Declan Galbraith

Declan Galbraith
Background information
Also known asChild of Mind
Born
Declan John Galbraith

(1991-12-19) 19 December 1991 (age 34)
Genres
  • Pop
  • rock
  • folk-rock
  • rock-electronic
  • ballad
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
Years active2002–2008, 2012–present

Declan John Galbraith (born 19 December 1991) is a British singer and songwriter. He became known in 2002 with the release of the single "Tell Me Why", which peaked at number 29 on the UK Singles Chart[1] and helped break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous sing-along. Galbraith later found success in Europe and China, where his music was used in schools to support English language learning. Since 2017, he has released music independently under the stage name Child of Mind.

Early life

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Declan Galbraith was born on 19 December 1991 in Hoo St Werburgh, Kent, England, to parents Alec and Siobhan.[2] His grandfather, to whom his first album was later dedicated, died in 1996 while performing on stage.[3] Galbraith’s first performance occurred at his grandmother’s 60th birthday party, where he sang the traditional song, "Tell Me Ma". He was discovered by songwriter Barry Mason, who introduced him to publicist Max Clifford. Galbraith subsequently signed a three-album deal with EMI Records, reportedly worth £1 million.[3]

Musical career

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Galbraith’s first professional recording was a rendition of "Walking in the Air", released on a Christmas compilation album.[4] In 2002, at the age of ten, he released his self-titled debut album, Declan, which included a mix of traditional songs - "Danny Boy" and "Amazing Grace" - covers of contemporary tracks "Angels" and "Imagine", along with original material.[5]

His debut single, "Tell Me Why", reached number 29 on the UK Singles Chart and gained attention for both its message of peace and the large-scale sing-along campaign it inspired.[6] During the 2002 Young Voices tour, Galbraith performed in Belfast alongside 4,000 children. The event connected with 100,000 children across the UK, setting the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous sing-along.[7][8]

Galbraith performed at a concert headlined by Elton John at Hull Football Stadium[9] and carried the Jubilee flame into St. Paul's Cathedral with Atomic Kitten, singing "Amazing Grace" for 1,500 attendees.[10] He inked a deal with Saban Music Group and later a contract with Starwatch Music, a label under ProSiebenSat.1 Media in Germany, distributed by Warner Music.[11]

In December 2006, Galbraith released his second studio album, Thank You, produced by German hitmaker Ully Jonas.[citation needed]

A third studio album, You and Me, followed in November 2007, again released under Starwatch Entertainment. The album featured covers of "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica, "The Living Years" by Mike + The Mechanics, and "Ruby Tuesday" by the Rolling Stones.[citation needed]

In 2017, Galbraith rebranded as Child of Mind, an artistic project centered on self-written, independently released music.[citation needed]

Discography

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Albums

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As Declan Galbraith

As Child of Mind

  • Live in Shenzhen 2017 (2017)
  • From Castle Röhrsdorf (2018)

Singles

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Influence

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In 2007, singer-songwriter Troye Sivan's first YouTube video was an a cappella cover of Galbraith's "Tell Me Why". The caption read: “This is a GREAT song and I know it means a heck of a lot to me as I’m sure it does to a lot of you as well.”[12]

References

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  1. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Ltd. p. 146. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ^ "Cheering on a new child star". The Standard. 12 April 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  3. ^ a b Weale, Sally (23 September 2002). "A boy's own story". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  4. ^ Various - Christmas Hits (50 Festive Favourites), 2001, retrieved 5 November 2025
  5. ^ Declan Galbraith - Declan Galbraith | Album | AllMusic, retrieved 5 November 2025
  6. ^ "TELL ME WHY". Official Charts. 21 December 2002. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Declan smashes singing record". Kent Online. 10 December 2002. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Schoolgirls raise the roof for star Declan". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 11 December 2002. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  9. ^ Johnson, Paul (9 July 2023). "Faces in the crowd at Elton John's Hull concert 20 years ago". Hull Live. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  10. ^ "Declan's to sing for stars". Kent Online. 30 May 2002. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  11. ^ "Artist". AAE Music: Premier Booking Agency for Bands, Musicians and Artists. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
  12. ^ Schiller, Rebecca (29 August 2018). "Every Troye Sivan Music Video From 2007 to Today: Watch His Evolution". Billboard. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
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