One small step allows Neil to find a way home

Oban’s own Neil Armstrong has launched Finding A Way Home, his second album of original Indie Rock music and sister-album to his 2020 lockdown release Nearly Life.

 

The new album is filled with eight tenderly expressive and original, 'back-to-reality'

 

tracks exploring themes of darkness and light and the journey homewards.

 

Due to the pandemic Neil, who currently lives in Andalucía, has not travelled home to Scotland since November 2019. Filled with longing to return to the Highlands, Neil penned the opening song of the album Going Home with the West Coast in mind.

 

Two singles from Finding A Way Home were released this summer to critical acclaim from industry blogs. Rock anthem One Small Step was hailed as 'Better than ever – incredibly powerful', while the piano ballad Moon is described as 'A hit with fans of Elton John, Bowie and ELO'.

 

The music, which Neil has composed, arranged and performed, is set to the lyrics of co-

 

producer David Will Mitchell. Neil met David for the first time in Spain in late 2019 and the duo started a creative partnership which saw them produce and release their first album within nine months.

 

'The second album really just burst out of us,' said Neil, 'The writing process with David has always been fruitful.'

 

This even though the creative pair have only met twice face-to-face.

 

Neil has teamed up once again with the legendry Andalusian rock guitarist and producer Jose Maria Sagrista and is proud to have worked with local musicians on this album, including the likes of guitarist Marcus Myers (Hard Rain London/Alicia’s Attic) and Misty Oldland (Supernatural/Forest Soul).

 

Neil’s music is listed online in amongst his namesake's famous moon landing speech.

 

'When I first realised that I was sharing an artist profile with Neil Armstrong the astronaut, my heart sank,' he told us.

 

'However, I soon realised that it is a blessing as thousands of people around the world find my music every month because of this.'

 

The pandemic has made it difficult to play live music, but Andalucía has increasingly opened up since spring of 2021. This summer Neil has enjoyed playing his music at festivals and local venues once again.

 

He added: 'My music has been generously received by both ex-pat fans and the local Spanish who appreciate my work with Jose Maria whom they all recognise.

 

'It’s a joy to get out and play live. I hope that this freedom will endure.'

 

Neil is joined in Spain this week by his parents Mac and Katie, both retired GPs from Connel, for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

 

'It is going to be a very emotional reunion,' he said.

 

'To be able to hug my parents and see them with the grandchildren once again will be really special.'

 

Finding a Way Home can be found on all major streaming platforms and by clicking the link ditto.fm/finding-a-way-home.