Declan McKenna is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who gained recognition at a young age for his socially relevant music. After winning the ‘Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition,’ McKenna signed with ‘Columbia Records’ and released his first single, ‘Brazil,’ which tackled corruption scandals surrounding the FIFA World Cup. Known for his mature perspective and thought-provoking lyrics, McKenna continued to impress with songs like ‘Paracetamol’ and ‘The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home.’ Inspired by David Bowie, McKenna has released three EPs and his debut studio album, ‘What Do You Think about the Car?’ He has performed at renowned music festivals and was honored with the ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Year’ award, solidifying his status as one of the most promising singers of his generation.
Quick Facts
- Name: Declan Benedict McKenna
- Age: 24 Years
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: Musician
- City: Enfield, England
Childhood & Early Life
Declan Benedict McKenna was born on December 24, 1998, in Enfield, Greater London. Both his parents are teachers. McKenna is the youngest of the six children of his parents. He grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.
Declan McKenna attended the ‘St. Mary’s Church of England High School.’ In 2015, he appeared for his ‘GCSE’ examinations. Later, he studied for the ‘A-Levels’ in English literature, philosophy and ethics, and sociology. McKenna quit studies when he ventured into the field of music.
Career
In 2015, Declan McKenna performed at the ‘Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition.’ He was declared the winner of the competition. He won a cash prize of £5,000 and a slot on the ‘William’s Green Stage.’ British music website ‘New Musical Express’ praised his performance. Following the win, McKenna entered into a management contract with ‘Q Prime.’ He signed a contract with the recording label ‘Columbia Records,’ too.
In August 2015, McKenna released his first single, ‘Brazil.’ Before its release, he had posted a few demo songs on his website. ‘Brazil’ proved to be his breakthrough hit. The lyrics of the song were about the corruption scandals surrounding the ‘FIFA World Cup.’ Through the song, he criticized the organization ‘FIFA’ for conducting the tournament in Brazil without addressing the country’s poverty related issues. The song was a huge success. It reached number 16 on the ‘Billboard Alternative Songs Chart.’
After the success of ‘Brazil,’ McKenna performed at several events, such as the ‘Somersault Festival,’ the ‘Boston Big Gig Festival,’ and the ‘Electric Picnic Music Festival.’ He was hailed as a singer who was mature beyond his age. His stand on socially relevant matters was appreciated by many. His second single, ‘Paracetamol,’ was also a success. It spoke about the issues faced by transgender teenagers.
In 2016, McKenna released two EPs, ‘Stains’ and ‘Liar.’ The same year, he released the singles ‘Bethlehem’ and ‘Isombard.’ His single ‘The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home’ reached number 84 on Belgium’s ‘Ultratop Flanders’ chart. In 2016, McKenna performed at several musical events, such as the ‘NME Awards,’ ‘The Great Escape Festival,’ and ‘Standon Calling.’ In March 2016, he made his debut performance in North America, at ‘Jannus Live’ in Florida.
In 2017, McKenna released his debut studio album, ‘What Do You Think about the Car?’ It was released under the label ‘Columbia Records.’ The album featured his earlier songs, such as ‘Brazil,’ ‘Isombard,’ and ‘Bethlehem.’ It also had other tracks, such as ‘Humongous’ and ‘Why Do You Feel So Down.’ In 2017, McKenna won the ‘BBC Music Award’ for the ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Year.’
In 2018, McKenna released the music video for the song ‘Make Me Your Queen’ from his debut album. He also released the single ‘Listen to Your Friends.’ In 2019, he released the EP ‘Regurgitated.’
Family & Personal Life
Declan McKenna is reportedly single. He has drawn inspiration from singers such as David Bowie and Sufjan Stevens. McKenna has no qualms about being tagged as a political or protest singer. He feels happy to be able to express his opinions on socially significant matters. He accepts both praises and criticisms in a mature manner.