NEXT week, Dillon Squire brings his rousing, heartfelt indie anthems to SWG3 as part of our very own Houses Festival.
Having turned his hand to a number of musical projects over the years, the rising singer-songwriter has been shining brighter than ever at the helm of his own solo venture – carving out a new sonic identity, entirely of his own devising.
Last year’s debut EP ‘Yellow Car, No Hitbacks’ was a striking introduction – exploring feelings of love, joy, anxiety and insecurity against a backdrop of earworm hooks and surging indie-rock instrumentals. And last month’s follow-up single ‘The Stars Don’t Always Align’ proved another assured step forward for an artist brimming with ambition and growing confidence.
An assured performer who has already played to massive rooms across the UK in support of Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Squire is primed to play the inaugural Houses Festival – and he’s promising a memorable set.
Ahead of the festival, we caught with him to find out more.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND HOW DID YOU START IN MUSIC?
I’m Dillon Squire. 26. My tide is based in Glasgow and the waves are crashing all the world. Dad’s an artist, Mum is creative and I guess I was just blessed to grow up surrounded by great music. The plumbers son might take an interest in plumbing, the carpenters daughter might start building furniture? I was lucky enough to be shown the ways of music from the off beat. Very grateful for that.
WHO ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY?
Currently obsessed with Suki Waterhouse. Her songwriting is perfect. Would love to get in studio with her, you never know… From the get go I was huge fan of The Clash. Joe Strummer was certainly a punk but he was not afraid to explore different roots. I find that very refreshing and inspiring. So yeah, big up The Clash and Suki atm.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MOMENT AS AN ARTIST SO FAR?
Realising that songwriting is the perfect medicine for healing my hurts and to be able share that with the rest of the world is something truly special. I’ve really sorted myself out during this project. Ready to take it further with the confidence I’ve regained. Selling out tuts was cool, shows with Dad and Liam were mega. I just fucking love it all tbh…
WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS AS AN ARTIST?
Connect with everybody, provide them with exceptional songs and go understand the fucked up world we’re all stuck on a bit better.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SET AT HOUSES?
Energy, emotion and a thirty minute long mediation in the form of great music. The worlds bleak at the moment. Come escape with us.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON THE DAY?
As many people as possible, I wanna soak it all in. Bathe in so many different genres. What a treat!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVAL MEMORY?
Watching Public Service Broadcasting from the ferris wheel at Electric Fields. RIP. Great wee festival that.
WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP?
The tables are turning, can’t spill all the beans but yeah. It’s all going up a gear. Bear with me please.
Get your tickets here.
