I first heard Amy Macdonald’s music when I got a review copy of her debut album back in the mid-2000s and I also saw her perform when she appeared at Scarborough’s Beached festival.

So it was big news when she played a headline show in Inverness on Friday.

And it was good to give a plug to a singer songwriter from Inverness who was one of the support acts who is in the process of releasing new material.

This is an extended version of the article which appeared in print because it had to be cut back due to restricted space.

AN Inverness singer-songwriter will tonight perform what he describes as the biggest gig of his career.

Dylan James Tierney, who is 24, is one of the acts supporting Amy Macdonald when she plays a concert at the Northern Meeting Park on Friday. 

Today also marked the release of his single – Lovers Hold Hands – with a second single and a new album due to follow. 

He says he was originally approached by Live in the City about a possible support slot and he adds: “This certainly is my biggest gig to date.” 

Tierney says he will be performing a solo set this evening and he was excited when he first heard the news that he would be on the same stage as the headliner and fellow support act Callum Beattie. 

He adds: “I felt a lot of excitement and I was extremely proud to get on the bill with two incredible artists. I’ve been a fan of Amy’s music from a young age. 

“I’m sure I’ll have to wait and see what it’ll be like but I’m 100 per cent confident that it’ll be a very special gig and everything will run smoothly. 

“I supported Callum Beattie twice – last October in the Strathpeffer Pavilion and then an intimate gig at Hootanannys.” 

He describes his music as both “original and meaningful” and he draws from the country, blues and indie genres – his varied influences include Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. 

And he says he was looking forward to releasing the single and adds: “It ain’t really a coincidence – we just thought it would be nice to release a single in time for the gig, with another single to follow on September 9, followed by the album on October 7. 

“The single is track number seven on the album and is called Lovers Hold Hands with a nice effect on the vocal and a cool vibe to it, definitely a good taster of what the album is going to sound like.” 

Work on the album began on the album back in February 2021 at Marc Clements’ home studio in Inverness.

Tierney says: “Marc was a stranger to me before I stepped foot into his studio and from day one, introduced by Ben Hestling, myself and Marc bonded very well and smashed through the work together.

“A lot of hard work got put into it and I can’t wait for it to be released.”

When asked about his future plans he says he aims to “just keep working hard and everything will fall into place” as well as working with the right people to build on his work.

For those who could not get tickets for tonight’s show he has a number of gigs coming up this month including:

• MacGregors on 20th August 20 between 7pm and 9pm;
• the Market Bar on August 26 at 10.30pm;
• MacCallums bar on August 27 between 3pm and 6pm;
• and a Highland Hospice fundraiser at Anta Cafe in Croy at 7.30pm on the same day.

The article as it appeared on the What’s On North website: Biggest gig of his career (so far)… Inverness singer- songwriter Dylan James Tierney will tonight supporting Amy Macdonald when she plays a concert at the Northern Meeting Park

From the Here & Now supplement in the Inverness Courier on Friday, August 12, 2022.