Described as “powerful and poetic, Manchester-based singer-songwriter Dane Kelly’s new single ‘Scuba Dive’ is out tomorrow, the 29th August via Magic Garden Recordings, in collaboration with Warner Music Group and Revolver Records.
Told through the eyes of a teenage girl breaking free from her parents’ tight grip, ‘Scuba Dive’ is a brooding and bold coming-of-age anthem that explores the messy thrill of rebellion. Inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, Kelly dives deeper — exposing the emotional undertow of growing up and stepping outside the lines. From sneaking out to late-night gigs to discovering love, lust, and independence, the protagonist isn’t spiralling — she’s evolving. “She’s not unravelling,” Kelly said. “She’s just finally living — and that scares her parents more than anything.”
‘Scuba Dive’pairs gritty storytelling with glistening guitar lines, atmospheric production, and Kelly’s soulful vocal delivery. The track will resonate with fans of Sam Fender, Phoebe Bridgers, and Kings Of Leon alike. Backed by band mates Jack Batchelor, Matthew Fisher, and Elliot Taylor, Kelly has already made a name for himself across Manchester and London by blending gritty alternative rock with vivid storytelling.
Raised in a musical family, he first picked up guitar at 16 — an abandoned GCSE school project from his brother — and never looked back. Inspired by the likes of Kings Of Leon, Queens Of The Stone Age, and Paolo Nutini, Kelly honed his sound through early gigs in Bedfordshire, including a sold-out hometown show at Bedford Esquires.
Rooted in narrative and observation, his songs explore life’s emotional undercurrents with empathy and edge. Whether writing from personal experience or channelling the lives of others, his music invites listeners to connect with the story behind the sound. Kelly is currently working on new material at Magic Garden Studios with multi-platinum, Recording Academy producer Gavin Monaghan (Nizlopi, Editors, The Twang) and Liam Radburn who co-produced ‘Scuba Dive‘.
You can order ‘Scuba Dive‘ here.
