Lee Dewyze is just 'living it up'

It is said that Lee Dewyze won the hearts of millions of viewers of American Idol (2010 edition) with his “rough-hewn voice and laid-back Midwestern charm,” even if he was already an accomplished singer, guitarist and songwriter who already enjoyed a following on the Chicago club scene before he auditioned with over 12,000 others for AI.

“I’m a sucker for hard-edged vocals over pretty melodies and catchy grooves,” Dewyze was quoted in the presskit sent to Funfare by Sony Music which is releasing his debut album, “so that’s what I wanted to do on my album. It shows the flip-side of what I was able to present on Idol because it’s 100 percent me. I’m so proud of it.”

The album’s title is Live It Up which carries 11 tracks (each song tells a story, Dewyze being “an engaging raconteur”), and that’s just what Dewyze has been doing after winning American Idol — living it up. “My best memories are all connected to music and I want to create those moments for other people.”

Listen closely to the songs and you will know exactly what Dewyze meant — the “free-wheeling” Sweet Serendipity, “romantic uplift” in Weightless, feelings of regret in Stay Here and Dear Isabelle, and “passionate urgency” in the piano-driven Me & Jealousy and Beautiful Life You.

At 14, Dewyze took his father’s old guitar and, helped by a book of Beatles chords given to him by his father, began learning the basics by himself, recalling, “I’d play the chords and sing my own thing to them because I didn’t know how to write music. So I’d sing my own lyrics along to Yellow Submarine.”

Before long, Dewyze was writing his own songs. At 17, he was discovered by a Chicago indie-record producer who released Dewyze’s two independent albums.

Funfare did an exclusive e-mail interview with Dewyze who will be here for an album promo on May 7, 8 p.m. at Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio; and on May 8, 7 p.m. at Eastwood Mall Open Park.

Excerpts:

How has American Idol changed your life?

“It has allowed me to do what I love for a living and has given me the opportunity to make music that I love and share it with the world.”

Are you comfortable with your newfound fame (and fortune)?

“I think that no one can really prepare for being thrust into any sort of spotlight, but I am a firm believer that if you stay true to yourself and remember where you come from it’s much easier to stay grounded.”

How do you enjoy whatever little privacy you have left?

“Well, I hold my friends and family very dear to my heart, so any time just relaxing with them like a barbeque, or just hanging out at the house is a good time.”

It is said that you recorded your debut album “while on the road,” and composed nearly every song on it. Didn’t the tour distract you from your writing/recording?

“The tour was very distracting while trying to make an album, because it drained a lot of energy from you each night. On the up side, it brought on some great inspiration. Overall was a very great experience and it prepared me for future projects.”

Being an engaging raconteur, you love to tell stories with your songs. Do you write about not only your own experiences but maybe also those of people close to you?

“Yes, I love to tell stories through music because I believe that connecting with people is much easier when you can relate through life experiences whether they are your own or those of other people.”

From where or from whom do you get inspiration when writing? Do you write better when you’re sad or when you’re happy, or in love?

“I write songs in whatever mood I’m in.”

You fell in love with music at an early age. Any member of your family that got you interested in music?

“My dad definitely got me started in music — he had an old guitar and the rest is history.”

Aside from (as you mentioned in an interview) Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson and Dave Matthews, any other artists who have greatly influenced your craft?

“Friends, family and all the fans who have shown support.”

Have you met or heard the songs of any world-renowned Filipino artists like Charice, Allan Pineda/apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas, Lea Salonga and Arnel Pineda (of Journey)?

“Yes, very talented people!”

You’re visiting the Philippines for the first time. What have you heard about the Philippines?

“That the food is great! Am really excited to see different parts of the world and experience different cultures.”

Do you hear from your Filipino fans (maybe via the e-mail, Twitter or Facebook)?

“Yes, they are all so kind, and excited for us to go there. They rock!”

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