Iain Wilson - Holding On 'Til Sunrise (2021)

Holding On ‘Til Sunrise is the debut album from Glasgow-based emerging singer-songwriter Iain Wilson. Set for release on Friday 9th July 2021, this debut release is a window into Iain’s soul as he addresses the emotional turmoil mental health can bring to an individual.

The overall sound of Holding On ‘Til Sunrise is heavily influenced by 80s style synth, infused with a more current pop sound. His own distinctive vocal and guitar playing adds to the unique yet familiar sound that is created throughout.

The album’s title Holding on ‘Til Sunrise is a lyric taken from the last track of the album ‘Sunrise’ which works to encapsulate the overall objective of the full body of work – the opportunity to tell the story about the continuous struggles that mental health issues bring. With this final track, there is the hope and light that comes with the sunrise, the dawning of a new day and new promise. The album builds to this moment, with tracks “Faking Smiles” and “Another Mind at War” laying bare the tougher, darker times that mental health can present.

Iain wanted to ensure that the album ultimately offered promise and hope, the tracks build through the turmoil and the darkness and moves towards a more positive and brighter outcome with ‘Sunrise’. He evokes an emotional journey from start to finish.

Iain said, “I find a lot of comfort in songwriting, it gives me the opportunity to explore emotions I might not otherwise have had an outlet for. It’s an invaluable platform for me where I can express my feelings and explore the challenging emotions I am feeling. I am, however, so aware that not everyone has an outlet such as this so I wanted this debut body of work to help in some way to spread awareness of mental health challenges but also to try and normalise talking about the issues that so many are facing.”

Joining Iain Wilson on the album is Keith Morrison on keys/synth, Ruaridh Neil on drums, Abigail Pryde on violin and vocals, Nick Hamilton on electric guitar and Peat and Diesel’s Boydy on electric guitar.

Iain’s debut album has been a labour of love and the 9-track body of work has been 18 months in the making.

The debut album was produced, recorded and engineered by Keith Morrison at Wee Studio on the Isle of Lewis.