Q&A - Dignity Row
Dignity Row release their next single “Lose the Shadows” on Friday, June 30th, 2023 on all digital channels. The Track features Jamie Campbell on Lead vocals, and Dario Palazzo on Acoustic Guitar, with guest appearances from James Grant, from the legendary Love & Money (Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals), Blythe Duff (Backing Vocals) and Craig Baxter from Gnoss (Bodhran).
“Lose the Shadows” was inspired by Jamie listening to friends who suffered from Mental Health issues, sometimes leading to a reliance on alcohol and other addictive behaviours. They spoke about how they turned their lives around. It makes a plea for others in a similar situation to seek help, identify what the underlying issues are that will always be a shadow until they are dealt with, and make a new brighter start.
Jamie states “I was honoured to attend an amazing Secret Coast Songwriters retreat in Tighnabruaich in March 2022 along with James Grant, Bobby Bluebell, Blythe Duff, and the late and great Rab Noakes. It was there that I worked on “Lose the Shadows” with James and Blythe helping me create a rough initial arrangement.”
“It was refreshing to work alongside such great talented people, helping ease the song towards a more stripped back sound, that I feel helps capture the message of the song”.
“I am, also very grateful to Creative Scotland who funded this song and our previous release “Not a Love song”
The track was recorded at STUDIO 1790 in Cumbernauld, which is owned and operated by the band’s drummer and sound engineer Gavin Paterson.
Dignity Row songs seamlessly cross genres to provide inspirational anthems, full of hooks that stay with you. Every song is different, blending a range of voices and instruments, while retaining the Dignity Row sound. Dignity Row are influenced by classic Scottish Bands – Deacon Blue, Hue&Cry, Danny Wilson, The BlueBells, Love and Money etc while blending in many other influences.
Dignity Row will be performing “Lose the Shadows”, along with a number of other new songs, at their forthcoming gig on September 6th at The Glad Cafe in Glasgow.
Jamie states “The last 18 months have been incredible for Dignity Row, collaborating with Bobby Bluebell, Ken McCluskey, James Grant and Blythe Duff. I have also completed a University of The West of Scotland Music Professional Music Release module, and having Paul McGeechan mix and master another new track was another amazing learning experience”
Dignity Row formed in late 2020 in Glasgow, the brainchild of local musician and songwriter Jamie Campbell. Jamie has played with a number of popular indie bands including Kick Reaction and Big Sur, supporting Wet Wet Wet, Deacon Blue, Robert Cray, and The Levellers. He has built up a catalogue of original songs over the last few years under the banner Dignity Row. The band are currently working on their debut album, due for release early in 2024.
“Lose the Shadows” is now available to Pre-Save and drops on https://dignityrow.ffm.to/losetheshadows
Check out our Q&A below with Dignity Row, and make sure to check out their new release
Your new single 'Lose the Shadows' is out tomorrow. Can you tell us more about this project?
Dignity Row is a band I formed in late 2020 in Glasgow. We have released 10 songs so far on all the usual digital platforms. I wrote “Lose the Shadows” when I took part in an amazing Secret Coast Songwriters retreat in Tighnabruaich in March 2022. The recording features myself, Dario Palazzo, James Grant, Blythe Duff, and Craig Baxter(Gnoss).
What inspires you to keep making music ?
Writing songs is a form of therapy for me. To quote my son “it’s like reading your diary entries - getting an insight to your heart”. Most of my songs have feel-good lyrics about embracing life, and trying to be a better version of ourselves. “Lose the Shadows” was inspired from listening to friends who suffered from Mental Health issues, and how they turned their lives around.
Choose three albums you could not live without...
When The World Knows Your Name (Deacon Blue) – I have great memories of playing keyboards with a Glasgow band, Big Sur, that supported Deacon Blue on the UK tour when the album was released. Deacon Blue were awesome live!!
The Stranger (Billy Joel) – An amazing collection of emotional lyrics and melodies. “She’s always a woman” and “Just the way you are” hit the nail on the head for me as a songwriter!!
The Original Soundtrack (10cc) – Very innovative songs that probably influenced Queen and Trevor Horn to write their best songs!
What song was the most difficult for you to write?
My song “Dignity Row” was written three weeks after my mum passed away, and lays bare how much I will always miss her, but cherishes the amazing woman she was.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
My main preparation is making sure all my equipment is ready to go, and that hopefully I remember the lyrics and music. Other than that, I rely on my adrenaline levels being pumped up to help me perform!
What do you have coming up this year?
I have a solo spot at a Glad Café gig on September 1st,which will have guest appearances from James Grant, Bobby Bluebell and Graham Skinner. We then have a full Dignity Row band gig at the Glad Café on September 6th. We will then be working on the final songs for the album, with some collaboration with Brown Bear. Very excited to have Last Night from Glasgow primed to distribute the album for us in early 2024!