Life after ‘Glee’ has been anything but boring for Derry native Damian McGinty. The former Celtic Thunder crooner is branching out on his own and has released a single, ‘Run’ -  a cover of the popular Snow Patrol tune - on iTunes earlier this week.

“We are testing the waters, to be honest — going for a fairly different sound than I’ve ever done before,” Damian said to the Derry Journal.

On the track, he collaborated with Cameron Mitchell who produced the song.

“It’s exciting to branch out and test myself, and also get music out there to the world,” Damian says. “I have a full EP coming end of October worldwide on iTunes, which I am currently working on.”

Aside from working on his music, McGinty will also be taking part in Derry’s celebrations as it is honored with the City of Culture title this year. “2013 is gonna be an incredibly exciting year for Derry,” Damian told the ‘Journal’ this week. “I am delighted to announce that I will be a part of several concerts and events in the year.”

He continued, “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say what yet, but I have heard some of the incredibly exciting plans they have for next year, and it’s gonna be unreal. I’m honoured to be a part of it. Roll on January!”

In a move to share his successes locally with Derry, McGinty funded and opened a recording studio in the city. He opened Audio Booth in the Nerve Centre, which is described as an affordable studio facility that offers bands the chance to record a song for £50, or three songs for £130, using the latest digital recording equipment. Individual artists can record at lesser prices, and CD printing services are also available.

McGinty became a household name in the US during 2012 when he guest-starred on the FOX hit ‘Glee’ as Irish foreign exchange student Rory Flanagan. Though his role didn’t return for the latest season of the show, rumors are flying that he may return for a special appearance for its Thanksgiving episode.

“There are rumours online that I am coming back,” Damian said, “but nothing is confirmed at all.”

Whether or not he’ll return to ‘Glee’ is up in the air, but McGinty remains busy with other projects: “I am working on several other projects at the minute, which are very exciting. Hollywood takes time for things to happen, but fingers crossed, with a bit of help from God, and a bit of luck, it’ll work out.”

Here's the audio of "Run":