John Gallen has entered the music industry, re-opening a chapter in his life he knew would come before life took him in different directions. Those life lessons have paid off. Whip-smart, his observational lyrics deliver the thoughts of a man who has experienced great joy and success yet also loss, sadness, and tragedy. Singers who can hold a melody are two-a-penny but few can actually live out a song, tell a story
through them, put the listener in the shoes of someone else. The ability to transport an audience to a different place, make them look through a different lens. Now that’s a talent. Nostalgic, yet relevant. Unheard of but warmly familiar. John Gallen has been biding his time.
“I think in melody – and find melody in everything,” he says. “It’s a joy and a form of gentle madness”. John is a multi-instrumentalist and his debut album went No.1 Independent and No.5 Official in Ireland in 2022. His debut single “Positive Attitude” went No.1 on the Apple iTunes Charts. None of his song sounds the same, yet they share common denominator – perception, examination,
and impressions as deep as a fingerprint. “I call what I do observational melody. I think of people I know and view life from their perspective.
I’ve seen the really good – and extremely bad, and it helps the stories I tell.”
“HALF BURNING SUN” is an affirmative song that touches on the need to forget loss and regret and to look after yourself in difficult circumstances. Produced by Grammy-nominated Billy Farrell. Mastered by Pete Maher. Recorded in Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland. Available on coloured vinyl, CD and tape from goldendiscs.ie. Album 2 is currently in production.
Listen below.
