S J Denney – Trying To Be Someone (2023)
Beginning his musical journey as a choir boy and clarinettist (I think that’s the term for a clarinet player but don’t quote me), UK-based S J Denney has a natural penchant for music. The musical theory was definitely a foundation for his future endeavours, but it is his intuition, innovation and ability to feel the music that turns people’s heads on a global scale. Described as “…addicting and loving” (Ace of Swords), “…set to make waves…and leave a lasting impact on the world of music” (Plastic Magazine) and “…knows how to craft details within his writing definitely making his music stand out…” (My Random Jukebox), S J Denney is set for stardom. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Trying To Be Someone’.
Following his well-received four-track EP These Things Happen, Denney takes a step back into a more vulnerable state with ‘Trying To Be Someone’. Much of Denney’s music does have fragility coursing through the melody; however, ‘Trying To Be Someone’ appears more intimate, youthful and innocent. Soft, laidback and calming, the track acts as a haven during even the most tempestuous times. Interestingly, while the single includes a kaleidoscopic arrangement with various session musicians providing horns, backing vocals, a pedal steel guitar, and even an erhu, a lingering simplicity slithers underneath it all letting ‘Trying To Be Someone’ slip beneath your skin and into your heart.
Not really led by any particular instrument, ‘Trying To Be Someone’ is a harmonic melding of pure joy and beauty. For me, the presentation of the erhu and piano tinkling in the background sent shivers down my spine in their acoustic glory; this is not to say the horns or guitars are any less inspiring. The soothing backing vocals elegantly support S J Denney’s gruff vocals creating, well, pure joy.
An intensely personal song, ‘Trying To Be Someone’ was penned years ago but only approached in recent years. Denney explains that “’Trying To Be Someone’ is a track that I wrote years ago, however, I never felt that I’d captured my artistic vision. Feeling braver than ever, I decided now was the time to tackle one of the best songs I’ve ever written.”
For more from S J Denney, check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
