Today, we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Dean.
Hi Wesley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Adelaide, Australia. At two years old, I loved music, mainly Motown. I’ve been singing, performing, and playing music all my life. I started very young. I strung my mum’s old nylon string guitar at 12 and started teaching myself piano and guitar by writing songs about love and loss and everything in between. I moved to Sydney, Australia, when I was 14 after being offered a scholarship to study music.
Dropped out of school and started playing in bars and clubs. Worked with Iconic Australian songwriters Andrew Farris INXS and Don Walker from Cold Chisel and was a session guitarist for Missy Higgins and Paul Mac. Signed a publishing deal with Sony at age 20. I formed a band called Tambalane with Ben Gillies from Silverchair and toured Australia. I went to LA to work with CJ Vanston, Mac Davis, and Jeff Baxter. Won Australian Idol in 2008. Had a platinum-selling single and a gold-selling album. Won a Golden Guitar for best collaboration at the Australian Country Music Awards. Came second in the International Songwriting competition.
I have written music for film and television. Toured extensively around Australia and performed sold-out shows at the Opera House and arguably every stage in Australia. I moved to Nashville in 2021 to pursue my music further. Released an album titled “Unknown” that was considered for a Grammy in 2022. In 2023, I spent 55 days in an RV as a part of the Crazy Hearts Across America tour, playing shows off the beaten path from Nashville, New Orleans, Luckenbach, and Marfa, took Route 66 to LA and onto San Francisco. Filmed ten music videos for my up-and-coming album “Music from Crazy Hearts’ which will be released on April 26th… It’s only the beginning…
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is never a smooth road in rock and roll. There are many struggles and downs, but love always wins. I love the craft of music and what it can do. Music is the universal language. If there weren’t any struggles, the music would be boring. Ying and Yang.
There’s always the opposite. I try and choose the highest vibes. For too long, I focused on what wasn’t happening. Of course, there are struggles and challenges. Navigating your way through a world full of unknowns is always daunting. You don’t choose the creative life. It chooses you…
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a creative musician who doesn’t read music. I have it in my head. I hear the songs, sometimes fully formed, and then I have to re-produce what I hear, which can be a challenge sometimes. Music is a sacred craft that has saved me over the years. It’s been a constant language.
Before I met my wife and we had kids, music was the only true constant thing that would give me the confidence to say what I couldn’t say in a normal conversation or just give me the strength I needed to get through this thing called life… I like to focus more on the art and the act of creating.
For me, being an artist is my entire being. That’s who I am… I don’t see myself being separate from my art, which can be tricky to navigate at times. Music in my head 24/7.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’ve just come out of two extraordinary collaborations. One with the wonderful Sarah Buxton and the other with the incredible Nashville Ballet.
It was mind-blowing to see choreographer Nick Mullikin’s create two dances to two of my songs from my upcoming album, “Music from Crazy Hearts.” Standing on stage with the Nashville Ballet under the lights at the Schermerhorn in Nashville is a night I’ll never forget. I’m also excited to say I’ll be working with the ballet on an upcoming music video!
Contact Info:
- Website: wesleydeanmusic.com
- Instagram: @wesleydeanmusic
- Facebook: Wesleydeanmusic
- Twitter: @wesleydeanmusic
- Youtube: @wesleydean
- Please come join my mailing list at www.wesleydeanmusic.com for exclusives and vip access!
Image Credits
Sarah Barlow and Becky Reiser
