Folk-pop singer Brett Dennen sees the glass half full, and the lyrics he shares with the world make it clear he wants others to feel that way too. Armed with vibrant red hair and an impossibly positive attitude, Dennen is set to charm his audiences on tour for his fourth studio album, “Loverboy.”
Dennen will play in New Orleans at Republic to close out the “Fest at Nite” series on May 8 at 9:30 p.m. Dennen said the title for the album, released April 12, came from both his new and old work.
“I feel like every song is in some way a dedication to love,” Dennen said.
After reviewing the themes on the album, he remembered a song he wrote a few years ago that never made it onto an album. It included the lyric, “I’ll be your loverman.”
“I thought that was a little creepy, so I went with loverboy,” Dennen laughed.
Dennen said this is his first album that had a clear, unified message throughout — love.
“Even sad songs have a positive glimmer of hope,” Dennen said.
“Dancing at a Funeral” is one such song with a silver lining. Dennen said the message of the song is that people are still celebrating life despite the sadness involved with loss.
Dennen said he has a personal connection to all the songs on his album, but two songs, “Dancing at a Funeral” and “Queen of the Westside” are his favorites to perform live. Dennen said his song “Queen of the Westside” was inspired by his girlfriend. He wanted the sound to embody the feeling of falling in love and he drew from Jimi Hendrix’s style on his hit “Foxy Lady.”
The sound of the 1970s also influenced his album, Dennen said.
While it takes words and melody to make a song, Dennen said he strongly values lyrics and the writing process. Dennen compared writing frequently to practicing for a sport. He said one must stay in practice to perform well during games.
“Keep your writing muscles strong so when the time comes you’re in good shape to catch what comes your way,” Dennen said.
Dennen said he has written every song in a different way.
“Some come full form, some I have to catch with a net and put my own style to it. Some are like a whale I can see in the distance, and I have to chase it down,” Dennen said.
The California native said he has played in New Orleans multiple times and is always excited to play the shows and to experience Southern culture.
“People need to remember their pride for the South,” Dennen said. “There’s a beauty and charm, and the area has so much to offer the rest of the world.”
Dennen was also supportive of local upcoming artists and advised them to believe in themselves and their work.
“Seize every opportunity you have and make the best of it,” Dennen said. “Believe hard work will pay off, and write the best songs you can.”
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