Former Idol contestant Dan England supports Shannon Noll this weekend
Following in the footsteps of his Australian Idol friend Shannon Noll, 2005 Idol finalist Dan England is set to release his much-anticipated – and untitled – debut album in September.
Supporting Shannon for his two Cairns concerts, the aspiring musician who moved audiences with his rendition of Desperado and scored himself the ultimate compliment of a "touchdown", is revelling in his independence.
The Sunshine Coast singer started his musical career fronting cover band Be-Jesus and worked his days as a service station attendant.
Now he is one of the hottest new talents of the Australian music industry.
The singer has been co-writing material with fellow musicians for his follow-up independent album, which will be released through Melbourne’s Jellyfish Music.
"I went through Idol at the start not wanting to sign with a major label," he says. "I knew realistically if I won the thing I would be signing with Sony.
"But I wanted to, if I could, come out independent so I had creative control of what I could do and actually spend a bit of time and put out an album that I wanted to put out."
The Australian Idol experience is something Dan savours as his boost into the music industry.
"I am stoked that I did what I did because it is a massive stepping stone into the industry," he says. "It was great; I really respect the things they say (the judges), because I know they are in the industry and doing what they love to do and they do it well."
Despite the highs, Idol itself was a daunting experience with aspects Dan loved and others he hated.
The "touchdown" compliment handed out by judge Mark Holden was definitely a memorable moment.
"I was rapt to have that extra bit of credit there," Dan says.
"I loved Sunday nights because I loved to perform but I think the Monday nights were the worst – just sitting on that couch waiting for them to tell you who is going home."
Dan’s entry into the music industry is a surprise given the lack of a musical background in his family. He is still unsure how he started performing and says his skills are self-taught.
Dan England supports Shannon Noll at Brothers Leagues Club tomorrow and Saturday night.
