Daniel Dobbs has premiered his new single, Hold Me Back.
The single, which is Daniel‘s first since 2015’s Enjoy the Silence, was released on 26 March. Featuring an acoustic sound with a catchy twist, it is a track that sees Daniel trying new techniques and expanding his boundaries to move toward the sound he wants his music to showcase.
Speaking with TenEighty, Daniel explains how Hold Me Back came to be. “Recording the song in this particular style was a somewhat stressful but therapeutic process,” he says, “given the context of the song, [its] intricacies, and the fact that I had to do the thing by myself. I have bigger plans for this song – production wise – in the future, but I wanted to record something that wasn’t beyond my capabilities. That, and I recorded it in a cabin during winter – it was freezing!”
According to Daniel, the lyrical inspiration for Hold Me Back comes from his relationships with others; more specifically, coming back into the lives of those he loves after an absence and worrying that he’s “misreading things [and] frustrating a lot of people close to me”. The track expresses how he’s trying to hold onto these people who have made him a better person.
“It’s basically a ‘please, don’t leave me’ kind of song that doesn’t have to apply to a breakup or anything,” he continues. “It’s meant to go out to everyone close to me and I hope other people see it this way for themselves and others.”
Daniel debuted the single with a lyric video he worked on with Chris Bingham, and his brother Dean Dobbs. Chris took on the role behind the camera, directing the video, whilst Dean lent his word art for the lyrics. “I really want Dean’s involvement in my music,” says Daniel. “He cares very much about it and I’ve always been a fan of his drawings and word art. It was sophisticated and gritty enough, I think, to help carry out the lyrical content of the song. I like Dean. He gets it.”
Overall, the single has received positive feedback from both fellow YouTubers and listeners, with the likes of Daniel J. Layton, Matt Ley and many more having tweeted Daniel their support:
Everyone. Stop what you're doing and listen to the obnoxiously talented @Daniel_Dobbs' new song. https://t.co/H545dHiiuZ
— Daniel J. Layton (@DanielJLayton) March 28, 2016
Great new song from @Daniel_Dobbs – go listen (and nag him to release more new stuff, I know theres a LOT to come) https://t.co/s9Du29RM3m
— Spooky Time McGee (@Thelaserbearguy) March 26, 2016
well damn, this is a bloody great song by @Daniel_Dobbs https://t.co/d8rpeQaODt
— abbie elizabeth 🌻 (@abbiethemidget) March 26, 2016
New @Daniel_Dobbs song did not disappoint! It'll be on repeat all night 😂
— ♫Amy Rose♫ (@_AmehRosee_) March 26, 2016
“One of the things I’ve noticed is that less people are pointing out how ‘cute’ I am or how I look so much like my bother,” Daniel says. “The comments have been mainly praise or large personal commentaries of the song. I think it shows that, when you put thought into something enough, people will have stuff to say about it.”
As aforementioned, Hold Me Back is Daniel’s first official release in over a year, which begs the question: will listeners be treated to any more new music this year?
“As of recently, I have had a rethink of what kind of music I want to be making and what I want to be,” he concludes. “I am writing new songs at the moment. Eventually, I have plans to throw these songs – including Hold Me Back – into a compilation of tracks with proper funding, like an EP or something. So I shall be releasing the odd song here and there.
“I’m excited and terrified, and I hope I can get some support and a good team behind me for it.”
Those wishing to purchase Hold Me Back can do so via iTunes.
Want More?
The lyric video for Hold Me Back was recently featured in our weekly round-up! Alternatively, you could read about Chris Bingham’s latest album, MMCCXV.
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