Dougal, a Gaelic name that means “dark stranger”, and a unique singer/songwriter, based in Ontario, has been creating music all his life. He was born in Regina, and grew up all over the place, before landing in Toronto at age 12.
He is a storyteller The music is singer/songwriter, troubadour, Urban Folk, Folk Blues style, thoughtful, intelligent, sometimes topical, sometimes universal, delivered with flair. It might even make you think. While some might call it a throwback, others call it the leading edge of a returning cycle.
The stories connect with audiences, emotionally, intellectually, or with shared experiences and attitudes. Influences come from everywhere, anything and everything he has heard, or seen, felt or thought over his life. You may recognize some of the stories as your own, your friends, people you barely know, or have never met.
Dougal currently concentrates on songwriting, and guitar playing and finding opportunities to play for live, and appreciative, audiences.
Videos
Comments
“…your songs have meaning and substance, and can cause people to listen and think. They come from places of intelligence, insight and experience; and will get the attention of people with the same.”
— Brian Gladstone
Winterfolk Festival Director
“Your songs and your delivery of them have much appeal. I like especially the intimacy you achieve with audiences and the strong narrative inclination of your material. These are virtues.”
— Dr. Tom Gannon Hamilton
Urban Folk Organizer
“That is the best line I have ever heard!”
— Dan MacLean Jr.
“Where the hell have YOU been?”
— a recent fan
“Heartfelt’
— Mark Yan
Awards
International Song Contest 2022
Blues and Roots Radio
Beat Up Old Ford, Finalist, Male Category
Song of the Year 2018
Two Chairs, Semi-finalist
Song of the Year, 2016
Clarkstown Flood (Born to Hang), Runner up