Paul McCann is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Cavan, Ireland. Paul has played many high-profile gigs around the world including the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Nashville, multiple appearances at the Electric Picnic festival and much more. Paul has also performed with Rufus Wainwright, Pugwash, The Strypes, Duncan Maitland (Picturehouse), Sandy Kelly and Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band/Beach Boys), among others.
With his upcoming album titled ‘Alter Ego’ (due in 2023), Paul chronicled his grief following the sudden death of his father in late 2019. Where previously McCann had played most of the instrumentation himself, the format of the second album is somewhat different and features guest appearances from several high-profile musicians including Jason Falkner (St. Vincent, Beck, Paul McCartney); Roger Joseph Manning Jr (Beck, Jellyfish, Air); Charlotte Hatherley (Ash, Bat for Lashes); Gary Lucas (Jeff Buckley, Captain Beefheart) and many others.
Divide & Conquer is the latest upcoming single from Irish songwriter and musician Paul McCann and the second single to be released from his forthcoming album, titled ‘Alter Ego’ (coming February 2023).
Divide & Conquer continues the power pop and alternative rock styles that McCann has become well known for. Like most of his music, the song is built around a guitar hook which McCann took and developed into a rip-roaring anthem. McCann, who has been playing guitar for many years, showcases incredible guitar chops on the song, with influences from the likes of Prince, Jack White, George Harrison and James Dean Bradfield shining through.
Of the song, McCann said: “There’s a lot of ideas and influences going on in Divide & Conquer. It’s probably darker and heavier, both musically and lyrically than my previous few singles. But it can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time. I really just like the tension and energy of it”.
Divide & Conquer is very special to McCann, as it features his two daughters, Lily (10) and Cassie (8), singing and chanting throughout the song’s chorus. The song also features McCann’s friends and frequent collaborators Majella O’Reilly and Brendan Scott on backing vocals.
The song was recorded at JAM Studios in Kells, Co Meath with Martin Quinn producing alongside McCann; and Andrew Quinn performing drums.
Paul McCann releases Divide & Conquer on 18th November
