"I've got both ears and not been to jail yet": Danny Mahon talks to Skiddle

Anyone who is into their music in Manchester knows of Danny Mahon. If you don’t, then you don’t know much at all. Having spent years on the scene working and gigging alongside the city’s unsung musical heroes to some of the biggest names, this year really seems to have been a turning point. Skiddle caught up with Danny ahead of his Christmas gig at Ruby Lounge.

On the 21st December you’re headlining your own show at The Ruby Lounge – ‘Danny Mahon & Friends’. What was the thinking behind curating this event?
It's been a long time since I've done a headline show of my own in Manchester, so it was definitely overdue. Also working with a manager that is on the same page and believes in me has helped me kick on towards the end of this year and into next, so it seemed like the right time to do it.

Who are the ‘friends’ playing alongside you?
That's a surprise. But supporting on the night will be my good friends Advent 3, The Tapestry who you may already know about, The Watchmakers who I think are going to be a great band and Shaun Gilroy. There'll be a load of guest DJs too - but their names are under wraps for now.

It must have been difficult to only be able to choose a few acts to support?
Yeah, really difficult.

What was the reason for you choosing the ones you did?
A combination of stuff I'm digging, mates and people who have been around the same scene for years.

You have been on the Manchester music scene for a while now and are one of the most loved singer/songwriters from the city. What has it been like making a name for yourself in Manchester?
It's great that people still like me being around. I'm sure there are just as many people that don't dig my stuff, but even some of them seem to have accepted that I'm still here doing my thing and kind of respect that.

What hardships have you faced?
Personally, I've lived on my own since I was 15 years old on a council estate in Manchester so have seen and had to deal with a lot as you may imagine. But I'm cool, got both ears and not been to jail yet. Musically, I think the hardest thing nowadays is getting through some of the middle class media types that just refuse to look deeper into what I do because of where I come from or the type of characters that may be in the crowd watching me. Add to that a little profanity and a punk element to my style then they run a mile. If they actually took the time to really get some of the tunes they write about they would see I'm actually on the same page as them.

The city is rich with artists trying to make a name for themselves. What do you think it is about Manchester that continues to produce so much talent?
A combination of history and weather that makes you want to stay indoors a lot.

You have worked with many local artists over the years. Who stands out the most for you?
There's loads. All from different genres and scenes too. The obvious ones people will expect me to say are The Children, Twisted Wheel, The Naughtys, Orphan Boy etc etc. But then there's people like Liam Frost, Fretwell et al. The list would be endless, we're quite blessed in that sense here in Manchester.

Is there a particular band/artist you think hasn’t had the break they deserve yet?
Me. Ha ha. I dunno really, I think at any one time there can be great artists that get missed because they style isn't in vogue, or wrong place wrong time, but I hope that people get what they deserve. Got to believe that the good will out, eventually.

Are there any newcomers you think we should be keeping an eye on?
I don't see/hear loads as much new stuff as I'd like to if I'm honest, but I'm sure there's tons of kids making a racket somewhere that I'd be into. I think The Watchmakers could develop into something great, Advent 3 are getting better and better too. Ruby Tuesday I've seen and think they could become very good too.

You have been support to the likes of Beady Eye, The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, The Enemy, The Twang, Reverend & The Makers… do you have a favourite?
Beady Eye I'd say, not because of the music as such but just because I got to hop on a big stage in another country and also how they all were with me. I don't think many people I've supported or met have been idiots or anything but he really was great with me, and that meant a lot, with him being someone I've grown up watching.

What is your fondest memory of playing live? Do you have a favourite gig?
One that springs to mind is an acoustic gig I did in Wigan with Jonny Brown a few years back. It was the first time I can remember a full crowd singing my songs back to me.

Is there a particular moment you could pinpoint as your ‘proudest’ moment so far musically?
There's a few when I think about it, but right now I'd say releasing my 1st single via a label set up by me and my mates.

Rumour has it that you will be releasing your long awaited debut album in the New Year. Why has it taken so long?
Ha ha. A lot of false starts!

What can we expect from the album?
Grime/dub-step kind of vibe going on… It'll be me doing what I do with a few surprises. Gritty, northern, urban tales about love, loss, pride, anger, frustration and hope.

So, why should we all buy a ticket for Danny Mahon & Friends on 21st December?
Because it could be the start of a new dawn for 'Danny Mahon' and you wouldn't want to miss the boat would you?!

Interview: Jo-Anne Waddington

Danny Mahon & Friends is at The Ruby Lounge on 21st December. Tickets cost £6 and are available below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event