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United Kingdom Declan McKenna is a British singer-songwriter known for his blend of melodic indie pop and shimmering indie rock, who has transitioned from a viral internet sensation to a recognized artist with his own independent label.
Declan McKenna's self-releasing music label, Miniature Ponies, is a joint venture with ADA, a distribution company owned by Warner Music Group. This partnership allows him to self-release his music while benefiting from Warner Music Group's distribution network.
ASOS featured Declan McKenna as part of their 'ASOS Supports Talent' initiative, acknowledging him as a musician from Hertfordshire, England.
Fred Perry US recognized Declan McKenna as a young singer-songwriter with a unique voice, tipping him as part of their British New Wave 2017. They highlighted his topical, political, and relevant indie pop style.
McKenna signed a record deal with Columbia Records after a bidding war involving over 40 record companies in 2015. He released his first two albums, "What Do You Think About the Car?" and "Zeros," under this label.
Declan Benedict McKenna was born on December 24, 1998, in Enfield, London, and raised in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. From a musically inclined family, he quickly developed an interest in music. In 2015, at age 16, McKenna gained significant recognition by winning Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition. This win earned him a slot on the festival’s William’s Green Stage and a £5,000 prize. Shortly after, over 40 record companies sought to sign him, leading to a contract with Columbia Records.
His debut single, “Brazil,” released in August 2015, became a protest song criticizing FIFA and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The song gained widespread attention, reaching number one on Sirius XM Radio’s Alt Nation Alt 18 Countdown for three weeks and number 16 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart. McKenna continued to release socially conscious singles, including “Paracetamol,” which addressed media misrepresentation of transgender teenagers, and “Isombard,” which critiqued right-wing media. His debut album, “What Do You Think About the Car?,” produced by James Ford, was released in 2017, featuring his previous singles and new tracks. The album received positive reviews and charted in both the UK and US, leading to his BBC Music Award for BSS Introducing Artist of the Year. He performed at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury.
McKenna’s second studio album, “Zeros,” released in September 2020, marked a shift towards a glam rock-inspired sound, reaching number two in the UK charts. His third album, “What Happened to the Beach?”, released in February 2024, showed a more buoyant and eclectic style, reaching number three in the UK. Following this, McKenna embarked on a new chapter by launching his independent label, Miniature Ponies, in October 2024, releasing the double A-side single “Champagne” and “That’s Life.” He has also toured extensively, including supporting Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour in November 2024 and opening for Imagine Dragons’ European stadium tour in May 2025.
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