Ronald MacDonald- Chats To Us About His New Single And MORE
Intro
‘It Happens Every Day’ – the first lead track from Scottish singer-songwriter/guitarist Ronald MacDonald’s debut
album, is out this July. Written during a “second wind” creative high for the musician during lockdown, ‘It Happens Every Day’ is a sparkling mix of jazz, R&B & soul, driven by MacDonald’s exquisite guitar playing. The single, an enigmatic insight on love and life, is the first lead track from the Scottish musician’s debut album ‘Time Stands Still’ which is out now on the musician’s own label.
‘Time Stands Still’ is MacDonald’s debut as a singer /songwriter /guitarist and was largely written during lockdown. MacDonald’s guitar playing sits within the contemporary jazz-rock genre and all the material was written, performed and initially recorded by MacDonald from his studio on the Isle of Skye, before being transformed into a finished album with the help of Fratellis producer Stuart McCredie. The album features 8 tracks comprising 7 songs and one instrumental with MacDonald on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars and piano, with a brilliant cast of session players including vocals from ex-Shakatak singer Lorna Osborne, Bill Dick on bass top Scottish
session drummer Ross McFarlane. “The album definitely has an ‘LA groove’ says MacDonald. “In terms of song-writing, my main influences are Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, the Crusaders and Cado Belle.’ ‘It Happens Every Day’ keeps the jazz-rock flame burning with widescreen, contemporary performances and production. Taught vocals from MacDonald sit alongside accomplished guitar playing. “In terms of my guitar playing my main influences are players such as Larry Carlton, John Herrington, Barry Finnerty and Lee Ritenour – and if the album succeeds, I might even buy some LA weather for Skye!” says the musician. “It Happens Every Day” and “Time Stands Still are available to download and stream now on all major platforms.
Questions
Hi Ron, welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine, can you tell us your background, where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born in Glasgow, Scotland and lived there until I was six or so, then we moved north to Fort William for a few years, ending up in Falkirk in the Scottish central belt for my teen years. I currently live on the Isle of Skye off the north west coast of Scotland.
Can you tell us what got you into music?
I think like many of my generation I got caught up in Beatlemania and started buying the Beatles singles, and other similar artists singles, in the 60’s. In my teens I got into Prog rock and liked bands like Yes and King Crimson.
Can you tell us what is your genre and sound?
I’d say it is Jazz fusion, a mix of jazz, funk soul and R’nB.
Can you tell us your influences and bands you grew up listening to?
I think the bands that had the biggest influence on me have been Steely Dan, The Crusaders, Fourplay, Hall and Oates and Cado Belle.
Do you find the music you listen to influences the music you writing today?
I tend to listen to a lot of sax players these days and although I don’t think their music influences me quite in the same way as the bands above although it probably does in more subtle ways including rhythm.
You are a solo musician, do you get session musicians to record and play live with you, or do you have a permanent band?
I don’t have a band at the moment and so the music on my new album is a mix of my own playing, some programmed music and some amazing session musicians which we will come on to.
Let’s talk about your new single It Happens Every Day, what is the song about?
The initial idea for the song actually happened almost 40 years ago, and in general terms the lyric is an enigmatic take on life and love. The music was, to some extent, inspired by popular jazz funk bands back in the 1980’s, albeit I think we have found a contemporary arrangement
Where was it recorded and who worked on it?
A demo of the song was recorded in my home studio on Skye and then produced at North Lodge Studios in Glasgow with Scottish producer Stuart McCredie. Stuart has a long list of production credits for many major Scottish artists including The Fratellis, The Blue Nile (Official) and Interlopers. and helped me assemble a stellar cast of musicians to perform on the recordings including Lorna Osborne on vocals and Ross McFarlane on drums. Lorna and Ross have both performed with many successful artists. Lorna’s credits include Shakatak and Middle of the Road and Ross has performed with the likes of Texas and The Proclaimers. Very fortunate to have such talent performing on these tracks.
I believe the track has a music video, what can you tell us about it and where was it shot?
We do have a couple of videos that readers might be interested in at these links:
Promo Clip:
Behind The Music:
You are also bringing out a new album, what is the name of the album?
The new album is called Time Stands Still.
How many tracks are on the album?
There are 8 tracks on the album, one instrumental and seven songs
What was the recording process of the album, did you find it was an easy process?
I wouldn’t describe it as easy – it was quite a challenge at times, especially with not having a regular band to play with so it perhaps took a bit longer to finalise than we would have preferred but it was a very rewarding process all the same.
Can you explain a typical live gig of yours, is it a chilled out set or quite a lively event?
I haven’t played live recently for a number of reasons. Never say never though if the right opportunity came up…
Can you tell us what the music scene is like where you from?
In Skye the music scene could best be described as Celtic Rock, Runrig started out as a local dance band here before they broke through on the international stage
Can you tell us your social media links?
You can also register and find out more at ronaldmacdonaldmusic.com and on Spotify HERE
Thank you for doing this interview, do you have any last messages for our readers and fans?
Please give my music a listen and enjoy!
Social Media