Declan Mckenna What Happened to the Beach Album? Who is Declan Mckenna?
by Reshwanth A
Updated Feb 08, 2024
Declan Mckenna What Happened to the Beach Album?
Declan McKenna's latest studio album, "What Happened to the Beach?" marks a departure from his previous thematic projects. The British pop singer-songwriter, known for his politically charged lyrics and ambitious concepts, takes a different approach with this release. Now 25, McKenna embraces sonic experimentation and creates a collection of tracks that serve as immersive soundscapes rather than demanding immediate attention.
Inspired by the chill, sunny, and sometimes blasé attitudes of Los Angeles, where much of the album was recorded, McKenna crafts a dreamlike world through layered instrumentals, found sounds, and distorted vocals. By allowing the tracks to become melodically strange and compelling, McKenna invites listeners into a buzzing and ethereal realm that transcends the boundaries of reality. "What Happened to the Beach?" showcases McKenna's growth as an artist and his willingness to explore new musical territories.
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Who is Declan Mckenna?
Declan Benedict McKenna is an English singer-songwriter who first gained recognition by winning the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition in 2015. He made his debut in the music scene with the self-released song "Brazil," a protest song that criticized FIFA and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The single quickly gained popularity, reaching number one on Sirius XM Radio's Alt Nation Alt 18 Countdown and number 16 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart. In 2017, McKenna released his debut studio album titled "What Do You Think About the Car?".
Despite facing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, McKenna released his second studio album, "Zeros," in September 2020. The album showcased his growth as an artist and received critical acclaim. Now, in February 2024, he is set to release his highly anticipated third album, "What Happened to the Beach?".
McKenna's unique blend of indie pop and thought-provoking lyrics has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and solidified his place in the music industry. With his impressive musical journey and continued artistic evolution, Declan McKenna remains a promising and influential figure in the music world.
Name
Declan McKenna
Born
24 December 1998
Birth Place
Enfield, London, England
Occupations
Singer, songwriter, musician
Years Active
2014–present
Declan Mckenna Age
Declan McKenna, whose full name is Declan Benedict McKenna, is an English singer-songwriter. He was born on December 24, 1998, which means he is currently 25 years old. McKenna gained recognition in 2015 when he won the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition.
He made his debut in the music industry with the self-released song "Brazil" in December 2014, which criticized FIFA and the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. The song became a hit, reaching number one on Sirius XM Radio's Alt Nation Alt 18 Countdown and number 16 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
In 2017, McKenna released his debut studio album titled "What Do You Think About the Car?". He followed it up with his second studio album, "Zeros," in September 2020, after facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McKenna is set to release his third album, "What Happened to the Beach?", in February 2024. With his unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics, Declan McKenna has established himself as a talented and influential artist in the music industry.
Declan Mckenna Early Life
Declan McKenna was born on December 24, 1998, in Enfield, Greater London. However, he grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, where he attended St Mary's Church of England High School. His mother worked as a teacher, while his father was a milkman and also involved in local politics. McKenna's heritage is primarily Irish and English, and although he no longer considers himself religious, he was raised in the Catholic faith.
During his teenage years, McKenna began taking his GCSE exams in the summer of 2015, but his music career soon took off, and he had to shift his focus. He later pursued A-levels in English Literature, Philosophy and Ethics, and Sociology. However, his dedication to music became so consuming that he decided to halt his studies after just a few months.
These early experiences and influences in his life shaped McKenna's journey as a musician, allowing him to bring a unique perspective and thoughtfulness to his songwriting. From his upbringing in Cheshunt to his academic pursuits, Declan McKenna's early life played a significant role in shaping the artist he has become today.
Declan Mckenna Career
Declan McKenna's career has been marked by his thought-provoking lyrics and captivating music. In 2019, he released the song "British Bombs," where he criticized UK foreign policy and shed light on the hypocrisy of the British arms trade. This song showcased McKenna's desire to directly address important issues such as war. He later announced the completion of his second studio album via Twitter in December of the same year.
The album, titled "Zeros," was initially set to be released in May 2020, with the lead single "Beautiful Faces" already out. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the album's release was postponed a few times until it finally came out on September 4, 2020. In July 2021, McKenna released the single "My House," accompanied by a music video. The song explored the theme of reconnecting with oneself. In May 2023, he embarked on The Big Return Tour in North America, showcasing his music to his fans across the continent.
In July 2023, he released "Sympathy" as the lead single from his highly anticipated third studio album, "What Happened to the Beach?". The album is scheduled for release on February 9, 2024. With each release, McKenna continues to captivate listeners with his socially conscious lyrics and unique musical style, solidifying his place as a talented and influential artist in the music industry.
Declan Mckenna Album Review
Declan McKenna's album, "What Happened to the Beach?" has a mix of catchy indie pop songs and experimental tracks that grab your attention. For example, "Nothing Works" is a fast and upbeat tune that will get you hooked right away. On the other hand, "It's an Act" is a softer song that takes you on a trippy journey.
"Mulholland's Dinner and Wine" is unique with its distorted sound, reminding you of artists like Still Woozy and Glass Animals, and it reflects the characters and atmosphere of Los Angeles. But there are also moments in the album that surprise you. Songs like "I Write the News" and "WOBBLE," along with the interludes called "Mystery Planet Pt. 1-3," remind you that you're under McKenna's spell.
These moments disrupt the familiar vibe of the album and immerse you in a world of warped sounds and radio snippets that pay tribute to Los Angeles. McKenna pushes the boundaries of his music with these elements, creating an immersive and captivating experience for his listeners.
Declan Mckenna What Happened to the Beach Album - FAQs
The album draws inspiration from the chill, sunny, and sometimes blasé attitudes of Los Angeles, where much of it was recorded. McKenna creates a dreamlike world through layered instrumentals, found sounds, and distorted vocals, inviting listeners into a buzzing and ethereal realm.
The album marks a departure from his previous thematic projects. McKenna embraces sonic experimentation and creates immersive soundscapes that prioritize mood and atmosphere over immediate attention. It showcases his growth as an artist and his willingness to explore new musical territories.
The album features melodically strange and compelling tracks, with layered instrumentals and distorted vocals. McKenna's use of found sounds and experimental elements adds to the immersive experience. Songs like "Nothing Works" and "It's an Act" showcase his sonic exploration.
Declan McKenna gained recognition by winning the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition in 2015. He made his debut with the self-released song "Brazil," which criticized FIFA and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. McKenna released his debut studio album, "What Do You Think About the Car?" in 2017, followed by "Zeros" in 2020. His unique blend of indie pop and thought-provoking lyrics has garnered him a dedicated fanbase.
The album is scheduled for release in February 2024. It is highly anticipated by fans who are eager to experience McKenna's continued artistic evolution and his exploration of new musical territories.