New music from John Deering

John Deering is an artist whose story is one of quiet persistence, an artist whose musical flame never truly extinguished, even as life’s responsibilities dimmed it to a flicker. Based in Minneapolis, he’s spent decades nurturing a love for songwriting, letting it simmer while venturing on the winding path of career, marriage and fatherhood.

For over thirty years, melodies and lyrics waited in the wings, until just four years ago when that long-muted creative spark roared back to life, transforming into a catalogue of songs that would mark his long-overdue emergence as a solo artist. His official debut came in March with “Strip Mall Jesus,” a gritty, garage rock-flavoured track that introduced listeners to John Deering’s talent and DIY ethos.

Built from the bones of years spent writing in private, the track was recorded almost entirely by John himself in his basement studio, affectionately dubbed “The Shudio” by his daughters. It was there, in the most unassuming of spaces, that his vocals were captured; stripped back, emotive and wholly unpretentious.

Now, John Deering returns with his sophomore single titled “Groove, Groove, Groove” and it’s a compelling next step in his musical adventure. Where “Strip Mall Jesus” was lively and brimming with crunchy rock vigour, “Groove, Groove, Groove” feels more intricate, almost architectural in its layering. The track pays homage to one of his musical heroes The Police and draws particularly from the rhythmic influence of guitarist Andy Summers which pulses through the track’s angular chords and syncopated grooves.

The song is a reflective trip back to his youth, shaped by summers spent on the Jersey Shore, conjuring nostalgia through melody and mood rather than heavy-handed lyrics. Brought in by soulful vocals ringing out “groove, groove, groove,” the track jumps into a smooth shuffle of punchy drums and bouncing guitar rhythms as John’s impassioned vocals hover above to stitch memorable melodic leads into the bright, blues-tinged indie rock fabric.

Peppered with slick lead guitar flourishes, playful piano plinks and led by John’s expressive vocal performance, “Groove, Groove, Groove” serves up a timeless jam that’s engaging and catchy throughout. Going from strength to strength on his second outing, with his new single John Deering unveils another side to his compelling sonic vision as he continues to impress on his welcome return to the musical world.

Listen to Groove, Groove, Groove below

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