everything that was thrown at him. He rose above every challenge. 'I just take it on the chin and get on with it!' He gave us the most memorable moments; the look of shock the first time he won the public vote; the 'Carrie moment', when he first sang and played his songs and the expression of surprise on her face; the leaping for joy moment on winning the vote against Ainslie; his thrill to be made grade A for the week! My best memory of all is his love of music - when he sang or played his pure delight and joy was amazing. This passion came through when he sang his songs in the final. That is a night I will never forget - his voice was magic! I saw David perform at The Garage in April.
When I heard his album and his wonderful songs I became the dedicated fan I have been ever since!

David Sneddon *GIGS LISTINGS

2010-11-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

*GIGS LISTINGS 2006
Dec 16 2006 8:00 The High Barn, Essex
Nov 8 2006 8:00 The Troubadour, London
Nov 6 2006 8:00 Betsy Trotwood, London
Oct 28 2006 Barry Ferguson's MBE party
(Scotland's Football Captain)
Oct 21 2006 2 5.30 Too MUCH- SOHO Rainforest
Oct 9 2006 8:00 The Bedford, London
Oct 3 2006 8:00 Cobden Club, London
Sep 18 2006 8:00 Rock n' Roll, The Troubadour
Aug 16 2006 8:00 The Troubadour, London
Aug 15 2006 7:45 Cobden Club, London
Aug 12 2006 8:00 Town Hall, Johnstone Paisley
Motor Neurone Benefit Gig
Jul 29 2006 4:30 Dunstaffnage Music Festival,
Oban, Argyll Scotland
Jul 22 2006 7:00 Òran Mór, Glasgow
Jul 19 2006 8:00 Ginglik, London
Jul 18 2006 7:30 Canada Square Pk, Canary Wharf
Jul 17 2006 8:00 High Barn, Braintree, Essex
Jul 13 2006 8:00 The Bedford, London

*GIGS 2007
23 – 25 Aug 2007 7:30 The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh Festival
9 May 2007 8:00 The Troubadour London
8 May 2007 8:00 The Bedford London
5 May 2007 8:00 Regal Rooms London
30 April 2007 8:00 Boardwalk. Sheffield
23 Mar 2007 7:00 Cash For Kids OBAN FM
23 Feb 2007 8:00 The Hobbit, Southampton
5 Feb 2007 8:00 The Betsey Trotwood London
27 Jan 2007 7:30 The Regal Rooms London
*With Jake Hook & Chris Townsend
16 Jan 2007 8:00 The Boathouse, Cambridge
14 Jan 2007 3:00 6/7 The Piazza, Covent Garden
10 Jan 2007 8:00 Jericho Tavern, Oxford
9 Jan 2007 8:00 The Fleece and Firkin, Bristol
8 Jan 2007 8:00 The Bull & Gate, London

*GIGS 2008
Oct 9 2008 8:00 The Bedford London
July 1 2008 8:00 The Halo bar London
June 23 2008 8:00 The Water Rats London
June 17 2008 8:00 The Troubadour London
June 9 2008 8:00 The Bedford London
May 6 2008 8:00 The Cobden London
May 3 2008 8:00 Regal Rooms London
May 1 2008 8:00 The Bedford London
April 30 2008 7:00 Gardening Club London
28 March 2008 8:00 The Regal Rooms, Hammersmith London

David Sneddon Scotcare Bedford Photos

2010-11-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Scotcare at the Bedford October 2008 was David's last gig - we were not to know - although I did feel a deep sadness after the gig. Yet also these past two years we have heard that he is signed to Sony and that several high profile, as well as highly anticipated artists are releasing songs co-written with David. This has been very exciting news for his fans.

David Sneddon Scotcare clips

2010-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

David Sneddon The Scotcare Bedford Oct 9th 2008

2010-11-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy my photos. There is something deep and expressive about David’s photos – quite unlike any other music pics I take – and I take many! David does like to surprise his fans! and to my great surprise David sang his beautiful piano melody ‘Without You’ – from his top 2003 album SYTW. I thought I’d never hear this song live.

Scotcare gig ‘Fun, warm and challenging

This was a top gig, and I always love the Bedford venue. David had posted a blog that he’s been partying in Plymouth, Glasgow, Bratislava, Belfast the past weeks for his 30^th Birthday!! Oh dear. Before the gig I had a short chat with David’s backing guitarist David Mullins and he said it was a full set of 6/7 songs.

The gig was run by the Scotcare charity. Dave Gibson was listed to sing first and we took our seats. Suddenly David came up behind us and spoke in my ear – surprised us! – to say he hoped that 'I would enjoy a bit of nostalgia' Suddenly it was David first to my surprise. He had a bit of a shaky start on White Noise. I wish David had more time to rehearse and he is so busy rehearsing others there appears to be little time to rehearse for himself. He was on top form though while there is a difference when an artist performs every night.

