Artist of the Day | DEAN FRIEDMAN
ARTIST OF THE DAY
24.11.2021
DEAN FRIEDMAN
LOCATION
Peekskill, NY, USA
GENRE
Singer-Songwriter
CURRENT MEMBERS
Dean Friedman
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
About to step on a plane to kick off a 40-city UK/Ireland Tour
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
I got to spend the last eight months recording my new album, 'American Lullaby' (just released). The lockdown provided the opportunity for me to spend more time in the studio than I ever have, in all of my eight previous studio albums. Without my usual release deadlines, it was a rare chance to delve deeply into the writing, recording and mixing, in ways I typically don't, and gave me a chance to more fully realize the vision I had for the new album. I also began a monthly webcast which was a life-saver, both creatively, financially and emotionally, in that it enabled me to maintain a strong connection to my international audience and to continue doing whatever it is I do.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
I've mostly been immersed in writing, recording, webcasting and all the tedious logistics that go along with those creative pursuits. I've also been able to do more reading and Netflix binge-watching than I normally have a chance to. Walking with my wife and our little dog, Lola, along the nearby Hudson River, provides the necessary calm to keep it all in perspective, during these crazy times.
As things are reopening & restrictions are lifting have you booked any new gigs? Tours? Etc? If your region is still under restriction, how are dealing with the Covid third wave?
I have a 40-city tour booked that kicks of April, 2022. Unless a giant meteor crashes into the face of the Moon, I fully expect to pack my bags, grab my guitar, hop on a plane and perform my upcoming tour-dates.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
Being invited to answer these questions! ;-)
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
I woke up, one morning, about six years ago, to discover, along with my countrymen and women, that a bankrupt New York real estate developer, and known money-launderer for the Russian Mafia, had become President of the United States. It's impossible to overstate the psychic trauma this evoked in the minds of the majority of Americans. Our minds were collectively 'blown'! My new album, 'American Lullaby' [www.DeanFriedman.com] is my modest attempt to wrap my head around that catastrophic event and all the subsequent crises - Covid, climate, sexism, racism, etc... - that followed. If we don't face up to, and acknowledge, what just happened - and its ongoing ramifications - we'll be woefully unprepared for what happens next.
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