London-based singer-songwriter Bessie Deakin performs music. Her songs transport us to the enigmatic world of Lady Red and Mr. Blue, as well as the past, present, and potential future events that might bring them together.
On April 12, Bessie Deakin released her brand-new single, “Magic Man.” The London-based singer-songwriter is back with a new song that blends a classic tale with one-of-a-kind artistry. Warm and comforting ballad “Magic Man” is accompanied by Bessie’s clear vocals. The song’s gentle drumbeat and soft keys give the listener a cozy and comforting feeling. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
BESSIE DEAKIN: I grew up on a Fox Hunting yard in Warwickshire (my dad was a professional fox hunter before it was banned) until I was 9 years old when my parents separated and I moved to the Cotswolds with my mum and sister. I buried my desire to sing and song-write until I was about 26, when I started practicing in secret whilst living and working in London. I was introduced to a very talented musician by a family friend and his belief in me gave me the injection of confidence I needed to keep going.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
BESSIE DEAKIN: No formal training, I’ve had a few singing lessons here and there since starting to perform live and taught myself a few chords on keys and ukulele to help my songwriting but other than a couple of pantos when I was 10 thats about it!
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘BESSIE DEAKIN’?
BESSIE DEAKIN: My mum and dad listened to a lot of music. Dad was more rock and roll listening to The Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy, Mum loved Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles. She also introduced me to Chris de Burg when I was very young, I just loved his story telling and dynamic musicality, I would play ‘Spanish Train’ over and over, its still one of my favourite songs and I covered ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ at a couple of 2022 Christmas shows. I’ve always been very obsessive with music, when I find something I like just playing it over and over and analysing the words, the rhyme, the climbs, the space. Bessie Deakin is just my name, I’m named after a horse or a great grandparent depending on who you ask.
4. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as JAZZ?
BESSIE DEAKIN: My first song started as a poem I’d written called ‘Vixen’, I worked with a professional co-write to pull it into a song called ‘Hunter & Hound’. Now a days I tend to hear things more altogether, lyric and melody at the same time or sometimes I experiment either with a keys player or on my own on my ukulele until I find the sound and rhythm that helps me express what I’m feeling. I know I’ve found it when I’m finding running the song really cathartic and/or enjoyable.
5. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
BESSIE DEAKIN: I think just starting late, none of my friends or colleagues had any idea I had this in me, it felt very exposing and quite embarrassing to just get going and get out there. There was some ridicule and jokes thrown my way which was really hard. Despite my believe in myself that was difficult to push through, but then as with every cloud, it would set me up well for the music world critics!
6. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
BESSIE DEAKIN: I haven’t come across much music criticism yet, but when I do, to me music is so subjective, if one person loves it and another feels nothing that’s ok that’s just art, as long as I’m happy with what I have created. Self-doubt will always play a part and like any human criticism hurts but on balance its worth it :)
7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
BESSIE DEAKIN:
At the moment music is just my vehicle for expressing my own emotions and it’s very introspective and personal. However, I’d like to think I’ll always just channel whatever is trying to come out, wherever that takes me I’ll follow it. I haven’t done anything political or social yet but I think music is certainly very powerful in that way. Sam Fender’s ‘Dead Boys’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard, exposing the devastating reality of the suicide rate in his hometown. I also adore Tracy Chapman for her beautiful songs addressing many different political and social issues, ‘Behind the Wall’ to name one of my favourite examples.
8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
BESSIE DEAKIN:
This is a hard question because I personally find sharing honest song writing very exposing and it can make you feel extremely vulnerable. However, I feel an intuitive drive to share it and with that does come the hope of it being well received. Therefore, yes I do have hope that my music will be enjoyed by many and contribute to a more creatively vibrant world otherwise I wouldn’t be sharing it, I’d just be singing my own songs in the bath purely for my own pleasure (which I still do).
9. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
BESSIE DEAKIN: Definitely my first live performance at The Half Moon in Putney. Overcoming all of the self doubt to even just get up there and deliver what I felt was a good performance was huge for me.
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