Stefan Dando – Love Doesn’t Need Me (2022)
Influenced by the likes of Panic! At The Disco, City and Colour, John Martyn and Fleetwood Mac, singer-songwriter Stefan Dando certainly has diverse tastes; something that shows in his music. Following years of gigging regularly as a guitarist or backing vocalist, Dando chose to embrace a solo project late in 2021. Dando shares that “the death of my mother and the pandemic having killed my events business left me with a choice, keep on keeping on or follow my heart – the decision was easy.” Come with us as we follow Dando’s decision with his single ‘Love Doesn’t Need Me’.
Described by Motion News as a young musician who can effectively express his poignant reality, ‘Love Doesn’t Need Me’ touches on the difficult aspects of a relationship. Dando explains that this track is about “the turmoil I felt after ending a bad relationship and wanting to reconcile but knowing it’s not the right thing to do.” Interestingly enough, the grittiness of the theme may be almost palpable but there is a shining sensation of empowerment.
Potentially categorised as a type of folk meets pop, Stefan Dando brings the old-school pop ballad to modern-day audiences. A simplistic song, ‘Love Doesn’t Need Me’ shows how a track can be superb without any “bells and whistles”. Yet, while the song remains simplistic there is a kaleidoscopic vibe leaving multi-coloured lights flying through the soundscape.
In my opinion, the arrangement of piano, guitar and drums is melodic; however, it is how the melody aligns with the theme that makes me grin. Yes, there is a sadness in the topic when Dando ended a bad relationship, but the smooth optimism of moving on is heard through the light-hearted melody. Moreover, Dando’s dulcet tones contain a tinge of melancholia but a hard-hitting blast of positivity in his decision.
Simple, sentimental, sensitive and sincere, Stefan Dando captures all the emotions of an ended relationship with his honest ballad ‘Love Doesn’t Need Me’.
For more from Stefan Dando check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
