Video Premiere & Web-Exclusive Interview
Artist: LEE DeWYZE
Video: “Weeds”
AMERICAN IDOL WINNER LEE DeWYZE PREMIERES EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL NEW SINGLE “WEEDS”
American Idol winner and Mavelle/InGrooves/Universal artist Lee DeWyze is back with a new single/video “Weeds.” We are proud to premiere this emotionally powerful song with an artistically imaginative video.
American Idol winner/RCA Records artist, Lee DeWyze, is back with a new single/video “Weeds.” We are proud to premiere this emotionally powerful song with an artistically imaginative video.
DeWyze rose to international fame as the winner of the ninth season of American Idol—with over 24 million people watching the final show when the winner was revealed. But beyond that, a lot of his story is his songwriting. He has had over 60 syncs in film, TV and commercials. He also co-writes with many artists including the band The Mowgli’s and Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave. His latest co-write was with Rita Wilson, who performed their song this summer on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Every once in a while, there’s a song that cuts through the clutter and chaos—and shines so that we are able to see things in a different light. DeWyze’s simple and precise production delivers an emotionally powerful “Weeds.”
When asked about the song, DeWyze says it “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 finding beauty in the most unsuspecting places.”
Every once in a while, there’s a song that cuts through the clutter and chaos—and shines so that we are able to see things in a different light. DeWyze’s simple and precise production delivers an emotionally powerful “Weeds.”
We talked with Lee DeWyze about what inspires his creative process, how he loves the art of weaving stories in song, what keeps him hopeful in these unique times, and how honesty in music helps him connect with the listener.
Lee DeWyze Interview
with M Music & Musicians magazine publisher, Merlin David
How did the idea of “Weeds” come to you?
“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’s a lot about reflection. I wanted the instrumentation to feel organic. That’s how the idea of the strings came in—with that classical strings feeling and the songwriter folky vibe. It’s a personal song and I wanted the listener to feel the song was written for them. It felt very conversational to me from the very beginning and I wanted to keep that feeling throughout the song.
Tell us about creative video.
I met this amazing artist, Stefano Bertelli. I saw a video of his and I loved how organic it was—how accessible it was to the mind. Seeing something on paper makes it feel physical—like you can touch it and you’re in it. I just thought his work was beautiful. I reached out when we released my single “Castles.” It’s been a wonderful journey to work with him. This is my third video with Stefano. I love working with him.
At a young age, I fell in love with the storytelling aspect of music through the likes of Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, Peter, Paul & Mary. My dad used to constantly play vinyl in our household. He had an amazing record collection. It was the combination of that, alongside the harmonies, that made me fall in love with the idea of being a songwriter.
What songwriting tip would you like to offer?
Be present with your songs when you are writing them. I have always written in the moment. If I’m feeling a certain way, I like to write in that feeling. When I do the music at that time—it is in its most honest form. For me, honesty in music is what helps me connect with the listener.
What instruments/equipment can you not live without?
This may be an obvious answer, but my Gibson Songwriter acoustic guitar. Other than the Gibson J-45, it’s the best acoustic guitar. I love having it at the ready for songwriting. I like a capo because it allows me to expand the palette. I use a Kyser capo. I’ve had it for years. I just love the ease of it. I probably have 40 of them lying around. In fact, I used the Kyser capo on this song, “Weeds.” The classic Kyser is reliable—every time. Live or in the studio—it’s always solid.
Tell us why the guitar is so integral to your sound?
The guitar is like another voice—it’s a call and response with the vocal. I like experimenting with how I play the song. I like changing picking patterns. I am a believer in less is more—so I work on the way a song is delivered. Vocally, I’m particular on how I want my vocals to sound on a song. I’m all about my Peluso microphone. They’re an old-school, tube mic vibe. I can literally record anything on that mic. I love the way it helps my vocals. The sound of the guitar is so important to help me determine how the song will feel—especially when I’m playing acoustic guitar. I also have a Takamine that I love, and I have a Breedlove that I’ve really gotten into—my wife got that for me as a gift. I use a classic Shure SM58 for my live performances. With the right reverb, it just works. I love taking it to intimate shows and adding a large sound.
Which Top 5 Musicians inspired you to become a musician?
Cat Stevens, Paul Simon (Simon & Garfunkel), Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits.
What are your Top 5 favorite albums of all time?
My answer today is:
Tea for the Tillerman (1970) — Cat Stevens
Greatest Hits (1972) — Simon & Garfunkel
Plans (2005) — Death Cab for Cutie
Pet Sounds (1966) — The Beach Boys
Either/Or (1997) — Elliott Smith
Tell us a “pinch me” moment when you thought “Wow, this is really happening to me!”
Sharing the stage with Joe Cocker—was truly an honor and something I will never forget.
What’s the biggest impact of winning American Idol?
American Idol allowed so many people to see me—all at one time. It allowed a lot of people to get to know who I am—very quickly.
What is the best advice someone has given you?
Joe Cocker told me that it’s easy to believe that when you get up on a stage, people are rooting against you, when in reality—they’re rooting for you. That’s always stuck with me.
What’s the best advice you’d like to give your teenage self?
Appreciate the process. While things may take time, it’s the time you put in that helps elevate you to where it is you want to go.
How do you remain hopeful in this strange and unique socio-political time?
Staying creative—any way possible—musically or not, always keeps my mind and life in balance.
Where can new fans get more info and stay updated?
Instagram: @leedewyzeofficial
Twitter: @LeeDeWyze
Facebook.com/leedewyze
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