Wakefield lad turns from pub singer to published artist after releasing debut single

Declan Gibson, 21, from Stanley, has released his debut single after pursuing his passion for music while living in Amsterdam during university.

He took part in a student exchange program last year while studying biology at Edinburgh University and his career started there.

Declan said: “I came from a musical family, there were always instruments around the house and it just sort of happened.

“I took music for granted for a long time and I had to push myself out of my comfort zone.

“Music is a way of expressing how I feel and at that point in my life, while I was writing the song, I was going through a difficult break up."

Declan released his debut single ‘Better off Without’ with producer, Vinnie Goyal, who he met while gigging in bars across Amsterdam.

“It was difficult. I had to learn new skills, it was being in the studio repeatedly singing to get it right but when it finally came out I was buzzing.” Declan said.

“I am a published artist so I already am successful even if I am not rich and famous my family and friends love my music.”

“It was never about being famous to me, it was just being able to do and have the confidence.”

Declan has received lots of support from his mum and sister who still live in their family home in Stanley.

“My family is so supportive and my mum is just the best, my sister helped me with the song as it was originally on acoustic guitar.”

“One opportunity led to another and it has helped me be where I am today.

“Being able to perform in front of people is the purest form of connection with people there is.”

Declan, whose influencers are Arctic Monkeys and Lewis Capaldi, said: “Pop music is what I love. You get to express your feelings and people get it, it gives you an aspect of freedom."

Declan will also be releasing a second single later this year and will continue to pursue his music career.

For more information or to download “Better off Without” visit Declan’s Linktree here.