Blair Dunlop has released his new album ‘Notes From An Island’.Seamlessly intertwining his folk roots into new indie territory, the album explores a new side to Blair’s musical talents.

To celebrate the release, Blair Dunlop has shared the artists and singles that influenced ‘Notes From An Island’.

Emmylou Harris – Wrecking Ball

This record was a great reference point for ‘Notes from an Island’ because of its contemporary framing of folk narrative. Daniel Lanois provides such a beautiful, chiming palette on which Emmylou lays down her rootsy vocals. There’s a sweet contradiction between the earthiness of her voice and lyrics and the ethereal production. Myself and the producer, Ed Harcourt, both cited this as a an album to draw from. It’s a contemporary folk rock classic.

Rory Butler

Rory is an artist I’ve known and loved for a few years now. I believe he’s about to release his first album. Seeing him him live in the clubs around London sparked a DADGAD (and variants thereof) tuning revival for me. I’d returned to predominantly standard guitar tuning on my last album, ‘Gilded’, but seeing his arrangements and the interplay between the vocals and guitar prompted me to revisit some of my favourite alternate tunings. He’s definitely one to watch.

Sharon Van Etten – Let You Down

I could have chosen one of a number of Sharon Van Etten or Angel Olsen tunes, but I specifically remember listening to this song so much around the time we were recording. There’s a perfect imperfection about the way the track drives through, and a space in the arrangement that lets the emotion really breathe. It’s probably more evident as an influence on the tracks that didn’t make my album, but it definitely was influential.

Aoife O’Donovan – In The Magic Hour

I was fortunate enough to tour with Aoife last May, before heading into the studio. I’ve been a long time admirer of her work and so it was a real honour to share the stage (and a car) with her. There’s a nuance to her vocal delivery that resonates with me in a unique way. This record grew and grew on me, and playing with her on that tour was a catalyst for positive change in my own life, so, as a soundtrack to 2017, it has to be listed.

Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne is one of my biggest songwriting heroes, and I think his influence can be heard throughout the record. It’s most prevalent on the personal songs, but it runs throughout. I’d say my new record is transatlantic in its sound, and the JB influence brings the West Coast vibe! I got to see him on my night off from my Australian tour in March, which it seemed fitting! It was an amazing show, I must thank my Aussie publicist Gaynor Crawford for fixing me tickets at late notice!

You can check out Blair’s album via his official website or listen to album track ‘Sweet On You’ below: