As a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Blair Gilmour, last month, released his debut single Burning Up, which he wrote with his friends at a songwriting camp in Spain. Burning Up is a feel-good release, which was initially inspired by the heat in Spain, before transforming into a love song about ‘how can you love something or someone so much that you know it is bad for you and your mental health, but you’re still in it for the chase?’. In 2020, Blair auditioned for The Voice Kids, where he received three chair turns and all four coaches joined him on stage for a spontaneous performance before he chose to be on Team Danny Jones, where he reached the Semi-Finals. Blair answered our questions about his debut single Burning Up (which he released last month), auditioning for The Voice Kids in 2020 and reaching the Semi-Finals in Team Danny Jones.

Can you tell us about your new single Burning Up, which you released on 22nd November?

Burning Up is my first self release that I have put out into the world. I wrote the track out in Spain with my best mates!

What has it been like releasing your debut single and how did you feel on release day?

Releasing my debut single has been an absolute thrill! On release day I was like a little kid on Christmas. I was quite literally bouncing off of the walls.



We understand you wrote Burning Up at a songwriting camp in Spain, where did you get the inspiration from for the lyrics and what was the song like to write?

The inspiration behind the lyrics of the song came from my friend complaining about the heat. We were sat around a wooden table at the back of the camp in the scorching weather and he said “Aw man, I’m burning up out here”. That’s when it clicked and suddenly Burning Up was born.



How was it seeing the song come together and hearing the completed track for the first time?

It was such a nice feeling hearing the final mix for the first time, the satisfaction was incredible. Hearing a silly little idea that you and your friends had came up with then turn into a fully completed version is unbeatable.



What did you enjoy most about working on your debut single?

I think I enjoyed the production process of the song the most. As a sort of geek for the production side, it was insanely cool to sit behind someone who knows what they’re doing. A nice change of perspective!

What do you hope listeners will take from Burning Up, and how has it been seeing the response to the release so far?

The response to the track has completely blown us away. It’s always heartwarming seeing people notice what you are doing. If there’s anything that I hope people take from the song it would be to not put people on a pedestal above themselves.

Who do you think your music will appeal to?

I think my music would appeal to anyone that’s a fan of the alt/indie/pop genres!



In 2020, you auditioned for the fourth series of The Voice Kids, how did you find the experience on the show?

If not life-changing then the my experience on The Voice Kids would certainly be one to be remembered. At the time though the story was a little different, I was without a doubt bricking it.

How was it having three chair turns at your audition and having all four coaches join you on stage for a spontaneous performance?

Having three of the judges turn their chair was a pretty emotional moment for me. Coming from a town where no one but my family believed in me to standing on a stage in front of four big time professionals was quite the switch up. The spontaneous performance on stage was quite nerve-racking, I had no clue it was going to happen. Definitely in my top three best moments!

What was it like reaching the Semi-Finals in Team Danny Jones and having him as a coach?

To be able to reach the Semi-Finals was a big achievement for me. As I moved through the rounds I never really had the intent of winning the show but I had the intent to push myself as far as I could and give myself the chance to see what was on the other side of the opportunity. Having Danny as my coach was definitely a pro rather than a con in my book. Such an understanding and wise guy!

How do you feel being part of The Voice Kids has helped with your further music career?

I’d say The Voice Kids has helped me with stepping out of my comfort zone in all aspects of music. Whether that’s songwriting, performing or even just interacting with people on a social level.

Where does your love of music come from and how did you get into it?

I don’t really have an answer as my family have never been a musical family. In fact, it was quite a shock to both my parents when I said that I wanted to sing. I find my love for music is more genuine than inherited. I first got into music when I picked up a leaflet for the Yamaha School of Rock and decided to take up drums.



What are some of your favourite music artists to listen to?

Oooo tough one! I’d say as of right now, my top three artists would have to be 1. Mk.gee 2. Wunderhorse and 3. Inhaler.



How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time chilling out with friends and/or family. Sometimes I go on big long walks too!

Do you have any upcoming music/live show plans that you can share, and what are you hoping the next year brings for you?

As of yet I have no actual shows planned, I do plan to get back out into the gigging scene very soon!! I hope 2025 brings me the opportunity to release more music, meet new people and possibly collaborate with other artists.

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