Interview: Dinah King

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What type of artist are you?

• I am a vocalist. Still trying to figure out what genre. I need you guys to help me with that!

Tell us the brief history of yourself.

• I have always sang. Ever since I can remember I would stand up in front of my family and sing songs from Disney films, memorising every word and practicing constantly... my poor wee mama! Music was a big feature at home with myself and my 3 siblings playing every instrument known to man... again, my poor mama! I started singing in my local church age 14 - quickly stepping in to lead the music programme there at 16. When producer Jimmy (Funeral Fires front man) asked me to work on a few songs with him after a 10 year hiatus, I was over the moon! Then Covid-19 hit the world so with a lot more time on my hands, what started as me singing a few backing harmonies for Jimmy became Dinah King and what you hear now.

Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

• My biggest musical influence is Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush. Their songs are so cleverly layered and the vocals are so unique. I love unique sounds and try not to get stuck in any one genre for too long. 

• Despite the folky sound, I’m a punk rock girl at heart!

What are your dreams and goals?

• I just want people to hear my songs and hopefully enjoy them. I can’t ask for more. 

Who writes your songs, what are they about?

• Eyepennies is made up of covers from artists like Billie Holliday and Sulfjan Stevens. It has been curated in my own style to tell a story of sadness, loss and hope. Something we can all relate to. 

• I have started writing the next album which will be more upbeat and tell a different story. 

How do you promote your band and shows?

• I do interviews and we have a heavy presence on social media which I insist on looking after myself. 

What do you think about downloading music online?

• There is always a place for different mediums to listen to music on but it’s clear that online is becoming more and more the main method. I love the convenience of having my favourite artists at my fingertips any time. 

What song do you wish you'd written and why?

• I wish I had written Cocaine & Abel by Amigo the Devil. When I heard it the first time I cried at how much the words resonated. I hope people feel the same when they listen to my version. 

What are some of your pet peeves?

• I have misophonia so things like people eating on the other end of the phone or clanging spoons really irritate me. I’m usually quite chilled but eat noisily next to me and I’m instantly on edge! 

What is your proudest moment in music?

• When I was younger I moved away from Scotland and as a leaving gift I was given a book of messages and one simply said, “What a voice. Amazing! Keep sharing your singing with the world”. It was the first time I realised that other people were enjoying my singing and it was such a proud moment for the shy wee girl I was back then! 

So what are you working on at the moment?

• At the moment I’m writing the next album which will be original songs with a more upbeat feel to them. I’m working with my producer and Funeral Fires frontman Jimmy who writes the most beautiful sounding riffs. I can’t wait to be able to share those with you all too! 

What music have you available online and where can we buy it from?

• Eyepennies will be released digitally for online streaming and downloading in mid-December on most online platforms. In the meantime you can hear some samples through my website www.DinahKing.com