Gregg McKella
Songs from the Underground
Brighton-based musician Gregg McKella has released his debut solo album Songs from the Underground back in December 2025. McKella, originally from Aylesbury, has long been active across alternative and psychedelic music circles, performing with Paradise 9, Rubber Bus and The Glissando Guitar Orchestra. This album marks his first solo statement after decades of playing, writing and collaborating.
Songs from the Underground collects material written during McKella’s busking years in London throughout the 1990s. It really is an eclectic mix, tracks move between folk-driven songwriting, blues touches, and what McKella describes as “space-folk,” reflecting the blend of clarinet, glissando guitar and ambient textures that have become part of his musical identity. Because of the way the album was created, over a number of years, Gregg didn't write for any particular genre but with the essence of what was happening at the time and the environment they were written in shaping the overall sound. It definitely adds a unique feel to the album, keeping you guessing as to what will come next, with themes drawn from city life and its contrasts.
Songs from the Underground collects material written during McKella’s busking years in London throughout the 1990s. It really is an eclectic mix, tracks move between folk-driven songwriting, blues touches, and what McKella describes as “space-folk,” reflecting the blend of clarinet, glissando guitar and ambient textures that have become part of his musical identity. Because of the way the album was created, over a number of years, Gregg didn't write for any particular genre but with the essence of what was happening at the time and the environment they were written in shaping the overall sound. It definitely adds a unique feel to the album, keeping you guessing as to what will come next, with themes drawn from city life and its contrasts.
The album is a real musical journey. McKella starts slow with All Said and Done before kicking into Gone So Silent with its driving drum beat and stunning guitar solo stealing the show. Taking you to a dreamy soundscape with New Horizons, Gregg keeps you on your toes throughout. Not surprising considering the album is a collection of his work from across the years rather than an album written in on go. It is a great showcase for his talents.
Instrumental track New Dawn comes towards the end of the album and acts as a sort of reset for the mind in a way, before Gregg finishes off with the aptly named Time To Go, the chilled instrumentals in contrast to the hard hitting lyrics.
Songs from the Underground was produced and recorded by Martin Litmus, who also contributes bass, keyboards, mellotron, synths, guitars and drums. McKella performs vocals, guitars, clarinet, synths and glissando guitar, with guest appearances from Nick Pynn (violins), Jeanette Murphy (backing vocals), Paradise 9’s Tyrone Thomas (lead/slide guitar) and Eugene McClouskey (violins).
McKella continues to perform and record with his various projects, while finally giving a home to a body of songs first written nearly three decades ago. The album is out now and available for you lucky people to discover this gem of a record for yourself.
Instrumental track New Dawn comes towards the end of the album and acts as a sort of reset for the mind in a way, before Gregg finishes off with the aptly named Time To Go, the chilled instrumentals in contrast to the hard hitting lyrics.
Songs from the Underground was produced and recorded by Martin Litmus, who also contributes bass, keyboards, mellotron, synths, guitars and drums. McKella performs vocals, guitars, clarinet, synths and glissando guitar, with guest appearances from Nick Pynn (violins), Jeanette Murphy (backing vocals), Paradise 9’s Tyrone Thomas (lead/slide guitar) and Eugene McClouskey (violins).
McKella continues to perform and record with his various projects, while finally giving a home to a body of songs first written nearly three decades ago. The album is out now and available for you lucky people to discover this gem of a record for yourself.