Dan Whitehouse releases new single “Only Love”

Dan Whitehouse has spent more than two decades walking a decorated musical path with an output that’s struck a chord with listeners around the world. Originally hailing from the midlands of the UK, he’s continually reshaped his vision, moving from reflective acoustic songwriting into collaborative, genre-agnostic styles that treats songs as living documents. Born and raised in working-class Wolverhampton, Dan carries the grit and pragmatism of the region but his first steps were taken in San Francisco after his hippie parents briefly relocated to the West Coast in the early 80s.

Industrial origins meeting spiritual openness feels like the perfect formula for an artist whose work constantly balances discipline with free expression and at twelve years old, he was introduced to the idea of the “flow state” by childhood bandmate Carina Round. Dan then came through the live circuit in the late 90s and early 2000s, touring as a teenager with Naomi before fronting the rock band Sonara, a journey that resulted in an appearance at Reading Festival in 2003.

By 2007 he’d gone solo, self-funding two records before signing to Reveal Records, home to artists including Joan As Police Woman, Lau and Eddi Reader. Several acclaimed albums followed, establishing him as a must watch artist and today, he divides his time between the United Kingdom and Japan, a geography that deeply informs his latest work. His latest chapter comes with Only Love, an upcoming piano-and-vocal album recorded live with jazz improviser David O’Brien, marking a return to a highly personal sonic sphere.

Now he brings us his latest release with the title track from the forthcoming LP, “Only Love,” presenting the emotional centre of the project. With Dan’s young son living in Japan, their relationship is shaped by brief visits, long absences and the mathematics of parenting across continents. “Only Love” turns that reality into song, capturing the isolation, joy and logistical heartbreak of modern fatherhood in real time.

Opened by soft piano notes and hushed vocal delivery spinning picture painting lyrics, the ache in his voice and subtle dissonance in the chords casts a melancholic atmosphere that’s impossible not to be moved by. With David’s delicate piano performance providing an elegant backdrop, Dan’s stunning vocals hang in the air to create a tender and powerfully emotive listening experience from start to finish.

Commenting on the single, Dan shares, “There’s nowhere to hide when it’s just me and a piano. To write this personally, I had to leave everything exposed. Dave’s playing, and his brilliant, subversive use of chords, often makes me feel like I’m on a magic carpet ride.”

It’s a dazzling display of Dan Whitehouse’s poignant songwriting and performance panache, offering another stellar moment on his enduring musical adventure. Bringing his new material alive on stage, Dan is set to perform a run of shows across England starting in Durham on the 11th of June and concluding with a homecoming show in Birmingham on the 28th of June. To catch Dan Whitehouse playing live, you can book tickets here.

Listen to Only Love below

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