Dean Lewis
Article by Brittany Ormiston
Hosted by: 1824 - UMG’s creative solutions team
Photo by: Kent Tarver
“You have to find your own way.” Australian pop singer-songwriter Dean Lewis has found great success in the world of music through being relentless, and pushing forward despite all obstacles. From posting song covers of Oasis and The Kooks to now performing his own songs for sold-out arenas in Australia, Dean is experiencing those pinch-me moments he dreamed of seven years ago. On his journey, he has discovered vulnerability to be the key to cathartic songwriting, and the ability to connect with others down to their very core.
Similar to many other songwriters, Dean pours every ounce of himself into his craft and writes songs as a way to cope with various life events and emotional turmoil. The stories he tells are a compilation of “time capsules” detailing what he has gone through from heartbreak to the fear of someone he loves passing away. The magic of Dean’s music ensues through his ability to write deeply personal lyrics that in turn pull on the heartstrings of those who listen. “To get in touch with anyone else it [a song] has to be genuine, something you go through,” shares Dean. He is thrilled and inspired by how impactful his music has been over the years, and does not plan on slowing down any time soon.
Dean has developed and defined his own writing style over the years, which includes storytelling at the forefront. He utilizes dialogue as a storytelling device, especially in ‘How Do I Say Goodbye’ and ‘Be Alright.’ He thoroughly enjoys “drawing scenes” by describing a scenario, and then adding dialogue followed by a melody. Constructing the chorus to be more general and at a different angle is incredibly powerful, and pulls the listener into the scene even further. Dean’s music transports listeners into slowed down moments in time. Despite describing himself as hyperactive, Dean is able to create music that brings a sense of tranquility, peace, and relatability. His most recent album, The Hardest Love, is all-encompassing, and supporters do not hesitate to voice their appreciation and share their own stories.
‘How Do I Say Goodbye’ has been the hit of the century from The Hardest Love, and has invoked endless emotions among listeners more than ever before. Dean wrote this song for his father, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. He has since gone into remission, and has been able to witness the song climb international charts and go platinum. Dean awarded his father with a plaque to hang on the wall to which he was over the moon. His father has attended several of Dean’s shows, and even performed ‘How Do I Say Goodbye’ on stage with him in Sydney a few months ago. This track really “takes crying to a new level” as there is not a dry eye in the room whenever Dean performs it. Dean is currently taking this track out on a world tour, and continues to “break out of Australia” with each passing day.
Dean is experiencing the best year of his life thus far, and does not plan to take a single moment for granted. Practicing mindfulness is one of his current goals, and to release some of the pressure and stress he puts on himself. Dean’s good friend, Mick, said it best: “Great art will always find a way.” This quote will continue to guide Dean through his journey as a musician and songwriter, and allow his gift and kindheartedness to light the path.
