"White Noise" EP 2007

EP Tracks:

White Noise.

Time.

Lady Lullaby.

One Old Soul.

Wish You Well

My EP White Noise is the first thing I've recorded for release in a few years. The idea behind it is to take the live acoustic vibe from my recent gigs and try to bring out a little extra in the studio. Everything you hear is pretty much recorded in one continuous take, to keep the authentic live feel, and I've left in all the little creaks and squeeks from piano stools, feet tapping etc... to add to the white noise behind the songs.

"'The Beatles are still my favourite band. They are still the best - they sell more albums than any other band. If I see a Beatles album in a shop, I always go to buy it.

I'd love to have performed with them.''

REVIEWS - Seven Years Ten Weeks

David Sneddon is the latest pop star to be thrown up by a reality TV show (in this case, Fame Academy), which for some people will be more than enough reason to hate him instantly. That, however, would be unfair for while he's no Bob Dylan, Sneddon is at least a performer with honesty, integrity and a fair degree of soul. Perhaps it's because, as the title suggests, he's spent the last seven years hauling himself and his guitar around the club circuit - many of these self-penned songs are about his struggles along the way, trying to attract the interest of drunken punters and failing more often than not. His underdog image proves to be quite endearing - and he also shows himself to be a songwriter of some promise, redeeming his pub-rock arrangements with infectious piano melodies and an attractively low-key falsetto. His album is no masterpiece, But compared to the likes of Six, David Sneddon is surely entitled to at least a bit of respect. Review by Andrew Lynch. Entertainment.com

 'Following the release of two singles, which were primarily good ballads, the whole nature of SYTWs was something of a surprise! It really shows David to be a lot more than purely a lovely balladier or even a 'pop performer'

'This album is designed to be listened to from the beginning to the end, and believe me, you wouldn't want to do it any other way!!'

'A classic album that will ever be one of my favourites.'

'The voice is amazing…The album is the better for the honesty and genuine emotion in it.'

'I am fascinated by how smiley and happy and upbeat he is, and then when he sings all the real emotion comes out and it's just such an amazing contrast. '

"SEVEN YEARS TEN WEEKS" - David's 2003 Album released April 2003

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*Seven Years Ten Weeks - Album Review 2009

Beautiful Album.

This debut album tells an autobiographical tale of David’s journey – from playing with bands in smoky local clubs to the challenges of being on the TV show, and finishing with the slow burner Long Time Coming, which showcases David’s wide ranging and expressive vocals.

Songs such as ‘Time To Fall Down’, ‘All my Life’ and ‘OK’ tell of the hardships of rejections, the vulnerability and having your hopes and dreams squashed yet again. There are the moving love songs ‘Without You’ and ‘Don’t Let Go.’

You can feel all David’s youthful longing to make something of his life and to be creative. Many of the lyrics are moving and memorable showing his strong ability to empathize and understand and to create clear poignant moments in song.

His number one hit ‘Stop Living The Lie’ was the first song we heard from David on the tv show and led on to his winning the show. ‘She died long ago deep down inside, who is going to save her.’

A personal favourite of mine, ‘All my Life’ grips with strong imagery and honesty.

‘Get on your feet and play on and I don’t want to be left here all my life.’

The album starts with the upbeat ‘Best Of Order’ – the compare used to say this about David when he was performing at one of the clubs. I wasn’t sure about this song at first but grew to adore the vocals and feel of it. ’Once upon a time not so long ago, this boy he took to the stage.’

Bluebird; a song that is a step on with the abstract concepts behind it. ‘Listen to you heart and not your head: I know that this is what the wiseman said.’

While Elton’s band with their 80s style rock doesn’t quite work for me with David’s musical voice and some of the songs lack a coherent overall style - yet when David’s voice does shine through on his hits Stop Living The Lie, Don’t Let Go and Without You it feels like a inspired new talent.

David’s piano playing is dynamic and works well with his singing voice. His vocals have an emotional edge that hits the heart with a sensitive sincerity and pathos. This isn’t a perfect album – but it’s one you can get immersed in and that tells an honest story.

