13 May 2011

Artist Spotlight: Deas Vail


It’s time to introduce you to my favorite band ever: Deas Vail (pronounced DAY-us vale). I feel like nothing I could say about them would measure up to their amazingness. Originally my plan was to try to write a more professional music review, but…this is mostly going to be me gushing. They’re so worth it, though! I promise. What surprises me is, Deas Vail is a Christian band. I generally dislike Christian music because it never seems like anything I can relate to – it never feels very real. However, Deas Vail has a depth to them that I truly appreciate.
Coffee? Win. 

Deas Vail is a band of five that hails from Arkansas. Members include: Wes Blaylock, lead vocals; Laura Blaylock, background vocals/harmonies; Andy Moore, lead guitar; Justin Froning, bass guitar; Kelsey Harelson, the ridiculously awesome percussionist. I’m not good at deciphering genres, but if I had to peg them, I’d say Deas Vail has sort of a piano/ambient rock sound and freaking stellar vocals. Lead singer, Wes, is a tenor with an incredible falsetto. His wife, Laura, provides beautiful harmonies. Their lyrics deal with questions and struggles, concerning the hurts of growing up (and longing for days past), remembering that we are loved, doubt, and being “lost in life”. 
Laura and Wes Blaylock, lead vocalists

What I love most about Deas Vail’s lyrics is that they are real. They communicate a dissatisfaction with the way things are, a yearning for something more, a struggle with doubt, and remembering all that God has done for us, but do not fail to convey hope. Their music inspires excitement and passion for the possibilities we have despite our daily struggles and hurts. 
(Andy, guitarist - his wife's name is Christy. Fun fact? My brother's name is Andy and his wife's name is Christi.)

The band puts together an incredible concert – you can feel their love for the music. They are also some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Remember when I said they were my favorite band? Well, here’s a taste of how geeky I am for them: I went to one of their concerts (Copeland’s farewell tour) last year and, during one of the other band’s performance, went outside with some friends for some fresh air. My friends and I were sitting on a bench outside of the Square Room discussing how much I love Deas Vail when three of them walked out of the pizza place in front of us. Heck to the Yeah! Being the incredible nerd that I am, I stopped them to gush hearts and rainbows all over them and pretend like I was normal by asking any question I could think of. They were super friendly and didn’t give me any strange looks (what more could you ask for?). They are super willing to talk to people, and super humble about their fans. I am very impressed by how down to earth they are and how incredibly open they are to others.  
 Matt Hoopes (of Relient K) approved!

Check out their Myspace page

Here's a taste of their music - a few of my favorites. 

Love, 
Scout

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