The indie-rock and alternative artist Martin Leary returns with his first release of 2023 – a double A-side single made up of the moody and climatic ‘It’s Time’ and the more direct sound of ‘Be Present’. The Glasgow based performer is influenced by the likes of Richard Ashcroft and The Beatles with shades of both seeping through into both of these tracks. Leary’s lead guitarist, Calum Doherty, is prominent on both songs and his notable guitar sound helps drive both into anthemic territory.

On ‘It’s Time’, Martin Leary said ”The “It’s Time” line on the chorus came first when just singing random stuff so the song was built around the message of time to move on. I just picture a scene from a movie for something like that when you’ve not much to go on and write what story I’m seeing in my head.”

Both songs were recorded at HQ Glasgow and mastered by Gregor McPhie. Martin and Gregor have been working together since 2019, producing great results in the process.

‘Be Present’ was influenced by a James Bond film, as Leary continues: “I was just strumming away on an acoustic guitar with a sense of seeing where it takes you. Chords and melody usually come together and they did for the chorus and from that I wrote verses to try and fit what the chorus is saying. I wrote it not long after watching James Bond Skyfall so that had an influence on the chord progression/style…”

A positive song about no regrets, ‘Be Present’ is perhaps Leary’s finest work to date. He is supporting the band Marseille in both Edinburgh (March 10th) and Glasgow (March 11th).

Emily Marsden – Editor
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