Eventseekr

August 4, 2011
By Annie Closs with contributions by Katherine Hamilton

Anyone who loves a British accent should check out indie rocker Lee MacDougall. MacDougall has been gaining popularity both in Europe and the United States, and the accent is far from the only reason why. While this singer-songwriter might not be enjoying international stardom yet, his sincere lyrics, awesome acoustic sounds and passion make him worthy of comparison with big-name musicians from the United Kingdom such as The Beatles and Rod Stewart. It hasn’t taken long for MacDougall to produce some great songs and put on some amazing shows.

Following his recent success on his “If Walls Could Talk” tour, MacDougall is about to embark on his second US tour, “All the Right Places.” His new self-produced album, For a Few Tales More, will be released to coincide with his tour and includes songs “Hindsight” and “Smile.” His tour will begin August 4 in New York City and continue throughout the US until his final US show on October 1 back in New York. One stop will be in Austin, TX, a place he is familiar with since he played at the SXSW festival in March. Austin’s Cedar Street Courtyard has kindly provided us with five pairs of tickets for his August 26th performance. Find out how you can win them, here!

Born and raised in Grimsby, a town on the east coast of England, Lee was destined to thrive in the fishing industry rather than the music industry. However, his love of music ensured that this would not be the case. MacDougall learned to play guitar at the age of 13 and went on to study music composition and production. After finishing school and quitting his job at the local fish processing factory, he turned to music as a way to support himself. He had been in successful local bands previously and began writing songs and sending them to record labels in London. People began hearing his music, including producer Jim Lowe, who recorded versions of some of Lee’s songs. MacDougall’s first EP was released in the summer of 2010 to immediate success considering the lack of promo or press.

Click to read the full article and interview.

Awaiting The Flood

By Jennifer Barry
July 28, 2011

Never has an entire album or EP made it into my regular playlist rotation, but Lee MacDougall broke that record with If Walls Could Talk. Not only did I gleefully add every song to every playlist, I turned up the volume every time one of the songs queued up. This is an extended EP with ten tracks, encompassing several different styles with ease. It’s easy to see some of his greatest influences in each tune, but no one could ever say he’s a parrot. Lee MacDougall has a firm grasp on his own musical ideas and lyrics, and he deftly presents them here.

I can’t help but compare his voice to a frosty glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. While there is a sharpness–a tang, there is also a smooth sweetness even through the grittiest vocals. It’s a shock to the system when you first taste it, but refreshing nonetheless. The focus and direction are incomparable, utterly unmatched by anyone else I’ve heard. If pressed, I’d say he’s similar to Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits fame, but there is a new control and range. Also impressive are the backing vocals, which must have been contributed by Lee himself or a sibling. The harmony is full and resonant, with a specific match that doesn’t occur just anywhere.

It’s hard to choose a standout track because I just enjoy them all so much. The Star Hotel is performed with a loosely controlled raucous flavor that brings Oasis back to mind, but don’t expect to hear Liam and Noel when you listen. We can just thank them profusely for inspiring such a fun and enjoyable tune. Lee really lets loose with the vocals, and when accompanied by the organ, he really captures some of the old British Invasion feel–specifically the joyous abandon we first heard with The Animals.

Click to read the full article.

Lee MacDougall will appear on Philadelphia's 10! Spot tv show this Friday, August 4th at 11 am edt. 10! Spot is the Delaware Valley's leader in Entertainment and Lifestyle news.

If you are in the area and would like to be in the studio audience, click here for information. Taping begins at 10 am.

The Concierge Questionnaire

7/21/11

Great Britain’s own Lee MacDougall, a singer-songwriter, who hails from Grimsby, a small historical town on the east coast of England, is now out on the road, having kicked off a US and European tour from London. After studying music composition and production in college, Lee managed to make ends meet by working at the local fish-processing factory, only quitting when a coworker stole his shoes and forced Lee to walk home barefoot. Broke and living at home, MacDougall spent the next three weeks locked in his room, writing and demoing songs on an old tape recorder before sending them out to London labels. With a distinct English influence, steeped with the storytelling songwriting of the Beatles, Kinks and Rod Stewart, his material hit home and garnered favorable reviews and serious interest. Inspired by Nirvana and Tom Petty, Lee’s personal lyrics, such as those found on his EP “If Walls Could Talk,” are aimed at connecting directly with a live audience. It is a skill that he has successfully parlayed into a significant Internet fan base, and has propelled MacDougall on extensive international tours – perhaps to a venue near you!

Please visit LeeMacDougallMusic.com for his current tour dates, blog and more, and follow Lee on Twitter!

What is your favorite word to describe London?

Kaleidoscope.

What word best reflects the people of London?

Busy.

What is the most creative, spiritual or emotional place in London?

Inside a tube carriage.

What is your favorite outdoor activity in London?

Walking along the Thames.

The River Thames, flowing over 184 miles, boasts a path that "meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and onward to the bustle of the City of London.” Please visit the Thames Path for maps and more!

What is your favorite indoor activity in London?

Good conversation with a nice young lady.

Click here to read the full article.