DENM – Slum Beach Denny

By starrymag | May 14, 2021

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

 

Q) Congrats on your new single “Califas!” What was the inspiration behind the song?

 

A) Just wanted to capture multiple sounds and aesthetics that you hear and see growing up around SoCal – a/k/a Califas.

 

Q) How has the fan response been to the single?

 

A) Pretty hyped, I think!

 

Q) You partnered with Jared Watson from “Dirty Heads.” How did that collaboration come about?

 

A) Honestly, as naturally as it could have. I just sent him some music, he vibed with it, we hopped in the studio and made “Califas.” Simple as that.

 

Q) Slum Beach Denny is out now. Tell the fans what the story is behind that album title?

 

A) It’s just a biographical piece of a lonely, troubled kid growing up around here dealing with addiction and violence, getting kicked out of houses and finding my own way. Finding love, God, friends and family all along the way. Welcome to my slum beach paradise, the lens through my eyes!

 

Q) You grew up in SoCal and you can hear that San Diego/LA influence in your music. It is as defining as a fingerprint, much like the bands out of Seattle in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. What is about the region that produces such an eclectic mash-up of alternative meets Hip-Hop with a touch of reggae mixed in for that ska/punk driving beat?

 

A) I think it has to do with the culture clash and melting pot that happens here and when you’re from here and see it all growing up. The sights, sounds, smells, beaches, streets, hills – there are the surfers, skaters, punks, cholos, bikers, gangsters, addicts, homeless, rich people, etc. It’s all here and if you can’t fake it if it’s in you, it’s in you. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience getting to grow up here. There’s a sense of pride bein’ from the west coast. It’s rough and it’s easy all at the same time. Overall, though, it’s just people trying to have a good time. It’s a party.

 

Q) What sets your sound apart from other musicians coming out of the region today?

 

A) Probably my voice and just overall love affair with music. I’m not trying to make music for anybody else. I’m just making music I like and if you like it too then let’s party

 

Q) How personal are these songs and lyrics for you? Would you categorize them as autobiographical?

 

A) Yep, for the most part. Some are a bit ethereal and not quite reality. It’s just a ride that slips in and out of reality and endless summer I’m chasing

 

Q) Your music is an injection of positivity that some would say defines the sun and surf sound of SoCal, but you also make it a point not to shy away from some of the seedier aspects of the music scene; not to mention the cultural influences of the region. Did you ever find yourself being asked to tamper down on your authenticity simply to sell albums?

 

A) Not really. People seem to like what I’m doin’ right now, so I’m just gonna keep doin’ me

 

Q) Who were your musical influences growing up?

 

A) So many, I really grew up with so much amazing music. From Jimi Hendrix teaching me how to shred with three fingers to Joe Walsh on guitar in The Eagles to Bradley Nowells’ vocals and even Chris Cornell. And then Nirvana sounding so heavy, yet so tight, to The Wailers moving like God’s heartbeat together and Bob Marley sounding like the mouth piece. Even to Sam Cooke singing his heart out about all his pain and his happiness, from the hard times to the good times, feeling all of it as it came. I’m just a music head. I think I was put on this earth to just leak music cause it’s just in me! I was raised by it.

 

Q) You first started out as a producer and segued into songwriting. As an established musician how important is it for you to have hands-on control over your own sound and the trajectory of your career?

 

A) It was actually the opposite. I started as a songwriter then learned how to produce once I got into a studio and learned the ways. I’m extremely hands on. But I love collaborating with or even producing other great artists because it takes me out of my world and genre, and I get to play another role by helping them draw their best sounds and ideas possible.

 

Q) I read somewhere that you started out by teaching yourself how to play along to Led Zeppelin tracks on YouTube. It sounds to me like you dove headfirst into the elite world of guitar Gods and never looked back! How did you manage to go from a self-taught musician to one of the most sought-after Indie musicians on the scene today?

 

A) This was pre-YouTube. [laughs] This was on an actual real life CD player. I’d learn “Over the Hills and Far Away” for hours and I’d start the song over every time I got as far as I knew. Now here we are, still just jamming guitar and havin’ fun. Lots of hard work is how. [laughs] Just keep getting better, keep goin’ and become great.

 

Q) When I flip through your catalog of work, I immediately notice a change in style from the songs prior to 2018 to your work now. What sparked that change in styles?

 

A) I think I was running from a lot of my past and whatnot and was just searching for my musical identity. Trying to figure it out without facing my demons and then falling in love with the sounds that raised me. It’s just coming full circle and being ready

 

Q) What has been the best advice you’ve been given when it comes to finding success as a musician?

 

A) The speakers don’t lie.

 

Q) What’s next for you? Are you working on any new material?

 

A) Yeah, plenty of new songs! Shows, festivals, tours and getting to produce for a handful of really dope artists coming up. So, I’m just sittin’ tight, stayin’ ready for whatever’s next

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and listeners of your music?

 

A) See you at a show soon 🍻

 

 

Listen to Slum Beach Denny