Songwriter Kieran prepares to re-invent himself on the local scene
Local musician Kieran McMahon, known for forming The Boundary Parkas, is rebranding as Glen Millstone and releasing a new single titled 'I've a Way' on February 14. The song blends acoustic simplicity with orchestral elements, drawing inspiration from British and northern English culture.
Glen Millstone emerges from Oldham’s musical heritage as award-winning songwriter Kieran McMahon unveils his solo acoustic persona, with debut single ‘I’ve a Way’ dropping February 14 across all major streaming platforms.
The former frontman of The Boundary Parkas - resident band for both Oldham RLFC and Oldham Athletic - transforms into a cotton mill-era troubadour complete with peak cap and guitar, crafting songs about rainy weather, cobbled streets and dry-stone walls that embody northern England’s spirit.
The track opens with stark acoustic guitar and simple strumming, building through an isolated drum kick reminiscent of The Beach Boys’ ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ toward a striking chorus featuring Jeff Lynne-style ELO backing vocals. Gus Tuner at Gafro Studios in Elland shaped the sound, which incorporates an unexpected acoustic guitar break leading into brass sections performed by professional musicians Adam Stretton and James Atkins, before climaxing with dual massive choruses swirling with organ.
Mastered by Pete Maher, the song’s narrative recalls school days in the vein of Rod Stewart’s ‘Maggie May’ or The Faces’ ‘Ooh La La’, with vocals shifting from spoken passages to melodic hooks that echo Elvis Costello, Ron Sexsmith and Bob Dylan. The empowering chorus “I’ve A Way” channels a young Pete Townshend’s defiance - the protagonist rejecting conformity to “get on home and pick up my guitar.”
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