REVIEWS

'This debut album engrosses with stirring emotions and heartfelt lyrics, and takes you on a journey of inspired escapism. If you enjoy heartfelt and personally absorbing songs, this album will take you on a young man's emotional journey with the intense passion and range in his voice, from soothing lower tones to inspiring high notes, reaching deep places.'

A highly personal and heart felt album, David has written about his experiences looking for direction in life. Four songs are co-written with John, and the album includes John’s soulful "Long Time Coming." It was produced by respected producer Hugh Padgham, recorded with Elton John's band and the album received excellent reviews. There was a Scottish album launch, for the release on 27th April, when David did 7 gigs in 10 hours all over Scotland.

David writes his melodies at the piano, and he co-writes with John Kielty on acoustic guitar.

*Best of Order(Sneddon/McAllister) -- David played at a club where the announcer would start with, ‘And now we have Davie Sneddon who is best of order!’ A rocky atmospheric opening track, this song has a driving rhythm and an infectious chorus. As with most of David’s songs it is a real grower. The first songs we heard from David showed him as the sensitive guy at the piano, so this rocky song took many by surprise.

*Time to Fall Down(Sneddon) -- A moving song about dealing with life's knocks backs. A heartfelt, Beatles-influenced ballad with a soaring chorus, and a favourite of many fans.

*Stop living The Lie(Sneddon) -- Written when David was seventeen after seeing an old guy in a cafe near his school, when no one would go and ask him if things where Ok. David’s number one hit single and another emotionally charged ballad.

Quote: “This song spent three weeks at No1 and will always be my favourite.”

*Follow Me(Sneddon/Kielty) -- A song about David's tour manager Ricky, who they called the devil! David often started his set with this catchy upbeat track.

*All My Life(Sneddon) – This song was written while David was on the FA show, and tells of his time with the band the Martians band. Personal lyrics and a very powerful piano based song.

' Took a little bit of money tried to find my soul. Standing on a street where nobody knows my name.’ “Ay what great lyrics, straight from the heart.” Cheryl.

*Don't Let Go (Sneddon/McAllister) -– About not letting go of your dreams, or of a relationship. This song has a moving piano riff and shows David wide-ranging vocals. It made number three in the charts as David's second single.

*Bluebird( Sneddon/Kielty) --A song about life's hardships, and influenced by David's musical hero Elton John.

*Lazy - Sneddon/ A jazz influenced, deep down and sexy song with a falling catching rhythm - shades of Aerosmith. A wonderfully relaxing track, backed by Jakes inspired keys.

'Easy come, easy go......'

*OK(Sneddon/Kielty) -– Tells about life on the Fame Academy show, and David’s ability to cope with the setbacks. About knowing who you are and being true to that.

*Without You(Sneddon) -– Written when David was about seventeen. A haunting Celtic influenced ballad, which starts with acoustic guitar and then a moving piano is introduced. Paints a wonderful picture of the sea and missing someone.

*Long Time Coming (Kielty) -- Soulful album closer with dynamic expressive vocals from David and John's acoustic guitar.

The voice is amazing…The album is the better for the honesty and genuine emotion in it.'

'A classic album that will ever be one of my favourites.'

'The songs were pretty damn inspiring. I strongly recommend you add it to your collection.'

N. Olsen, Eltons drummer.

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SEVEN YEARS TEN WEEKS' released April 2003

This debut album engrosses with stirring emotions and heartfelt lyrics, and takes you on a journey of inspired escapism. If you enjoy heartfelt and personally absorbing songs, this album will take you on a young man's emotional journey with the intense passion and range in his voice, from soothing lower tones to inspiring high notes, reaching deep places.

The Albums title refers to the 10 weeks on the show. It starts with the rocky opener Best of Order, followed by the soaring and heartfelt Time to Fall Down, and includes both rocky tracks like, Follow Me, and personal ballads such as the Celtic touched Without You. There are shades of Bon Jovi, the Beatles, Elton in here, as well producer Lillywhite thought it would work well to have David on piano and Eltons bands backing him. At times the bass is too heavy and rather overshadows Davids vocals. Apart from this the album is a very heart-warming collection of songs that take you from busking, All My Life, to the trials on the show, OK, to hope for the future with John Kielty's Long Time Coming. There is also the jazz influenced and relaxing Lazy. It includes David’s two chart topping singles, Stop Living The Lie, and, Dont let Go, both recorded for the album with a rockier and more authentic feel to them. The album made number 5 in the Album charts, and David recorded all his own material, when many pop stars perform covers or co-writes. Highly recommended. Pauline Keightley

Davids first album SYTWs spoke of possibilities, of discoveries. The 2004 Sham songs of yearnings. Davids new songs of a new musical voice expressing thoughtful themes and interesting insights, sitting beautifully over dramatic melodies.

