Carry On Refusing (369 Music) is the new single from singer songwriter Willie Dowling. The song is available from June 1st 2026, on all the usual digital music platforms, including Bandcamp.
As ever with Willie Dowling’s music the new single is a hybrid of influences musically.
He comments:
“Carry On Refusing has a foot in the art rock genre, a wee hint of Ska – which I’ve always loved – and a nod towards Billy Joel and Elton John.”
“Many years ago I produced the album One World for British ska band Maroon Town and I played live with them occasionally, but I think – and I can’t be sure of this – that Carry On Refusing is maybe the first time that I’ve written a song with a ska influence.”
Willie Dowling explains the influences of the lyrics:
“Carry On Refusing is, I suppose, a desperate plea to people not to give up and go mute over the extraordinary amount of existential threats we seem to be facing today.”
“There’s an impulse to feel overwhelmed and give up when so many things seem to be stacking up against us, including increased threats to democracy such as trying to ban the right to protest or the various attempts to restrict free speech.”
Long time collaborator Andy Lewis plays bass on Carry On Refusing, with Darby Todd on drums.
Carry On Refusing follows in the footsteps of Dowling’s critically acclaimed album of piano-driven rock songs The Simpleton, which was released in November 2024.
Willie Dowling has spent a lot of time in his recording studio in France since touring The Simpleton album throughout 2025. He has a new album recorded, as yet untitled, which is expected to be released towards the end of the year.
“Since almost everything about releasing and promoting records has massively changed over the last couple of decades I’ve decided that I’ll release a few tracks before I release the album in order to try and drum up a wee bit more attention for when the album comes out.”
A music video for Carry on Refusing will be available to watch on YouTube later this week.
ABOUT WILLIE DOWLING
Willie Dowling is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and producer for his own bands, as well as for other artists and for film and television.
Willie Dowling’s album The Simpleton was released in November 2024, to great critical acclaim.
Willie has toured extensively for the past couple of years. He’s been tour support to Hillbilly Vegas, Cats In Space, Quireboys and Luke Morley, and also played a number of headline shows across the UK.
Over the years Willie has fronted, written and produced albums for influential rockers The Grip, Honeycrack, Jackdaw4 and The Dowling Poole.
Willie has recorded studio sessions for, and toured with a wide variety of artists including Cats in Space, Luke Morley, Quireboys, Dr Hook, Midge Ure, Hot Chocolate, The Wildhearts, Shane McGowan, Maroon Town, Andy Taylor and numerous acts besides, usually on keyboards, guitars and vocals, along with occasional other instruments.
In addition to band/artist production and touring work, Willie Dowling is a renowned composer for film and television in a wide variety of styles and genres, from electro-pop to full orchestral scores. More info here.
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