Set for release via FatCat Records on March 29, 2019, C Duncan’s highly-anticipated third album HEALTH sees the Scottish multi-instrumentalist ditch his bedroom studio and work with other producers, engineers and musicians for the first time. “This was the biggest shift in dynamic for me,” he explains. “Having always worked alone, it was a daunting prospect but one I knew I had to explore.” Navigating themes of love, anxiety and sexuality, Health – produced by elbow’s Craig Potter – is a deeply personal record that delves into a world Duncan had previously felt uneasy exploring. “Writing it was a very cathartic process. It helped me through a lot of tough times and also to celebrate the good,” he continues. Warm and harmonically rich, Duncan delightfully juxtaposes the vibrant and wholesome aesthetic of the album with an often-darker lyrical undertone, pushing himself to refine and explore new ways of writing. As the sole protagonist of his self-carved niche, Health sees Duncan evolve and expand its parameters in mesmerizing fashion.
Released last month, the album’s first single “Impossible” documents the highs and lows of a long-distance relationship with an ex-boyfriend. “At one point he was working night shifts, so it was very hard to communicate with each other because our schedules were completely out of sync. I wanted to see him all of the time, but it was impossible to do at that point in time,” Duncan explains. Strings and oddball psychedelic sounds combine with equal vigor, its jarring rhythmic art-funk of offering an accurate portrayal based on personal experience. Out today, the video was filmed at Europe’s largest Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Duncan and the video’s director Eoin Glaister say:
“As a fan of Elvis, and especially his ballads such as ‘It’s Impossible,’ I was really excited by the idea of this video. Its tongue and cheek nature and upbeat vibe really fits the music – and who wouldn’t want golfing Elvis’ in their video? It has loads of energy, full of colour and vibrancy, and it really is impossible not to get sucked into the weird and wonderful world of Elvis impersonators.” C Duncan
“Fortunately, Europe’s largest Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Convention was taking place in our shooting window. This wouldn’t have been possible without the kind support of both the convention and the contestants to whom I am eternally grateful. I met some the nicest Elvises I am ever likely to meet. From shaky kneed 50s kids to jumpsuit-clad Vegas’, we were welcomed with open arms.” Eoin Glaister