VIVE La Rose, AKA David Luximon-Herbert, has released the first taster track from his upcoming debut album, For She Who Hangs The Moon.

Song Of A Fire On The Moon sets the pace for what looks to be an emotionally powerful introduction to the Edinburgh singer-songwriter.

About the solo project, David said: “Vive La Rose was meant to be a fresh start. I’d played under my own name for a few years, and I wanted to be able wipe the slate clean a little. ‘Singer-songwriter’ became a bit of a dirty term for a while - this could be anything. Different people could come in and out and it wouldn't be like a band breaking up, having to start over every time. I could do solo gigs if I wanted or have a string section come in, whatever it may be.”

Music is in David’s bones. It’s there during the good times, as well as the bad.

He said: “What I do know is that I can't do without it, I need to have time to write and be moving towards something, a record, a show, whatever, or else I kind of stop functioning.  

“I wasn't shy about knocking on doors when I started out. I was basically a tea boy at Groovetunnel Studios in Edinburgh for a couple of years, where I worked for free but got to use the studio. I would put on club nights and live nights, and really just chance my arm.

“I couldn’t get any gigs to begin with because I didn’t know anybody, so I started my own night at what is now Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh, which is a gorgeous venue. I was then extremely lucky when I first moved to London, to meet a bunch of friends who were all musicians, engineers, producers etc, who I have learned an awful lot from, and who I’m still friends with and work with now.”

The multi-talented musician has just started rehearsing for the first show in support of the new record.

Despite the growing nerves, David said: “Those moments when you can hear a pin drop, and everyone's in it together; that's what you strive for, a little bit of magic.”

As well as the buzz from live shows, he also enjoys the creativity of working in the studio.

David explained: “It would not be hyperbolic to say I am a neanderthal when it comes to the technical side of recording, and the technical side of music generally. But I love it and I crave it. It still feels like a treat.

“Every one of the sessions for this record has been an absolute delight thanks to the people involved. I'm also a huge music fan, so I still get excited about going into record somewhere like Air where you can feel the history, or sitting down at a piano somewhere and being told ‘Prince played that the last time he was in’. Those days are special and to be savoured.”

Although feeling like he’s been in hibernation for the last 18 months making the upcoming album, David has notched up a few highlights.

He said: “Going to Yellow Arch in Sheffield to record strings with Colin Elliot, who has produced all of Richard Hawley’s albums, like Coles Corner, was a cherry on the cake. I’d contacted him as a fan and asked if he’d be interested in arranging some strings, and we had a quartet from the Up North Orchestra come in. To hear songs that you’ve pretty much cobbled together performed like that is something else.”

As well as scheduled gigs in London and Edinburgh coming up, over the next 12 months David will be flogging the album to potential record labels.

David added: “The plan is to do a bit of a tour early next year, and hopefully some festivals in the summer. So far, the signs are good.”

For more info, go to vivelarosemusic.co.uk