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The one-time winner of “American Idol” has had a long and successful career.
Lee DeWyze won Season 9 of “American Idol” in 2010, but 14 years later, the singer/songwriter doesn’t have to rest on his laurels. Ever since this Chicago musician was first released, people knew he was something special.
He had already gained some attention with his independent releases before the show, and upon winning, his releases “Live It Up,” “What Once Was,” and “Frames” all did well.
His most recent releases include the critically acclaimed record “Victims Of The Night” and the EP “Castles,” which have each garnered over 1 million streams. His single “Weeds” was highlighted on Chill Folk, the largest folk playlist with 3,500 streams per day, and his song “Horizon” was featured in the Katie Holmes movie “The Secret: Dare”・To Dream” was featured.
In fact, DeWyze’s songs have appeared in more than 70 movies, television shows, and commercials, and his video for “Castles” won Best Animated Video at an international film festival.
DeWyze will perform at Jammin’ Java on January 29th, with New England blues star Frank Wiele serving as the night’s opener.
“I’ve been playing a lot of music from all my records. I’m going to try out some new music as I prepare for the next one, which I’m really looking forward to,” he said. “I’m definitely going to work on that this year.”
For DeWyze, there’s nothing better than being on stage with a guitar in front of a live audience.
“It’s always about connecting with the audience,” he said. “It’s one thing to go to a show and play your own songs and walk in and out, but it’s another thing to stand there and play this music. A lot of it is very intimate and conversational. The size of the venue. No matter what, I always look for an intimate atmosphere.”
DeWyze, who has played Jammin Java before, believes this venue is one of the best in the country to make that connection.
“The audience can feel like I’m really singing to them,” DeWise said. “Jammin Java is always a crowded spot and I love it. There are memorable venues, places I’ve played that I look forward to going to. And I’ve played a lot of venues in my 15 years of touring. I’ve seen it… But after coronavirus and everything we’ve all been through, I’ve rediscovered my love for the road.”
DeWyze grew up listening to the likes of Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, and James Taylor, and always dreamed of following in their footsteps as a performer and songwriter. He definitely achieved his goal.
“For me, I didn’t want to be bored with myself,” he said. “I never want to put out music that has already been released. I think songwriters often fall into the pattern of “This is the kind of music I make, so I’ll keep putting it out forever.” , I always try to let the atmosphere of my life situations influence my songwriting.”
And as DeWyze gets older, he feels it’s important to make albums that he wants to listen to and enjoy.
“We found that if we could shift our focus like that, the rest would fall into place,” DeWyze said. “When I’m writing a record, I want to enjoy the music I’m making, but it also comes with a little bit of vulnerability. The more vulnerable you are, the more honest the music becomes. Honest. The more it is, the more likely the audience will relate to it.”
That’s his hope for his next album. He wants to put out a “music tasting menu” of songs that work best at certain times of the day or when you’re experiencing a particular emotion, like heartbreak.
“I’ve become more aware of what purpose music serves, and that helps guide my production and how I express my songs,” DeWise said.
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