Bridge The Atlantic

Joining us this week is LA-based singer/songwriter, Lee DeWyze. Lee won the 9th season of American Idol in 2010, and prior to that had released 2 albums independently. Since his Idol win, he has released 3 albums, with a new record due in February 2016. Lee’s track “Blackbird Song” was featured in The Walking Dead, and Lee is an in demand live performer. In this episode we talk about performances vs songwriting, why Lee chose to take part in American Idol, and his highly anticipated upcoming record, Oil and Water. Highlights: - We manage to make Lee feel really old with our introduction - No-one can beat Lee at Mario Kart - who wants to take him on? - Songwriting is just as important to Lee as performing is - Lee wouldn’t be a performer if he wasn’t a songwriter - We have a mutual friend in common - the amazing Shelly Peiken! - Lee tells us about writing “Blackbird Song” which was featured in The Walking Dead - We hear about the stigma that can be attached to being part of a show like American Idol - There are so many different outlets to being discovered these days - and shows like American Idol are one of many - Lee went on American Idol because he wanted to make a career out of music, not to be famous - Lee has realised that winning American Idol was only just the first step of his career, rather than the peak - We talk about how the market is so saturated now that it’s more difficult than ever to stand out - Lee tells us what we can expect from his new album "Oil and Water" - We hear about the emotional connection Lee has with his new songs - Ross’s dog Loki makes an appearance - he also loves the sound of Lee’s new record - We talk about the importance of an artist being connected to the songs they’re performing - We learn that Lee judges songs on the songs themselves, rather than the artists performing them - We can disagree on religion or politics, but we can all enjoy music together Guest Links: - Website: http://leedewyzeofficial.com/ - Twitter: @LeeDeWyze - Facebook: /LeeDeWyze - Instagram: @LeeDeWyzeOfficial Sponsors: - Alyssa Parma [New Music Video Here!] - Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents (http://chriskeaton.com) - Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses (http://thirtyroses.com) --- For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic