Quigley’s Point musician Mark McKinney plans to release a new album of songs

An Inishowen singer-songwriter is preparing to release a new album this summer, bringing together songs written across several years in a project that reflects both his long relationship with music and his passion for storytelling through song.

Quigley’s Point musician Mark McKinney plans to release the album, titled ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’, across digital streaming platforms while also producing a limited number of physical copies.

Despite the dramatic changes in the music industry in recent years, the 50-year-old local man says the idea of releasing a full album remains important to him.

“The album is called ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’. I’m aiming to have it out this summer. There are songs on this album from a good few years ago and some recent ones too,” he says.

Many of the tracks have already been shared in different forms online, with McKinney previously uploading songs to SoundCloud and promoting them through his social media channels.

However, he believes bringing them together as a cohesive album still holds value for both the artist and the listener.

“I’ve brought most of the songs out on SoundCloud and shared them on my social media pages, but while I know the whole ‘bring out an album’ thing is totally different nowadays, I still want to bring it out as an album,” he explained.

Once released, the album will be available on all major streaming platforms, and McKinney also hopes to produce a small run of CDs and possibly vinyl records.

“When it’s out, it’ll be on all platforms; I’ll bring it out on some CDs and maybe records in small quantities, which is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he added.

The album will feature a wide range of songs, reflecting the variety in McKinney’s writing over the years.

While some tracks explore deeper and more reflective themes, others offer lighter moments.

“The songs are all very different from each other,” he explains. “While some are deep and meaningful, there are a couple of light-hearted ones and a few love songs in there too.”

READ NEXT: Carndonagh seafood firm selected for new ‘customer-focused innovation’ programme

McKinney has been writing music for more than three decades and says there has never been a strict formula to his creative process. Inspiration can come at any time, sometimes after long, quiet periods.

“I have no set process in writing. I’ve been doing it for 35 years, and it’s always different, with sometimes months or even years between songs. Then there are times that I’ve written two songs in a week; it all differs.”

All of the tracks on the album were recorded in Derry at the studio of producer Paul Casey, whom McKinney credits with helping to shape the final sound of the songs.

“I go in with my acoustic guitar and vocals, and he adds to them to make the songs that they end up becoming,” he further explained.

Although he has spent time living in other places, McKinney now lives once again in the Iskaheen parish, where he grew up, something he says has brought him great satisfaction.

“I’d moved away and lived other places, but I’m happy to be back where I’m from and love being part of the community,” he said.

Having turned 50 just before Christmas, he still feels youthful in spirit, even if age is inevitably beginning to make itself known.

“I still feel like the Peter Pan young fella I’ve always been, but I know and unfortunately feel that age might just be catching up,” he smiles.

Despite decades of songwriting, he says he still feels that his best song may yet be ahead of him.

“I’m very proud of a few of my songs, but I’m still working on the big one. If I write it, I’ll be happy, and if I just keep looking to write it, I’ll also be happy, so it’s a win-win,” he said.

McKinney also acknowledges the worsening financial challenges faced by independent musicians in the modern streaming era.

“With the likes of Spotify dictating how much you get paid, it’s nearly impossible to make a living from your music. Getting 0.004 pence per listen won’t pay the bills unless you’re getting millions of listens,” he said.

“But if you don’t put your music on it, nobody hears it. It’s a bad time for the singer-songwriter, but sure, we’ll keep doing it.”