Wil Deynes
Total fans: 45
You know how sometimes people sound familiar, while also sound original and fresh? I'd say Wil Deynes is like that. Put Ben Folds, Dashboard Confessionals and Keane in a blender, hit the switch and the sound you hear will be Deynes. -www.scrink.com
Wil Deynes’ clear, soulful voice immediately grabs you. And his urban melodies—that sound good on vinyl or a podcast—make you want to come back for a second listen. Not surprisingly, Deynes’ career has been taking off, including a recent feature on NPR’s Open Mic, a huge myspace response and growing internet buzz.
Fans are surprised to find out that he didn’t lay out big bucks on his debut EP, Stay. (Actually, he recorded it in his hallway.) A Mac tech by day,DIY is something he lives: “my motto is ‘100% determination, 25% procrastination, 100% DIY’” he jokes. But that attitude –focus on something and you’ll accomplish it—rings through loud and clear.
Not many singers can jump so effortlessly between the range of styles Wil covers, but he shrugs it off. “I’m trying to reach people on different levels,” he states. On Stay, Wil plays a slow ballad, up-tempo commercial pop, moodier mid-tempo pieces and a harder, edgier rock track "tired". 'Stay' runs from laidback to hard-driving—and everything in between.
Wil is influenced by all the great songwriters and singers and his record collection includes everything from Sinatra through the 80s to today’s Top 40 (Really, come over some time and have a look.) And Wil is always listening for inspiration—whether it’s to people talking on the subway, arguing and laughing on the streets of his Bronx neighborhood, or by just checking out other NYC artists.
At this rate, Wil may have to pack up the Mac toolkit for good. Besides that NPR feature and 300,000 plays on myspace, he’s been featured on MyNetwork TV's Desire and Fashion House and Maxim Online’s Anna De La Garza Video Shoot. His single “Stay” charted #2 on American Idol Underground; As well as his follow up single “Super Wonderful” charting in the top 10. As well as currently charting daily on many online internet radio stations like the “Daily Countdown” on TBIG Radio.
100% determination, 25% procrastination’ might be bad math, but it’s definitely adding up for Wil Deynes.
