Vic Park songwriter co-wrote Dido’s first single in six years

ENGLISH singer Dido has re-entered the music scene by releasing her first single in six years, co-written by a Victoria Park songwriter.

Songwriter Rob Agostini wrote the lead single ‘Give You Up’ with Denny Thakrar and Dee Adam for Dido’s upcoming fifth studio album Still on My Mind.

Agostini said he and Mr Thakrar self-funded multiple trips to the UK to write songs based on briefs given by their managers.

Tapping into his own difficult break-up experience, Agostini said they wrote 10 songs, including ‘Give You Up’ during one of the trips.

“Our contact in New York had the track and he had a connection with Dido,” he said.

“We were told that this song kind of sparked the album, it comes out on March 8.”

Agostini said within three months, they knew Dido would perform ‘Give You Up’ but formalising the song took three-and-a-half years.

“We knew Dido sang it but we just didn’t want to hit too soon with it,” he said.

“It was one of those things that we want to tell people about it but couldn’t in case it didn’t come out and we’ll be embarrassed.

“Her No Angel album was probably one of the first albums that got me into music production.”

Still on My Mind will be Dido’s first album since 2013 and she will embark on her first tour in 15 years to support the album.

Agostini said the next step after collaborating with one of his inspirations was to work with local talent at his Carlisle recording studio Soundbaker Studios.

“I’m always keen to source new talent,” he said.