HECTOR GANNET
Credit: Vision Impact Photography
Brass-fuelled Shields soul from North Eastern masters of ancient-and-modern sounds.
Hector Gannet today release their new single “Seven Signs”, ahead of their third record which is expected to arrive in the autumn of 2026. The band are currently in Austin, Texas for SXSW, adding to their live history with Elbow, Sam Fender and Richard Thompson.
Hector Gannet’s emotive sounds have been praised by music lovers from Chris Packham to Sam Fender and acclaimed as “North Shields’ answer to Crazy Horse” (Uncut Magazine). This reception is now justified by new single “Seven Signs”, a rousing soul sermon which blends the group’s North Eastern heart with touches of Dexy’s, Style Council-period Paul Weller and a bit of the Boss.
The single’s soulful power is there in the sweet brass parts, arranged by North Shields-resident US brass expert Jason Holcomb, who has worked with Ohio soul supremos The O’Jays. But where Hector Gannet’s music is anchored in past rock and pop classicism, the words take it somewhere else – towards a wonderfully literate Tyneside modernism. The song opens with a wheezing Gabriel relocated to the edge of Springsteen’s Born To Run, “Pulling at the feathers / Underneath his motorcycle vest.” The narrative then builds to a widescreen consideration of class, moral responsibility and redemption. A hoped-for state of grace comes “one revelation at a time”.
“Seven Signs is about the God Complex,” says lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Aaron Duff. “And how those suffering from it seem to actually believe in their powers. I used a lot of Biblical references with the lyrics, which informs the vocal delivery and leans into the soulful drive we ended up with. The first time I heard the horns I just couldn’t help shouting 'Dexy’s!’ Jason [the brass arranger] really hit the nail on the head there.”
Hector Gannet’s emotive sounds have been praised by music lovers from Chris Packham to Sam Fender and acclaimed as “North Shields’ answer to Crazy Horse” (Uncut Magazine). This reception is now justified by new single “Seven Signs”, a rousing soul sermon which blends the group’s North Eastern heart with touches of Dexy’s, Style Council-period Paul Weller and a bit of the Boss.
The single’s soulful power is there in the sweet brass parts, arranged by North Shields-resident US brass expert Jason Holcomb, who has worked with Ohio soul supremos The O’Jays. But where Hector Gannet’s music is anchored in past rock and pop classicism, the words take it somewhere else – towards a wonderfully literate Tyneside modernism. The song opens with a wheezing Gabriel relocated to the edge of Springsteen’s Born To Run, “Pulling at the feathers / Underneath his motorcycle vest.” The narrative then builds to a widescreen consideration of class, moral responsibility and redemption. A hoped-for state of grace comes “one revelation at a time”.
“Seven Signs is about the God Complex,” says lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Aaron Duff. “And how those suffering from it seem to actually believe in their powers. I used a lot of Biblical references with the lyrics, which informs the vocal delivery and leans into the soulful drive we ended up with. The first time I heard the horns I just couldn’t help shouting 'Dexy’s!’ Jason [the brass arranger] really hit the nail on the head there.”
Hector Gannet’s gathering glories have built through two previous albums. There have been live dates with artists from Elbow and Sea Power to Lindisfarne and Richard Thompson – plus massive shows with Sam Fender at the vast North Eastern shrine that is Newcastle United’s St James’ Park ground.
Hector Gannet are named after a fishing vessel of the same name, a boat which Aaron’s late paternal grandfather served on and which suffered fatal misadventure off Great Yarmouth in 1968. Aaron stresses the importance of the band’s North Eastern origins:
“I don't think my music would sound anything like this if I wasn't from this area. With North Shields and the North East, I feel a strong connection to the past, the present and the future – and also to nature and humanity through the physical things that surround me. That’s my church, I suppose, and it gives me and my music an identity. In that regard, the music and words almost write themselves.”
Hector Gannet are currently working on their third album, to be called The Great Shakedown and due later in 2026. Following a recent sold-out 600-capacity night in North Shields, Hector Gannet are looking forward to a trip to Texas in March, for the SXSW festival. Hector Gannet live shows vary between full band performances and Aaron appearing as Hector Gannet as a solo act.
Listen to “Seven Signs” here
Showcase & Festivals Appearances 2026
● March 11-18th - SXSW - Austin Texas
● May 23rd - A Stones Throw Festival - North Shields
● June 13th - Hoganberry Weekender - Cumbria
● July - Durham Brass Festival - Co Durham
● Aug - Krankenhaus Festival - The English Lake District
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify
Hector Gannet are named after a fishing vessel of the same name, a boat which Aaron’s late paternal grandfather served on and which suffered fatal misadventure off Great Yarmouth in 1968. Aaron stresses the importance of the band’s North Eastern origins:
“I don't think my music would sound anything like this if I wasn't from this area. With North Shields and the North East, I feel a strong connection to the past, the present and the future – and also to nature and humanity through the physical things that surround me. That’s my church, I suppose, and it gives me and my music an identity. In that regard, the music and words almost write themselves.”
Hector Gannet are currently working on their third album, to be called The Great Shakedown and due later in 2026. Following a recent sold-out 600-capacity night in North Shields, Hector Gannet are looking forward to a trip to Texas in March, for the SXSW festival. Hector Gannet live shows vary between full band performances and Aaron appearing as Hector Gannet as a solo act.
Listen to “Seven Signs” here
Showcase & Festivals Appearances 2026
● March 11-18th - SXSW - Austin Texas
● May 23rd - A Stones Throw Festival - North Shields
● June 13th - Hoganberry Weekender - Cumbria
● July - Durham Brass Festival - Co Durham
● Aug - Krankenhaus Festival - The English Lake District
For more information:
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify