UPDATE ON THE NEW ALBUM - RECORDING BEGINS!
April 20th 2026
I got back from Attica Studios on Friday after 5 wonderful days beginning the new Duke Special record. There was a wonderful, creative and at times, meditative vibe, particularly as we heard the news of Moya Brennan’s passing not far from where we were working.
There is still much to be done - main vocals, backing vocals, percussion and various other details before we get to the mixing and mastering stage, but I am really pleased with everything so far.
Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered the album or availed of one of the other tiers in the pre-order campaign. Your support has enabled the journey so far, but we continue to rely on your interest and generosity as we now develop the songs to a finished state.
Thank you so much.
Duke Special x
PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN - BECOME A SUPPORTER!
As an independent artist, I am privileged to share my journey with the people who support me by coming to gigs, buying merch and being members of the Duke Special Demo Club. I am extremely grateful for this support. In February I launched a pre-order campaign for the new, as yet untitled record, which I am making this year and I invite you to participate in helping the album come to life!
There are a series of ways that you can become a supporter and get involved. We have created 6 supporter tiers - from Tier 1 which is simply pre-ordering the album on either vinyl or CD, to investing in the whole project as an executive producer on Tier 6.
The funds raised will be used to pay studio costs, musicians, engineers, producer, mixing, artwork and manufacturing. However you choose to be involved, your help is so much appreciated and will directly help us make the album.
Though I plan to record the album this year, it won’t actually be released until sometime in 2027, so your help at this early stage is invaluable to kick-starting the project, and we hope you don’t mind waiting a while before hearing the finished record!
Thanks,
Duke Special x
New Album Supporter Tiers
Supporter Tier 1: Simply pre-order the album
Pre-order the CD - £15 + postage
Pre-order the vinyl - £25 + postage
Supporter Tier 2: Limited Edition Signed & Numbered CD or Vinyl
Limited edition signed and hand-numbered CD - £25 + postage (only 100 available)
Limited edition signed and hand-numbered vinyl - £35 + postage (only 100 available)
Supporter Tier 3: Name in the Credits - £50 + postage
Your name listed in the album credits as a valued supporter
Limited edition signed and numbered copy of the album on CD or vinyl
Supporter Tier 4: Online Listening Party - £150
Invitation to the pre-release online listening party (date tbc)
Name listed in the album credits as a valued supporter
One year’s free membership of The Duke Special Demo Club
Limited Edition Signed and Numbered copy of the album on CD or vinyl (postage included)
Supporter Tier 5: Listening Party - £300
Invitation to an in-person pre-release listening party in Belfast or London (date tbc)
Name listed in the album credits as a valued supporter
One year’s free membership of The Duke Special Demo Club
Limited Edition Signed and Numbered copy of the album on CD or vinyl (postage included)
Supporter Tier 6: Executive Producer - £1000
Executive Producer credit in the album artwork
Signed test pressing of the album
Access to demos and works-in-progress from the recording process
Occasional studio updates during the making of the record
Invitation to the pre-release listening party
Guest list for 2 people to any Duke live shows in 2026
One year’s free membership of The Duke Special Demo Club
Limited Edition Signed and Numbered copy of the album on CD and vinyl (postage included)