David performed first and sang 7 songs (White Noise, Scars, Dignity, Little Houses, Without You, Stop living The Lie). Looking very smart In a new light-coloured suit and dark tie David put more into the set, and as with his new songs his face has more character now. He looked well and happy. David got into the set quickly and performed with more energy and soul I thought. I particularly enjoyed Dignity, One Old Soul. He sang Dignity ( a Deacon Blue song) which suited his style - he had fun with it and played a great cover of the song. One old Soul had a lot of emotion, and David talked about his 2007 EP still being in the indiestore chart. He said he had a cold – but his vocals were perfect - and Scars was beautiful too. To my surprise David sang his beautiful piano melody ‘Without You’ – from his top 2003 album SYTW. I thought I’d never hear this song live. I’ve written to David about how many fans love this song and how much I would enjoy to hear it live one day. I know it is a favourite of many, and will have brought many close to tears to hear it. David finished his set with his number one hit song of 2003 – Stop Living the Lie – I was glad to know that David is proud to sing this song. David got an energetic response. There were younger fans here to see him. Beside us were a young crowd – and the tall guy said he was there to ‘hear Sneddon’ After the gig I saw David briefly. He seemed on top form and said he was very busy with his writing. During his set – he said that he wasn’t doing 'so many gigs for now'. Does this means more in the future. (??) I hope he records songs like 'Insomnia' and 'Anticipation' some day... For some reason I did feel a deep sadness after the gig.

I’ve enjoy very much doing these photos for David and writing the Gig reviews for him. I hope people ( and David) enjoy them. I’ve been busy taking Photos of festivals and gigs in Scotland, please check out my Photo sites. I tried to persuade him there is fab festival here in Glasgow in January – the Celtic Connections which runs for over 3 weeks when the city buzzes with artists from all over the world then. I know full well, as do his fans, that his focus is the artists he writes for. I will always adore and cherish the David songs I have on my ipod. He has a very special voice...

David Sneddon Jazz Bar Clips

2010-11-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

Wish You Well

Lady Lullaby

Stop Living The Lie

I took these clips on the Thursday night. Thankfully. As on John's ghost tour later that same night, I slipped in the graveyard - well it was spooky! and damaged my small digital camera that I record clips on. I was disappointed therefore that I wasn't able to capture any of the Friday or Saturday night gigs, which were so mind blowingly incredible. Best ever. Happy nights. I said to David after- I hope you come up to Scotland to gig more often... little did I know they were to be his last Scottish gigs :((

David Sneddon JAZZ BAR EDINBURGH REVIEW (23,24,25th Aug 2007)

2010-11-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

Probably my Favourite David Sneddon Photos, I loved the golden glow of them. By miles also my favourite gigs of David's - so much fun and so good to hear John and David sing together. His gig was so full of joy, and the last time I took photos of John & David doing a gig together. Although he is sitting at the corner piano, David is great to photograph – one moment passionately engrossed, then full of joy, and then intense or pensive. David and John have unique musical rapport. and I hope my photos in a small way might express the energy and excitement of these gigs. Great venue for taking pics at too. Happy nights!

The Jazz Bar gigs were full of every emotion – from heartache to joy, loss and comfort and that mystic musical connection. David has reached a place where he seems grounded and to have a sense of clear direction with his music. He was destined to be a songwriter and to play intimate venue gigs. People were crammed at the Bar and sitting at the side tables. Not only did his set fly by, but we were left wanting more. John Kielty backed with perfect harmonies and guitar, adding this own energy and charisma. Chris Townsend provided an excellent support slot. He writes memorable songs and shows loads of potential.

Fans were buzzing after David’s sold out gigs at the festival. The audience was of every age range and responded enthusiastically, while a number of fans had travelled many miles to hear David perform. He writes songs with sincere quality. David not only has something new to say, but a distinctive sound and voice - with strong dynamic piano playing and clear emotionally passionate vocals and melodies that reach into your heart. His lyrics are deeply touching.

Five years ago David was busking on the High Street with John Kielty and the Martians. John’s musical the Sundowe is to be produced by world famous Cameron Mackintosh in November 2007. David has his wonderful new White Noise EP and enjoys success as a songwriter in London. In a hint of drama David joined the Martians for 2 songs before his Saturday gig on the High Street, in black white trimmed sunglasses.

Songs included One Old Soul (joy of love) Wish You Well (tender vocals), Time (perfect harmonies) Lady Lullaby (beautifully passionate) Insomnia (deeply moving) and a great cover of Rocket Man. Fans adored hearing David’s hit Stop Living The Lie/Nothing Ever Happens and sang along.

David looked very happy playing to a Scottish crowd, and surely an indication that he should come play up here more often!

Thursday gig the rehearsal, Friday the main event and Saturday the encore!

I’m honoured to have been able to be there and hear David perform.

Unforgettable memory. x

This gig was so full of joy, and the last time I took photos of John & David doing a gig together. Sadly I was not to know either that it was to be David's last Scottish gig.

REVIEWS: His set was far too short, and I felt he has something new in his songs, which are sensitive and sincere. He is in a different league to most singer songwriters that I hear, who simply don’t touch me in my heart that way.’ SINGER

By forsaking the bubblegum world of pop offered to him through his success in 'Fame Academy' and allowing his depth to show, David Sneddon has in turn been good for music. EDINBURGH GUIDE.

