By Dionne Meehan
DUNGLOE singer-songwriter Kevin Bonner is set to release his new song ‘see you everywhere’ on December 8.
Putting pen to paper, Kevin composed this special piece as a tribute to his late son Stephen who passed away in 2010.
Hand picking December 8, which is also his son’s anniversary, Kevin said the new song has three messages.
“First of all, there is serious grief involved in losing a child which is evident at the very beginning. Then as it goes on, it gives a very strong message of hope, which I always think is very important. Then at the end there is a message of peace,” he said.
Describing himself as having music in his DNA, Kevin’s love for music sprouted from his father who was a classical singer.
Being presented with multiple opportunities through the years while singing in London, Kevin said he doesn’t regret any of the choices he made.
Stepping away from music for many years due to family commitments, Kevin said when his eldest son passed away he never thought he’d sing again.
“It was such a traumatic event. But he loved me signing, we used to sing together and play the guitar,” he said.
Ten years on, as Kevin lay sleeping, something magical happened.
“I had a dream he came beside my bed and said he wanted to hear his dad sing.
“It was so loud it wakened me.
“I sat at the end of the bed and initially after suffering the disappointment of him not being there, I just thought it was nice someone had come to me in a dream,” he said.
Instantly reaching for an old guitar in the corner, the words of Kevin’s new song came to him.
Describing this song as a “special tribute” to his son, he said it took him 15 minutes to pen the piece.
Becoming emotional while playing it for his wife, Kevin said she was left speechless.
However, this is not the only song Kevin has been working on.
Also releasing ‘keep the fire on’ recently, Kevin said this song is about another personal journey.
“The fire has been the centrepiece of the house in my lifetime where we had conversations or maybe sang a few songs. It is just a nice cosy place to be. My daughter happened to meet Johnny Thomas from Donegal Town who is a great musician and he produced it for me,” he said.
With Kevin’s music now a family affair with his two daughters Marie and Cróna, he said singing with family is a “lovely” thing to do.
If you are interested in checking out Kevin’s music you can do so on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes and Facebook @Kevin Bonner Music.
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