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Neil McSweeney

Remember To Smile

About Me


Neil McSweeney is a songwriter from Sheffield who performs his material on his own or with a five-piece band. .
Sheffield’s Neil Mcsweeney will release his digital single ‘A Rope To Hang’ on 10 December through KIDS. The release will be available through Rough Trade and Puregroove digital as well as other digital retailers, and the exclusive new track ‘Chinese Cargo’ will also be available for download.
McSweeney’s debut single ‘Postcards’, released through KIDS earlier in the year, struck a nerve with all who came across it. Radio support from Zane Lowe (Radio 1) — including a prestigious ‘Sunsetter’ play — Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Jonathan Ross (Radio 2) and Mark Radcliffe (BBC 6Music) was bolstered further by a slot on the XFM Playlist. The track was supported heavily by respected indie stores across the land, particularly Piccadilly Records and Rough Trade, both of whom made it their single of the week.
‘A Rope To Hang’ is music at its most sparse, yet most affecting. Neil’s huge voice — which has drawn favourable comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley or a male Tracy Chapman — is supported solely by the most delicate of acoustic backing, showcasing its intensity and raw power to the full. The track brings to mind Jose Gonzales’ ‘Heartbeats’ and Scott Matthews’ ‘Elusive’ in both its haunting performance and sheer songwriting quality.
McSweeney started writing his Americana-tinged, folksy solo material while teaching English in Italy. Upon returning to his native Sheffield, he continued to write songs inspired by the likes of Low and Papa M, and his intense, brooding live performances lead to him being voted ‘Sheffielder Most Likely To kill Himself’ on one internet forum, and described as ‘the most miserable man alive’ on another.
McSweeney will play the following dates with his band The Gents:
25 Nov YORK The Junction 4 Dec SHEFFIELD The plug - single launch 11 Dec HULL Tap & Spile
“Deeply felt, brooding songs rich in imagery…he has the tools to make a real impact” – The Guardian
“The fruits of his labour aren’t growers, but instant buds of excellence” – BBC Manchester
“Nothing but a pleasure to listen to” - Tuned
'A Rope To Hang' is released on 10th December by Kids (myspace.com/kidsrecords)
It is available download only and features new song 'Chinese Cargo' on the flip side.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 10/23/2005
Band Website: neilmcsweeney.com
Band Members: Me & The Gents
Influences: Madder Rose, Low, Gillian Welch, Billie Holiday, Low, PJ Harvey, Nina Simone, Cowboy Junkies, Kirsty MacColl, Sarabeth Tucek, Nina Nastasia, Beth Harrison and Tracy Chapman (apparently).
Sounds Like: Guitars, drums, bells, harps, horns, keys, synths, hands & voices.
Record Label: LM Music / Kids (unsigned)
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Bebo page and Grapes gig

A big thank you to everyone who came along to the Grapes in Sheffield last week. I know there were a few out of towners there which means alot. You all created a lovely atmoshpere and it wa...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:14:00 PST

Showcase @ The Grapes: 20 Feb

I'll be playing songs from the new album at The Grapes later this month.   I'll be playing solo and will be joined by Jacob Fletcher and Wilful Missing. They're both out-of-towners and...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 04:54:00 PST

A Rope to Hang reviews...

A kind soul has managed to make a lovely collage of some of the reviews of my new single... Some very kind words!Neil x...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:31:00 PST

Unedited version of single has escaped!

Interestingly, an extended / unedited version of A Rope To Hang has found its way out into the world. A slight mix-up means that for a 72hr window only, a longer version of the acoustic demo of  ...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:32:00 PST

Rope To Hang

Rope To Hang is out 10 December. Launch at Plug (Sheffield) on Tues 4 Dec. Here's a review: A heart-breaking acoustic guitar and voice medley that is almost as good as the music it clearly takes inspi...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:15:00 PST

New CD set and Tour

HelloJust to say we've put together a 3 CD set of new and unreleased material which will be available ONLY at the merch stall on the forthcoming sonicroar tour with Stoney and The Furze.Lettered A-Z, ...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:55:00 PST

Full Band Tour in October

I'm pleased to confirm that I'll be touring with Stoney and the Furze at the end of October. At this stage it looks like I'll be doing the last of the nine dates solo - so just me at The Soho Revue Ba...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:32:00 PST

Guardian Review

The following appeared in The Guardian on Tuesday 08.05.07 Neil McSweeney - Grapes, Sheffield 4/5 Sheffield singer-songwriter Neil McSweeney has been called "the most miserable man alive" on one inter...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Tue, 15 May 2007 10:48:00 PST

PRE-ORDER Postcards Single HERE

'Postcards' is released on 18th June by Kids (myspace.com/kidsrecords) It is available on limited 7" and download only and features new song 'My Design' on the flip side. Pre order the singl...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:10:00 PST

Radio Magnetic

You can listen to a Neil McSweeney special on Scotland's most interesting online radio station, Radio Magnetic. http://www.radiomagnetic.com/shows/index.php?id=200 The show features tra...
Posted by Neil McSweeney on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 05:42:00 PST