Lee DeWyze: Life After…

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video “Weeds” — Tell me about this particular track? How did it actually come to fruition?

“Weeds” explores the nature of love and relationships, and how that parallels the cycle of life. How some things can be found when you don’t even know you’re looking for them. It’s about growing and learning to be vulnerable. How a time, place, and moment can play such a crucial part in where we end up and how we got there. “Weeds” is about finding beauty in the most unsuspecting places. It was recorded early in the year – right before the pandemic – at my personal studio here in Los Angeles, California.

Of course “Weeds” comes courtesy of your forthcoming next / still untitled 8th solo collection — Any specific details; i.e. title, favorite selection(s), producer(s) credit(s), cameo appearance(s), etcetera, that you can reveal and / or divulge regarding upcoming said set at this particular point in time?

I was fortunate enough to work with Dave Eggar, who played strings in this track. Working with my friend and talented producer, Nico Grossfeld, who engineered and produced the song WITH me; we were able to find a really nice balance between the different layers of instrumentation. Jordan Katz laid in the horns, and at the end of the day I feel we achieved the organic and emotional feeling I was hoping for when I wrote it.

Tell me your whole inception into music – When did you first become interested? And, how did it all begin for Lee DeWyze?

When I was younger, my Dad got me interested in music through playing artists like Paul Simon and Cat Stevens. I fell in love with songwriting when I was very young. The idea of telling stories through music…I was hooked

Now you’re a Mount Prospect, Illinois, native, correct? So growing up in ‘The Prairie State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I was heavily influenced by Cat Stevens and Paul Simon [Simon & Garfunkel]. Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens album has a very heavy influence on me at an early age.

With that being said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I suppose you could call what I do indie-folk.

Many people may or may not know this, but you have contributed music to not only film, TV and commercials, but also regularly co-write with other artists — Care to give me a quick rundown of some of these many works…

Through the years there have been so many amazing opportunities I have been able to lend my music and sound to. From The Walking Dead, Shameless, The Blacklist…all the way to Julia Roberts latest movie trailer, Ben Is Back, and, most recently, the main theme for Katie Holmes’ new movie The Secret. I do also love co-writing; most recently Rita Wilson’s latest single “Where’s My Country Song.”

In having said that, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

I tend to write when I’m very in the moment. Whether it be my own experiences, someone else’s, or simply my imagination…I think coming from an emotionally honest place usually yields the best work. “Weeds,” for example, always felt very conversational to me from the very beginning, and I wanted to keep that feeling throughout the song. I wanted it to feel personal and intimate.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I find for me, music and songs are soundtracks to memories. Music has the ability to transport you to a different place, time, and state of mind. I just hope I’m able to provide that soundtrack for my listeners.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Cat Stevens or Paul Simon. Those two artists inspired me (to) want to do this for a living.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Probably the Hollywood Bowl, simply because of the history of the venue.

In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?

I believe for me..songwriting. Whether for an album, a movie trailer, or with another artist. I love writing music and touring that music. It’s an unpredictable industry, keeping your mind balanced helps as well.

Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Quite a few actually; one of which I believe will come to fruition very shortly!

What’s next for you, Lee?

I think right now I’m hitting a new stride with my music. It feels like a culmination of everything I’ve done up to this point. I’m still working on what will be an upcoming record. Outside of that, it’s just me, my amazing wife, Jonna, and my golden retriever, Remy. We’re all just staying busy during this crazy time. I have a few things I’m excited to share when they’re ready, so until then it’s trying to enjoy life and make music. I hope everyone loves “Weeds,” and I can’t wait to get back on the road and share more music with you all!