Man at Sea releases moving piano-based EP "In The Light Of A Dying Star"

Photo credit. Lucy Ridges

Many of you may know that discovering hidden talents and inspired songwriters is the thing I enjoy the most. When I first met Man at Sea (moniker of David Hewson) exactly one year ago, he was just at the beginning of his journey but it was clear to me how much talent he still had to unveil to the world. David bravely moved from musical/drama theatre to solo songwriting with the aim to pursue his real passion: creating immersive piano music experiences. After a resurgent desire to make songwriting his career, 2024 has seen the release of three brand new acclaimed singles, culminating in his second full professional EP, "In The Light Of A Dying Star".

I had the opportunity to interview him for the release of "Love & Anxiety" in 2023 (you can read it here) and I'm delighted to introduce now his new 5 songs EP, released last week. In a music panorama where thousands of songs are released every day, most of which very similar to each other, David's music shines bright as an original example of what you can achieve when you mix quality, knowledge, and passion.

Inspiration and art can come and go at any moment, and Man at Sea likes to underline that none of his songs has been released quickly. The first song, that gives the title to the EP, is already 2 years old. David shares: "I’ve now been writing songs long enough to discover that songs have these strange cycles where they initially burn bright and then are sent out into space, with some returning in orbit many moons later only to catch you off guard. It’s becoming apparent to me that approximately 2 earth years is the time it takes between writing and releasing a song. Inevitably this means that, again, the event that the song was written about are now a part of my history and not ‘burning so brightly’. So I offer it today to the universe as just that: a record of something which I hope may resonate with the listener today". Another song of the EP, "Icarus", was written when David attended drama school and played in a band, many years ago. Again, after long time has passed, its lyrics and music had found that particular magical moment to be released in the world.

"Nothing burns brighter than the love that comes right at the end of a dying star"

With his signature style of piano-based chamber songs, the story across five captivating songs is a fracturing of character; an unravelling of identity in order to be rebuilt, stronger. "In The Light Of A Dying Star" was recorded between Humm studios in Bristol and Jacob Bright’s (My Octopus Mind) home studio, and two tracks also feature the stunning string playing of the incomparable Brookspeare String Quartet. Listening to the whole EP, I've been blown away by David's calming, almost ethereal vocals that blends uniquely with the piano notes. All the songs are extremely relaxing and could easily become a nice mindfulness moment during your day. One of my favorite songs is "Icarus" for its cinematic athmospere and a chorus that gives chills. "Icarus" is a song about failed ambition, but each one of the 5 songs are extremely vulnerable. Man at Sea says: "The EP contains some of my most deeply exposing songs to date; there really is no hiding here. In "Behind Closed Doors" I feel I have finally managed to articulate the complex nature of a shame that I know sits within a lot of my generation who grew up in the UK under Section 28. Also, in the title track I explore the cataclysmic moment where two people decide to end a relationship, a seismic moment which at the time feels only comparable in size to supernovae".  

The whole EP is a piece of art, the lyrics and the music are so evocative that if you listen to it with the eyes closed, you'll feel out of the world for 15 minutes. David shares: "This record gives a true snapshot of where I am musically at the moment. This year I have gone back to where I started, crafting melody led songs at the piano that combine the deeply personal with the universal. I see this EP as a rounding off of a particularly challenging time in my life. I feel that putting this record out will give the catharsis needed to be able to face the future stronger and excited to see where my writing takes me next."

Man at Sea has been praised for his distinctive blend of introspective songwriting and soaring melodies. Often compared to the likes of Rufus Wainwright and Thom Yorke, his songs invite listeners to reflect on the strangeness of the human experience and investigate why we often trick ourselves into not living the lives we truly want.

Hailing in Bristol, David can be found creating engaging performances for the audience or sharing wise music knowledge on Instagram. Connect with him at the links below and signing to his newsletter!

Man at Sea

Instagram: @manatsea.music

Linktree: Man at Sea

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