As with other artists who forge out on their own after supporting roles (see Dave Grohl & George Harrison), Fawcett's solo debut is highly anticipated, showcases the strengths of his previous work, but boasts a full-throated, exuberant musical voice like none we've ever heard before. "If you loved Down The Line's singing, songwriting, and playing, you'll find a lot to love in this album," he explains. "Where it departs is that I've put down the djembe in favor of the piano, my songs go in some new stylistic directions, and there are more moments of musical chaos and disorder." Fawcett's new songs are cut from a darker cloth (with a couple rays of sunshine), and the emotional weight and impact will chill (and thrill) longtime and newfound fans alike.
Fawcett's all-star cast of collaborators represent extraordinary twists of fate that speak further to the engaging and overwhelmingly collaborative energy he exudes. A friend connected him with celebrated bass player Tim Marks (Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Jewel, Will Kimbrough), and Marks enjoyed Fawcett's company over coffee so much that he offered to play on the album before Fawcett could even get up the nerve to ask him.
Even more remarkable, FEEL BETTER producers and performers Cody Fry (Hunter Hayes, Ben Rector, Charlie Peacock) and Niko Xidas (Matt Wertz) are actually Fawcett's former music students. "Niko and Cody were such strong musicians early on that I had them play with me to accompany other students. The vibe was so good even back then, that when I was figuring out who to work with on this album, I thought 'I'd love to play with those guys again!'"
Through 'digging deep' in his songwriting, he has pushed his limits vocally, as well, with stunning results. "Unwittingly, I kinda kicked my own butt with how challenging some of these songs are to sing and play," he admits. "When we finished the vocal sessions, I felt lucky to have made it out alive!" Influences on display include the contemplative playing and singing of Jackson Browne, the angst and power of Billy Joel and Tom Petty, the chaotic energy of Imagine Dragons, and the mournful warmth of James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen.
Fawcett's take on the future sounds like that of a pragmatic, hard-nosed performer who's focus is rooted in the road ahead. "We're all constantly striving, in one way or another, to be understood," he says. "The songs on this album tell compelling, unique stories that are likely to resonate with just about anyone. My hope is that all who listen to this album will hear something that speaks to them, to the extent that it brings them joy, solace, solidarity...and hopefully, even encourages them to sing along for awhile."
He will tour nationally this fall to support FEEL BETTER's October 7th release. Follow along at www.derekfawcett.com.
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