“The Scottish Music Awards ‘Breakthrough Artist’ Winner following in the footsteps of Paolo Nutini, Lewis Capaldi & Joesef”
‘Full of heart and vulnerability’
The Glasgow Times
‘There’s a real buzz about what’s in store for O’Dowd’
Northern Exposure
“The Glasgow singer following in the footsteps of Lewis Capaldi and Paolo Nutini”
BBC News
Glasgow singer SHAY O’DOWD releases
the festival anthem of 2026 ‘Time & Space’
In Shay’s words: “I wrote Time & Space when my mate was going through a tough time with his partner. He opened up to me over a pint after a gig and told me he just needed a little breathing room and that might save them. The next day (hungover) I wrote “Time & Space”. I wanted to write it in a way that felt fun and lighthearted without compromising the message that there are two sides to every coin. I recorded this one with my mates in Glasgow and it’s the first song I’m releasing with live drums etc. I really wanted this song to sound like it’s being played in a live room and I feel like we achieved just that.”
For the music video Shay says “for ‘Time & Space’ I wanted to capture something that felt visually fun whilst also leaning into a retro feel. After doing some digging for some cool references I stumbled on Deacon Blue’s ‘Real Gone Kid’ music video and knew immediately that was our inspiration. We hired the biggest white studio we could possibly find (and afford) and gathered the band to get some live performance takes. My manager Nathan filmed the whole thing on multiple camcorders and the whole day of shooting was a total blast.
After selling out the iconic Glasgow venue King Tut’s without releasing any music, a momentous debut headline show described as “a night to remember, perhaps one which will be boasted as an ‘I was there’ sort of moment for years to come” (Northern Exposure Mag), releasing two EP’s ‘Growing Pains’ + ‘Saying It Now’, getting BBC Track Of The Week with ‘BACK IN A HEARTBEAT’ and crowning 2025 with a sold out ‘St Luke’s’ show, Shay O’Dowd is rolling into 2026 on a high. The first single of the year was ‘Never Made It Out’ that was paired with a beautiful music video directed by Ciaran Passi. It depicted the life of Shay’s father’s friend Gerry (who the song was inspired by). It showcases the beautiful piece of music and its heartfelt message. It also features the young Govan born actor Connor Newall who recently played a role in 28 Years Later – The Bone Temple, and new BBC drama ‘MINT’.
Inspired by the likes of Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and Noah Kahan, Shay finds writing about other people most interesting. “I am passionate about people and communication; both of which have served me well in the world of songwriting. I value authenticity and honesty as an artist, writing songs that capture the beautiful complexities of life.”
Off the back of an IRELAND Headline Tour in March, 2026 is lining up more live for shay with festival slots at TRNSMT, Latitude, Belladrum & Boardmasters Festival and ending with a UK tour in October. But mainly LOTS of new music – including a string of strong singles leading to an EP in Q4 that he is collaborating on with the amazing producer/writer Jamie Squire (The 1975).
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