'There is a strong musical voice and it's full of unpredictable, special songs and received excellent reviews. '

DAVID’S SONGS 2004

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HIDING FROM ME - The set starts with a questioning, discordant guitar anticipating so much more to come; with hesitant keys speaking of hurt and confusion. And Daves intense vocals -

'No sign of you, have I gone too far this time?'

This song has powerful lyrics, an infectious beat and shimmering rhythm. A firm favourite.

FALLEN ANGEL - Sneddon/ Another rocky song, but with a lighter, intoxicating beat, wonderfully sung by Dave. Vocally it’s strong and Dave gives it an edge and warmth:

'Your wings are clipped but you will surely fly.'

NO MORE WORDS - Sneddon

Intense vocals match the depth of this powerful song. No More Words moves with focused emotion, and backed by charged instrumentation by the band. It is exactly suited to David's heart-wrenching vocals.

'Too much to bear your gonna crack.'

This is a darker yet uplifting song and very different. Its like a jewel to treasure.

ONLY A BOY - Sneddon/Keilty/

A soaring ballad with memorable lyrics, meant only for Dave to sing. It has earnest tones, with guitar gently weaving over the heartwarming melody. Dave puts so much into ballads, an emotional shiver.

'I'm moving slowly,trying to be a man.. Theres gotta be more to life than this.'

STAR - Sneddon/

David stands still to sing Star, before the song really kicks in. This is a touching personal song, love the way it changes pace and is charged with nervousness and excitment. And backed with just the right amount of exciting energy by the band.

‘Don’t run away, you put me where I am, now I can.’

'Dave’s voice yearning for that which might have been and cannot be, dramatically countered by an urgent rhythm and building towards a dramatic, discordant climax that is both uplifting and disturbing.'

GOODBYE BABY - An energetic, catchy gig song with fun lyrics. Also sexy acoustic version with David's soulful expressive vocals.

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FAN REVIEWS of SYTWS -

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'Unlike many other debut albums, Seven Years Ten Weeks is exactly what it says on the cover - a semi-autobiographical journey through the last seven years and ten weeks of David Sneddon's life. From singing in smoky pubs to busking on street corners all the way to surviving a 1 million competition, it is all here for the listener to share.'

'I still listen to 7Y10W, Lazy and Without You are 2 of my favourites, although Bluebird gets quite a blasting too!'

'I was right the first time-these songs are class! I listened with real excitement to my favourites and got excited when I discovered I liked one or two of the other tracks a lot more than I thought I did. I've always thought All My Life, Time to Fall Down,Lazy and OK were brilliant songs -beautiful tunes with great lyrics. What I realise all over again, is that every song on the album has something special.'

'Following the release of two singles, which were primarily good ballads, the whole nature of SYTWs was something of a surprise! It really shows David to be a lot more than purely a lovely balladier or even a 'pop performer' in the mould of Robbie Williams.'

'This album, with its grown-up and deliberately rough-edged sound might not satisfy the younger fans, but it's a very promising start and if people are willing to see past Sneddon's pretty-boy looks he should pick up a legion of music fans on the back of it.'

~This album is designed to be listened to from the beginning to the end, and believe me, you wouldn't want to do it any other way~

Here are some comments from Nigel Olsen, Elton's drummer about the recording.

Hi folks!

As Noreen has told you, while on tour in England we (the band) were asked to record a project with a new artist David Sneddon who won Fame Academy (English version of American Pop Idol). . I must share you my personal thoughts of this project. It was produced by Hugh Padgham, who I have long admired for his work with Paul McCartney, Sting and many others. To work with him was such a joy. It was a close to working with our dear Gus, one reason being because of the way we recorded.

