Belfast Artist Mahuna Returns With Stunning Song ‘Dream Winter’s Day’
Mahuna returns with a rich sonic tale in the haunting ‘Dream Winter’s Day’ set to be released the end of Nov. Hailing from the vibrant and complex tapestry of Andersonstown, West Belfast, Mahuna’s journey into the world of music began amidst the backdrop of Black Mountain and the tumultuous era of the Troubles. As a shy and intensely emotional child, Mahuna found solace and inspiration in the music of the 50s and 60s, which played constantly in his home. The early impressions of iconic acts like David Bowie, T-Rex, and Elton John, combined with the stirring memories of his family’s resilience, formed the foundation of his musical passion.
On his stirring debut single ‘Underneath a Hazel Tree’, Belfast’s Mahuna done a really moving job of establishing the absorbing and thoughtful nature of his distinctive folk-pop sound. Having grown up surrounded the challenges and harsh realities of the Troubles, the artist developed a distinctive lens and style, informed by the music of the 50s and 60s that was such a huge part of his upbringing. Beach House hailed Mahuna’s last release, “Underneath a Hazel Tree“, as an ‘absolute masterpiece’ while Illustrate Magazine noted Mahuna’s ability to pen nostalgic gems.
Growing up as the sixth of seven boys in a family of nine, Mahuna’s formative years were steeped in the raw and unfiltered experiences of Belfast’s streets. A poignant memory of being excluded from a Beatles listening session by his older brothers marked his first transformative encounter with music, sparking a lifelong journey of exploration, intrigue and creation. The magical power of music to transport and transform left an indelible mark on Mahuna, setting him on a path of musical discovery.
Despite pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University, Mahuna’s heart remained tethered to music. His mother’s untimely death and his father’s expectations created a tumultuous emotional landscape, yet these experiences fueled his creative drive. His early musical ventures included forming a band called the Deceivers, which saw moderate success in London with a deal from Hit and Run Publishing and significant radio play. However, the disintegration of the band and personal setbacks led Mahuna to focus on his songwriting and solo performances.
Mahuna’s journey took him to Berlin, where he embraced fatherhood and continued to hone his craft. The construction of a home studio allowed him to experiment and evolve, resulting in several albums and EPs. Despite the challenges of the music industry and the geographical disconnect from his Irish roots, Mahuna’s determination never waned. His time in Berlin was marked by creative breakthroughs, even as he battled the industry’s ageist barriers and financial struggles.
A pivotal moment came during a solo performance at the Roisin Dubh in Galway, where Mahuna experienced an overwhelming positive reception that reignited his passion. The intimate and appreciative audience’s response was a testament to his music’s potential to resonate deeply. This experience spurred him to simplify his approach, focusing on the pure essence of songwriting and performance, ultimately leading to the creation of his most compelling work to date.
Today, Mahuna stands as an artist who has weathered life’s storms with resilience and creativity. His latest album, a culmination of years of growth and introspection, is his finest work yet. Mahuna’s music, deeply rooted in personal experience and emotional authenticity, continues to captivate and connect with listeners, fulfilling the promise of that young boy entranced by the sounds emanating from behind closed doors.
For more info see website: www.mahunamusic.com
