The new American artist, now living in Sydney, is the one to watch.
Photo: Danielle DeckardThe best part about my job is the ability to incorporate music into travel. So much of a musician’s life is being on the road. What they see and all that they feel in a foreign city is embedded in the chords of their tunes, planted in the thoughtfully chosen words. In my past life, I was essentially managing a music label in San Francisco and discovering new artists was always the most thrilling part of the gig. I still remember listening to Ne-Yo’s demo track and knew that he would be a record-breaking star. Here’s another one, especially if you adore the sounds of Ingrid Michaelson or Sara Bareilles.
Enter Danielle Deckard.
This American artist, now living in Sydney, is the one to watch. Earlier this month, Deckard released her deluxe EP “End of the World,” and it is a descriptive, heartfelt introspection of living in fear and the loss of love. As she exclusively told us,
The EP is all about anxiety and fear of failure, but even more so about fear of living, and nothing being the way you expected it to be. All of that stuff can really hold you back, but it can be so hard to break out of it. More than anything, I want people who are feeling the same way to know that it’s ok to allow yourself to feel those things. I want them to know that they’re not alone.
The title track “End of the World,” not only characterizes her despair of things undone (or rather, unsaid) the 26-year-old singer/songwriter from New Jersey points out that she is unwilling to waste another moment. Accompanied by spirited strokes on her guitar, escorted by soulful notes; her call out for completion on unfinished desires is, in fact, the anecdote of the world we live in today.
In the month that Deckard released her EP, there have been multiple fatal shootings across America and terror attacks devastating the other side of the world, “End of the World” indeed relates to the time we’re living in now. As we wonder whether it is still safe for any of us to hop on a plane or traverse through high terror alert regions, Deckard’s melodic track is a courageous reminder that “so let’s not waste this time” shall be our attitude toward moving forward despite the fears jerking out of our hearts.
The theme of angst travels through other tracks, such as in the ardent “Sleep,” as she serenades:
Dreams, make me believe
The nightmares all lie with the waking
Oblivion is for the taking
In sleep
Though the yearn for a sense of peace in sleep – a sentiment which we can all relate to – touches upon the issue of self-doubt and insecurities, Deckard juxtaposes her words with upbeat harmonies thus the track is far from a lullaby but a tune any woman drifting in uncertainty can groove to.
Currently the most popular track on Spotify, “I Lied” is the only slower track on the EP but clearly solidifies Deckard’s vocal ability which resides in the vault of depth and tenderness. Haven’t we all experienced a lost love who we try not to call, regardless of how much we miss the person? The dichotomy between what our brain rationalizes and the memories that our senses may trigger is tastefully transcended through this intimate piece of art.
If you’re on the hunt of exquisitely written music, Danielle Deckard might just be your new companion on that long train ride as you stare out of the window gazing at scenic views dashing by.
