American indie-folk artist Dekker prepares to release his eclectically alluring sophomore album I Won’t Be Your Foe on May 20th (2022) via Useful Fictions / Wagram Music.
The album is oozing with rich textures from the offset as rippling guitar twangs are met with hypnotic drum beats and whispered harmonies. Dekker’s beautifully honeyed vocal is at the forefront throughout, sounding akin to the likes of Nick Mulvey and Bon Iver as a result. Opening with previous single Small Wins, the listener will be immediately enchanted by Dekker’s warm, tender tones, whilst singles like Maybe October allow Dekker to dip his toes into the folk-pop sphere with confidence and charm.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Dekker about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I grew up on folk and soul. It’s what comes most naturally to me, I suppose.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I grew up in a very musical family. My mother was a church organist and my father was a singer and an actor. In some ways I might not have ever had a choice but alas I do choose to make music and release it. For me, making music has therapeutic value and releasing it allows me to afford to do this for a living. I mean, in previous projects, playing live was up there with the most important aspect of it as I was able to make real life connections and see how the songs affected people. I haven’t really had that chance yet as the pandemic happened just as I was about ready to start touring as Dekker. I’m looking forward to upcoming tours for this reason..
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
My creativity is just a part of who I am. My impulse to write a song feels similar to hunger. My taste in music which I listen to changes all the time but my output has been a continuum of sorts..
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I wrote and recorded this album entirely during the pandemic. It would have been really easy for me to write a super introspective and melancholy album as life was so weird and uncomfortable at the time but rather than wallow I chose to try to write a more uplifting and colourful album. I think I did a pretty good job at that.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Tick Tock” by Aldous Harding
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl but I also use streaming services quite a lot.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Well, as an artist and in theory, I prefer Bandcamp as it seems to be the most artist friendly BUT I have to say that it’s difficult to use it as a streaming platform outside of the album format and frankly that’s the way things have shifted whether we like it or not. I’m not one to besmudge new technology or evolved listening habits. I’m more interested in evolving myself and meeting people where they’re at. Spotify, Apple, Deezer and YouTube have all actually been very good to me, regardless of whether their royalty rates are low, they have certainly helped me to gain an audience.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
Well, since I began my journey as Dekker just before the pandemic, I haven’t had the chance to tour properly. That’s been a challenge but I go on tour in May so, that’ll be nice!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Instagram @dekker.brookln