* CHECK YOUTUBE For Jazz Bar clips

David Sneddon The White Noise EP

2010-11-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

'acoustic melody-driven singer songwriter'

"My EP White Noise is the first thing I've recorded for release in a few years. The idea behind it is to take the live acoustic vibe from my recent gigs and try to bring out a little extra in the studio. Everything you hear is pretty much recorded in one continuous take, to keep the authentic live feel, and I've left in all the little creaks and squeeks from piano stools, feet tapping etc... to add to the white noise behind the songs." David

‘WHITE NOISE' EP Released January 2007 - No 1 Indiestore

Offers a timeless authentic sound. David's music portrays wide-ranging moods with his pure sensual vocals in strong contrast to his hard hitting ‘positive notes’ piano. His passionate voice is one moment melancholy and then tender, evocative and then forceful, led by his strong dynamic piano playing. David’s music is about the heartfelt depth of emotional journeys - about the many aspects of love. Brings a subtle blend of sensitive melody and rhythmic moods. David brings his heart and soul to his music. If music can heal then David’s is the perfect escape....David’s voice has perfect pitch, timing, expression and tone. His going for the acoustic impact of a ‘one live take’ on the recording works perfectly. All five tracks are stand outs - the optimistic White Noise, the energetic moving melody of 'One Old Soul', the tender piano track Wish You Well, the joyous Time, and the soothing romantic Lady Lullaby. Engaging and absorbing.

* “IT'S BEEN to the industry's benefit that the Paisley lad chose music over his other passion, football. Now 29, the winner of the first BBC series of Fame Academy in 2002 has gone on to success not only as a singer, but more notably, as a songwriter for many top names.” Scotsman Dec 2007

17/01/07 - This Week's

indiestore.com Picks: WHITE NOISE DAVID SNEDDON

"... he's a considerable talent who deserves a fairer hearing. With his rich Scots burr much in evidence, this is that fair hearing. Listen up." 17th Jan 2007 Indie Store

'I think your music is wonderful, and you're such a genuine kind of a singer...your own style, and a wonderful hint of a brogue that just adds to the flavour. So good to hear something that hasn't been chopped up and processed to blandness these days! Keep it up!' Patricia Hammond Opera singer

The strengths of David’s set are the quality of the songs and that magic something in David’s voice. He is performing on energetic, accomplished set.

'smells of booze and cheap cologne, well, i know that could easily be me but i took my way out, time, always take your time, don't waste your time' 'you lay yourself right out there in your songs. and then you double it by singing with the same quality. this is a great tune. sincerity is your trademark. perhaps that is the essence why i like your music .' Janice Kephart poet

David Sneddon QUOTES:

2010-11-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

Paisley Reception - David described his homecoming as 'the very best day of my life... Twelve weeks ago I was a reserve for a TV gameshow. To go from that to be told I'm an ambassador for Scotland is quite a change - next thing I'll be getting a knighthood.'

John, 24, said: 'David has not changed a bit. What you see on stage is how he really is. We are having a fantastic time.'

Definitely the time I sang the Scottish National Anthem ‘O Flower of Scotland, at Murrayfield’s rugby stadium in Edinburgh. Scotland were playing

Ireland

, but they thrashed us! It was one of the most incredible and emotional things that’s happened to me. I was singing to 67,000 people and it was amazing. It gives me the shivers just thinking about it.

Can you describe your last year in 3 words? 'Surprising, rewarding and cactus! I don't know why that popped into my head - that's one for you to work out!

'Playing Hampden is my best gig so far. I supported Elton John last week and now I'm here - this is what I've dreamt about.'

'I had a really good time out there. The show went really well. We've had some of the best feedback we've had all summer. Elton dedicated a song to me during his performance, then asked to meet me afterwards. I couldn't believe it was happening, I was shaking.'

'Meeting the guys from Elton John’s band. My favourite album of all time is “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and the drummer and the guitarist who played on that came down to work with me on some tracks (Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone). They were really nice, down-to-earth guys, so that was a real thrill for me. A big thrill!'

It was a huge honour. Over the past couple of months I've sung with Elton John's band, I've sung the national anthem at Murrayfield and I've had the civic reception - they're the things I'll remember for the rest of my life.

I don't take any of the fame of the celebrity part of it seriously at all. I really enjoy the music and that's the only part I take seriously. I've had some great reviews for the album.

I've worked with Elton John's band - fantastic, they're like my heroes - and I haven't really let any of it phase me.

Paisley's favourite musical son made an emotional return to his hometown.

He delighted the massive crowd by slipping onto his piano stool and belting out two of his biggest hits Stop Living The Lie and Don't Let Go. Devoted fans had travelled from as far afield as Wales, Scarborough and Leeds. And one gang of girls waved a sign at the star which read: "We've come 240 miles to see you! Can we meet you?"

Groups of adoring girls sobbed and screamed hysterically as David burst onto the stage during the festive celebrations and yelled: "Hello Paisley it's fantastic to be here." And he added incredulously: "I can't believe so many of you have come to see me."