A MULTI-TALENTED local man who kept the people of Inverclyde fed during coronavirus lockdown is making a musical comeback.
Singer-songwriter David Laing is celebrating the release of his first single since 2015 with a headline gig.
The popular musician will unveil double A-side single Maybe Maybe/We Lie on September 22, and will showcase the songs on stage at Cleats in Gourock on the same night.
David, who works at Gourock's Cafe Continental, dished up restaurant-worthy meals for locals in 2021 when he was furloughed.
He's now ready to get a proper taste of Inverclyde's music scene again with the release of new material.
David, 31, admits he's a bit nervous about getting out there again.
He added: "I'm really excited about it but it's a bit nerve-wracking as it's been so long.
"I really hope people like the songs."
David started playing guitar when he was just nine and went on to play in bands with friends over the years.
He released an album back in 2015 and his last headline gig was in 2018.
The musician had been working on a follow-up to his album when Covid hit.
While he was stuck at home during lockdown, he came up with the idea of 'I'll Cook by David Laing' and it got an amazing response.
He added: "It's amazing how supportive everyone was.
"I was cooking up about 80 portions every week.
"It was a brilliant thing to be involved in."
David continued writing songs throughout the pandemic and now has a collection of tunes ready to gather together into a new album, which he's hoping to release before the end of the year.
Joining David on the new record are Stuart Guffie, Scott and Ryan McLuckie and Ryan Ballantyne.
David says Stuart, who also produced the songs, steered the forthcoming album in a different direction.
He added: "The songs started out as just me singing with the guitar.
"Stuart heard the demos and said, 'These are pop songs, you need a band!'.
"We recorded it all at my house."
The album will be released through David's own record label, Lonesome Boat.
The singer-songwriter says he can't wait to take to the stage at Cleats.
David added: "It will be great to see everyone again.
"It's good to be getting back into the music scene."
Maybe Maybe/We Lie will be available on streaming sites from September 22.
David will be supported by The Clementines at Cleats.
Tickets can be booked online via www.eventbrite.com
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