Clive Tyldesley once urged the nation to “remember the name Wayne Rooney.” If early signs are anything to go by, musician John Denton might be the next name worth remembering.
The young musician has already received advice from the legendary Bruce Springsteen and is mentored by Manchester music royalty Johnny Marr, from his “favourite band of all time”, The Smiths.
Manchester is a hotbed for producing young talent, be that footballers like Kobbie Mainoo or those on the mic, and the city seems to have unearthed another musical gem. Manchester has always had two true loves: football and music, and that is no different for Denton.
The talented teen released ‘Someone Else’s Game’ in January, and it has already been played several times at Old Trafford – it is moments like these that make it known as ‘The Theatre of Dreams.’
Denton, 15, from Salford, recently sat down to speak exclusively with UtdDistrict.
The ‘voice of Old Trafford’ was key
When asked about how the opportunity to have his song played at Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United – came about, he said: “I met Alan Keegan a few weeks before it got played and I just thought I would take my chance and ask him.
“He played the song at the West Ham game when it was 1-1. It felt amazing, really, because that was the first time it felt like I had a part to play in a United game.
“To have my own song played and hearing all the things I wrote on the big speakers in front of 75,000 people was great. It has been played about five or six times now.”
As a United fan and season ticket holder, being exposed to this opportunity was a dream come true for Denton. A stark contrast to his first taste of watching The Reds in the flesh, which resulted in a loss against arch-rivals, Liverpool.
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What next for Denton?
Denton’s love for bands such as The Stone Roses began aged eight. They are a band that has a deep affinity for United.
He started busking the streets of Manchester at the age of 11. He said: “That period was good for character building, and it was a good way to get myself out there.” The teenager is also a part of the illustrious Salford Boys Club and is currently signed to Modern Sky UK.
His formidable rise shows no sign of slowing down. When asked what is in the pipeline, he said: “I have got an EP coming out on May 8. It is four of my best songs that I have been playing for about a year now.”
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The young Mancunian has his biggest ever live show on June 26 at The Yard in Manchester. Tickets are still on sale.
Thinking ahead to where he sees his music in five years’ time, he said: “I would like to be the next Sam Fender. That would be great as he has a similar background.
“But it is not the fame I am looking for; it is more about making music that connects with people. That is the biggest aspiration any musician could have.”
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