Holding Out for a Hero

Heartfelt vocals decorated with haunting harmonies, fluttering wind chimes, and blanketed under warm acoustic guitar sounds are all elements that make Cara McGillion’s cover of ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ truly unique.

Sprinkling the Bonnie Tyler classic with a distinct country flavour, the 19-year-old’s brand new single also features an undercurrent of soft strings – embellished wonderfully by swooning harmonicas – which, together, cast an emotional detailing to the piece.

Speaking to the ‘Herald, the talented Tyrone vocalist said that the track, recorded by David Doonan of The Sound Garden Studios, Drumquin, is her ‘favourite’ recorded work to-date.

“‘Holding Out for a Hero’ is a song that I have always loved, and I also enjoy stripped-back, acoustic, raw songs,” Cara, born and bred in Omagh, reflected. “So, by combining the two, David and I have created an arrangement that has never been done before. It sounds completely different to the original.

“It is also very emotional: My vocals are accompanied by guitar and embellishments along the way, while the backing vocals are very simple, too.

“It’s myself performing them, which I found very exciting,” the 19-year-old added. “When I heard them blending with the song’s other sounds, I felt it was beautifully haunting.

‘Truly me’

“I also think the song helps people, the listeners, understand what type of artist I am: The song is truly me.”

With a brand new album lingering tantalisingly on the horizon, Cara, who is studying a BA Hons in Musical Theatre Practice at Liverpool John Moores University, has thanked everyone for their brilliant support in recent times, and throughout the pandemic.

“I am honestly in awe of the kindness people have shown me, during lockdown and especially now with this song,” she said. “Thank you to you all.

“I also wish to extend my thanks to the fabulous David Doonan: He is extremely talented, and I am forever grateful to have him in my corner.

“I also need to thank my mum and dad for their continued hard work behind the scenes; they are 100 per-cent the textbook definition of ‘hard-working’, and I am extremely proud to say that they are my parents.

“If it wasn’t for them, none of this would be possible.”

New music

‘Holding Out for a Hero’ is doing well with the public, too, recently reaching an impressive Number 10 in the ‘Carlow FM Country Charts’… and what’s more, Hugo Duncan is also a fan!

He has extended an exciting invitation to the Tyrone singer to perform on the main stage of the ‘Hugo Duncan Steam Rally’ during both the opening and closing celebrations at the magnificent Slane Castle, Dublin on August 28 and 29.

“I hope you all love the song, and I’m excited to say that there is so much more music heading your way – including a very exciting duet with a well-known country artist,” Cara concluded.

“My new album could be out sooner than we know, so watch this space!”

• Cara McGillion’s ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ is available now on Spotify, iTunes, and all other media outlets. It can further be requested from all local radio stations.

• To keep up-to-date with Cara, and to listen to her past singles, please visit ‘Cara McGillion Music’ on Facebook and YouTube, and follow ‘caramcgillionmusic’ on TikTok and Instagram