Interview: Getting to Know Dean England
Dean England is a solo rock and pop artist who recently released his latest single, ‘A Heart Breaks Slow’. In this interview, we find out a bit more about him.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
I am from Wakefield UK and I am proud of it! When I was around 13 my Dad showed me Hendrix live at Woodstock! I watched, was silent for a minute and said…. That’s what I want to do. And the rest as they say is history.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
I guess you could categorise it as rock/pop… Although I hate to put it in a box really. The type of music I write and play just comes from the soul and it’s just a flow that comes out. I never dwell on the style I just write it.
3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?
The new single A Heart Breaks Slow has just come out to the world! It’s been an amazingly busy time but truly overwhelming with good vibes and the journey is just beginning.
4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?
Well I was on the radio in my home town the other day and then in the USA too a day apart. I just find it so amazing that music has no ties or bounds it’s fully fluent with no boundaries. To think people listen while I sleep and others while I rise is just absolutely mind blowing to me.
5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.
Ha ha now that’s a good question, it can become work yesterday but I do try to see it as play as much as possible. I still work full time and some days I get up at 4:30/5am to handle the music admin before hand and then another hour after work. Sometimes there’s so much going on I feel my head may fall off ! But then I remind myself of that boy of 13 and the joy he felt and I never let go of remembering this is all a shit load of fun.
6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?
I have actually been through the mill in my personal life lately however music is like a mind massage for me! Like you say it’s incredibly positive.
I recently did a charity event for Andysmanclub where I busked for 24hours straight! From 9am Christmas eve until 9am Christmas morning. I raised almost 2k for charity and channelled the pain I was feeling into something positive for others.
7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?
Keeping up with socials I find challenging sometimes. I have so much great news to share but sometimes it’s hard work to post constantly insta, facebook. Ticktok man it’s hard work. That side of it is not as much like play for me. But I do it regardless of how I feel. I want my music out there to the people.
8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?
Great question somewhat answered in the last one, however I will expand.
And also I will add this is a message for other artists. Do not judge yourself on likes ! Judge yourself on if you feel proud or good about what you have created. See to your own mind first and then worry about what everyone else thinks. And remember to enjoy the process.
9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?
I try to be in the moment! I feel that’s really important. If I am playing live I am playing live and absorbing that moment only. If I am writing it’s the same. I shut off from all other distractions.
10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?
Listen to the new tune A Heart Breaks Slow! It’s out on world wide release now and I am really proud of this one.
11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?
Well there really is no outside of music for me. I am completely encapsulated in it all the time, but I do enjoy cooking and listening to it if I am not playing or writing it.
12. Where can people find you?
