Thomas Needham interviews acoustic, folk-pop artist, Heather McDowall ahead of the release of her new album ‘The Closing Hours’ this Friday (17/04/26)
Featuring photography by Tyler Bartlam and Daniel Woods
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‘Heather McDowall a folk indie pop singer songwriter, with a sprinkle of whimsy. I bare honesty, humor and light within my lyrics. Performing my music is my passion. Sharing a part of myself that I used to hide, is liberating. Seeing the faces of the audience enjoying themselves means the most to me. I make music for the weird, wonderful and eccentric humans who find it hard to find the footing in the world. ‘
What was it about music as an art form that made you want to pursue it?
‘Well originally, it was for a communication barrier I face with autism, it was a way to feel free, and to express my inner thoughts, that I simply couldn’t verbalise. But the general pursuit of music has always been a gut feeling I could never shake off that this was meant for me. I used to put socks on my old microphones as a pop filter, you could call me a graphter of music back in the day.’
Why did you want to create and release an entire album in 100 days?
‘Well it’s all rooted from a hang out with my band and my lovely friend Ross who posed the question why I hadn’t made an album yet, I had enough songs so why not do it now?’ My initial response was it wouldn’t be good enough, but after supportive words from my band and Ross that safety net spurred me on to do it. So to keep myself accountable, to actually go through it without hesitating or finding a reason to never release it, I (crazily) decided to make the album in under 100 days and the rest is history.’
‘This had a few limitations; some tracks on the album I feel could have been expanded on the world of ‘The Closing Hours’ is something I’m not set to let go of yet. Also my perfectionism meant I couldn’t do hundreds of vocal takes, as I usually do, as we simply didn’t have the time.’
What was the process of recording like over the last year? Could you guide us through your creative process?
‘So the way it would work is I would come with a full demo of the song and teach the guys each of their parts I had written. We would rehearse it together repeatedly until they feel they knew the song, I would then record a demo guitar and demo vocal to the main project and get the guys to record their parts individually, I do this way as I love to have a 1:1 approach with each of them as they are insanely talented and I want to highlight that.’
What is the hardest part of the creative process for you? How do you deal with it?
‘In all honesty, It’s my confidence that sometimes I will make a project that goes all out and it leaves me asking ‘is this good enough?”, “will they get it?” I would love to say I don’t think outwardly but I think all artists do. We are in an oversaturated environment that is daunting at times. But the way I deal with it is after I have released something, I don’t listen to it until a month later when it’s out there so I can’t self sabotage and I can accept it and be proud of what it is.’
What was it like recording ‘The Closing Hours’, were there any notable moments during its creation that stick out in your mind?
‘It was a really fun recording process. One of my favourite memories is when recording Warsaw Diner I stamped a load of pedals on for the lead lines the band looked at me like I was crazy. Until they heard it in post and they LOVED it!’
Do you find that creativity thrives when restricted?
‘Yes and no, I think I found myself writing more songs with the restriction to feel free however I felt restricted in what I could add to songs with the time frame in mind.’
What or who inspires you artistically and creatively?
‘What inspires me the most is actual events that happen within my life or my peers’ lives. I am an observer by heart so everything around me draws inspiration. Also David Bowie and Prince is a massive inspiration the freedom that they had within their music is my own end goal, I’d love to be able to do a project one day with a confident, influential and colourful take on the world and my music.’
Why do you create art?
‘The reason I create music is for every version of me in my timeline who never believed they would get this far. I do it for the people who support, feel and experience every song I release into this world. I appreciate everyone who has ever believed in me, I owe all of this to them.’
What message(s) do you wish to convey to others through your art and ‘The Closing Hours’ specifically?
‘That love isn’t linear, I wrote this album about fantasy relationships and how two things can be true at once. I wish to convey that time is everything if you aren’t happy, moving forward and nostalgia can be a pain but a beautiful thing that teaches you to stay present rather than worrying about the what ifs of life.’
What is your personal highlight from your latest album?
‘That ‘Loves Me Not’ was the last song I wrote on the album which I wrote in under 10 minutes and recorded on the same day. That is so unlike me as recording really is something I battle with as I have a problem hearing my voice back (ironic I know) but I have never been more confident recording a track then that one.’
What’s one song you wish you’d have written?
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen and ‘Life On Mars’ by David Bowie
What do you think you bring to the Leicester music scene?
‘I would like to thing I bring a friendly face, I think I also bring some of Leicester’s pride in eccentricness and versatility.’
If you had to suggest one song and/or moment from your discography/album to a new listener what would it be?
‘Oh I would have to show ‘Truman Show‘, my pride and joy is to see someone hear that song for the first time. It’s always my favourite reaction when I go on stage.’
‘My ambition is to play at Shepard Bush Empire and to go on a tour around the world. Also to be even greedier I would love to headline a festival. I define success as being able to create a safe space, memories and joy for people through music that’s my success story.’
Are there other bands or artists in Leicester you’d recommend to our readers?
‘OH YES- Fern Lois, Rebecca French, Velvet Crisis, Boilers, Shallowdrown, The People Assembly, The Societies, Leave Your Body Behind, Court Jester, Mouse Teeth and Juliettes- I have so many more. But I would love to recommend to the readers to please get out into the local music scene. You will be surprised how many incredibly talented artists are just down the road.
What goes through your head when you are on stage? Do you have any particular memories from your performances that stand out in your mind?
‘When I did the main stage at Glastonbudget, I felt ontop of the world. When I did my ‘Manic Moon’ headliner, The Big Difference in the audience’s energy made us feel so appreciated and just seen. I’ll never forget that night.’
How do you personally find the pressure on artists to maintain a consistent content output on social media? Does it enhance or detract from your art?
‘I think there is a huge pressure on artists to retain a social media following, the industry is getting harder for artists to be accepted just on their merits and I think that is unfair and at times really disheartening. However, for my personal experience video editing is one of my main passions so I am lucky in that sense as I am able to put two of my passions together, in my case I think it enhances as when I write music I see it visually as well I am able to convey that.’
What are your thoughts and feelings on the current state of art and local music as an upcoming independent artist?
‘I think I am hopeful, the Leicester music community is vibrant, loving and supporting. We have really found how to bridge the gaps between arts and venue. I would just love to see more unity from bigger organisations to independent artists, as I feel in this current climate we are missing at times authentic artists from big line ups.’
As an artist, what would you want done to better support local music venues and artists?
‘I think I want there to be more publications showcasing the local scenes and promoting events, I think the expectations for venues and artists to just get the shows promoted is a lot of pressure. We need more resources to back us and hear us.’
What is your message to those looking to get into the local scene, whether that be as musicians or attendees?
‘My message is to have faith in the local music scene, go out to gigs and show up. You will meet the most talented and friendly community around.’
What are your plans for the future following the release of ‘The Closing Hours’? How can people keep up with your work?
‘My plan is to showcase the album on May 1st at The Big Difference and then over the rest of Summer in and around Leicester. To keep up to date follow all my socials @heathermcdowallmusic.’
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Heather McDowall is performing at The Big Difference in celebration of debut album on May 1st
Watch her performance of ‘Warsaw Dinner‘ live from Warsaw Dinner in Nottingham here