Dekker is a Chicago born artist now settled in Nottingham where he is setting the local scene alight with his folky, indie vibe. At first listen Dekker is a throwback to the best of Jack Johnson with a laid back performance style but closer inspection of his lyrics reveal great introspection and vulnerability. Rough Trade proved the perfect setting for an intimate local show...
Dekker arrived at Rough Trade in Nottingham on a cold and wet Sunday evening but inside the mood was warm and inviting. Dekker took the stage in his trademark hat that has began to take on a life of its own amongst those who follow the artist. Dekker himself has said he isn’t especially attached to his famous hat, but people that I spoke to were still taken by the appendage that first made its appearance in 2019.
Dekker began the show with the popular Familiar Beat, the second track off his latest album Neither Up Nor Down, and the assembled crowd were drawn to near silence. The track is reflective of the feel of the album as a whole with its depth into the contrasting struggles and joy of family life.
Dekker recently reflected to LeftLion that the album documents that though life is comprised of amazing highs and difficult lows of life it is often the middle ground where we spend most of our lives. Dekker moved on to The Dove, before working through a mix of new and older songs, the crowd remaining respectfully quiet throughout the set. So quiet in fact that Dekker offered the opportunity to blink twice if they were OK. Don’t be fooled though this was not a crowd that was indifferent to the artist, but rather were enamoured with the music and artistry on display and enjoying the art in quiet reverie.
Midway through the set Dekker plays a very early track of his, Tethered, Wrapped Around, that he proclaims to be maybe his favourite song, and it is easy to see why. Dekker appeared to be enjoying the gig as much as the audience and it felt like a treat seeing an artist with such artistic ability in such an intimate venue. The Rough Trade venue allows fans to feel close to the artist in the cavernous space and this created an almost house party vibe as Dekker made his way through his impressive catalogue of songs.
The super catchy Change The Chord and Not Feeling Up warmed the crowd up and got people dancing, smiling, and nodding along in appreciation of Dekker’s melodious, harmonious tunes.
Maybe October ended the show, beginning with its simple, warm chords and impressive percussive beats, hinting at a rich optimism for change and better times ahead. Dekker left the stage and remained in the venue mingling with friends and fans alike proving that the man behind the hat is as warm as the music itself.
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