“This album is a collection of stories and experiences that I’ve had throughout my life. Some of the songs were only finished while I was in studio, others have stuck with me and developed through the years.” - John Doherty, Little Hours.
Five years in the making, ‘Now The Lights Have Changed’ is the debut album from Little Hours, aka John Doherty: songwriter / multi-instrumentalist / vocalist from the small fishing town of Killybegs, County Donegal.
From a musical family background, John began his career as a bass player, idolizing Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. He played in local bands with school pals before delving into songwriting, where he picked up the guitar, piano and various other instruments. Inspired by his admiration for artists such as Ben Howard, Bon Iver and Ray Lamontagne, Little Hours started playing live at local acoustic nights in Donegal. He made a big first impression with the first Little Hours single release - “It’s Still Love” - which was nominated for Song Of The Year at the Choice Music Prize in 2015.
High profile live shows with Kodaline, Birdy and the first Little Hours Irish tour followed ahead of the release of radio and streaming hit “Water” early in 2017. Much of the year was spent winning over new fans on the UK, German and Irish festival circuit, which culminated in a mainstage appearance at Electric Picnic later that summer.
Returning to the studio, John doubled down on his writing and recording skills, and further radio and streaming hits peppered playlists and the airwaves - “How Could I Love You?”, “Later On” and “Heavy On You” - as John played his first shows in Europe, both opening for Hudson Taylor and his own solo headline shows.
Drawing on some recordings from sessions in Dublin and the UK, John returned home to Donegal to Attica Audio to work with producer Tommy McLoughlin, best known for his work with Villagers and Soak, in early 2019. Drawing on a revolving team of guest musicians and local friends, the record took shape in the shadow of Glenveagh National Park, and is informed by John’s upbringing on the Wild Atlantic Way as much as his love for classic songwriters such as Van Morrison and John Martyn.
“I’d like to think that this record is a reflection of who I am, where I’m from and that each song is an honest result of my memories and hopes forged together.” - John Doherty
Equally at home live as a one-man storyteller or fronting his band, John is looking forward to playing his songs - new and old - to audiences again.
And what does the album title mean? John says:
‘“Now The Lights Have Changed” comes from a lyric from an old song of mine. It symbolises the start of something new and good through hard decisions and changes.The line has as much meaning to me and this adventure now as it ever has.”
“I’ve been through changes in my life and in my music and I feel it’s all been building towards this record. I feel like it’s the start of a new chapter for me and for Little Hours.”
'Now The Lights Have Changed' the album from Little Hours was released on the 20th of September
Fans can see Little Hours live on tour at the following venues:
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