The band was all in the studio at the same time, no machines, thank God, and the songs were pretty darn inspiring. I felt that this is the best I have played since the 70s and the sound of my Ghana DW drum kit was phenomenal. First time it has been used on a recording.

David Sneddon himself was very refreshing and his attitude great. I have heard that there is no plan as of yet to release the record in the USA, but if you get the chance, I strongly recommend you add it to your collection. Nigel

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REVIEWS SEVEN YEARS TEN WEEKS

David Sneddon is the latest pop star to be thrown up by a reality TV show (in this case, Fame Academy), which for some people will be more than enough reason to hate him instantly. That, however, would be unfair for while he's no Bob Dylan, Sneddon is at least a performer with honesty, integrity and a fair degree of soul. Perhaps it's because, as the title suggests, he's spent the last seven years hauling himself and his guitar around the club circuit - many of these self-penned songs are about his struggles along the way, trying to attract the interest of drunken punters and failing more often than not. His underdog image proves to be quite endearing - and he also shows himself to be a songwriter of some promise, redeeming his pub-rock arrangements with infectious piano melodies and an attractively low-key falsetto. His album is no masterpiece, But compared to the likes of Six, David Sneddon is surely entitled to at least a bit of respect.

Review by Andrew Lynch. Entertainment.com

Amazon.co.uk Review

David Sneddon's Seven Years - Ten Weeks represents the final calling card for that strange bedtime liaison of reality TV and manufactured pop. Regardless of its protracted gestation in the eyes of its creator (as the title suggests), the judgement of the Fame Academy winner by both the record buying public and the shady marketing operatives of his record company will be swift. The question is, now that an ostentatiously manufactured pop act is finally given free rein to write his own material, will it cut the mustard? Or, despite that most revered of things--a performer who writes--will we conclude in our collective subconscious that, actually, we don't care who writes the material because the results aren't as good when someone tries it themselves? There's more riding on his young shoulders than any of his flailing predecessors.

The good news is that what's good is very good--witness the hypnotic and immediately memorable descending piano of single "Don't Let Go". He also has a nice line in unexpected falsetto. "Without You" and rocky opener "Best of Order" are equally as impressive, the latter owing more to Bon Jovi. Indeed, forget any Elton-based parallels; comparisons can only rest on the doorstep of the New Jersey rockers. "Stop Living the Lie" is a fusion of "Bed of Roses" and "This Ain't a Love Song" and on "All My Life" he talks of working through the night to pay the rent in the mid-tempo, piano-driven lament that has served John Bon Jovi so well over the years.

Working within the constraints, this is a magnificent effort. --Ben Johncock

BBC -

Sneddon gets considerable musical support on his debut opus. But the words, voice and piano all belong to the Scot, and are exercised with aplomb and considerable strength. It all kicks off imaginatively with Best Of Order and the babbling of an expectant audience, ahead of an up-tempo rock song with a chorus which sees Sneddon muscle in on Robbie Williams’ hallowed territory.

Sneddon's chart-topper Stop Living The Lie is one of his weaker efforts, but he’s recorded a meatier, reworked version for the album. The heartfelt, mid-range ballad is Sneddon’s natural terrain— with a clutch of other examples like the Celtic-tinged Without You showing off his silky piano skills and the pleasant upper range of his vocals.

But Sneddon has tried to prove he’s not just a one-song act, and dabbles in the rockier side of music with mixed results. Follow Me is a honky-tonk attempt to dirty up his squeaky-clean image with a growl here and there, while the maudlin, atmospheric Lazy is very nearly spoilt by a so-wrong rock guitar solo. Seven Years’ closing opus appears to be a horrifying ten minutes long, but is the uplifting, soulful Long Time Coming plus an angelic bonus track.

David Sneddon wins credibility by penning his own new material for this opener— a greater achievement than many of his talent show peers. His music is well-grounded, although it’s nothing earth-shatteringly new. He is already a master of the ballad and is keen to explore other musical avenues. The Glasgow lad shows considerable depth and maturity beyond his years, but there is still some way to go and he hasn’t yet produced a signature song to truly set him apart. Sneddon is determined to survive well beyond his Fame Academy launching pad. He shows signs of joining a long tradition of popular singer-songwriters capable of lasting the course.

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