S J Denney continues to showcase his eclectic musical range with his latest single ‘According to You’. As his second release of 2024, this track solidifies Denney’s reputation as an artist unafraid to blur genre boundaries and embrace a multitude of cultural influences. Based in Suffolk, Denney’s songwriting is deeply rooted in his early discovery of classic records like The Beatles’ ‘White Album’ and Neil Young’s ‘Harvest’, with this new single a testament to his musical evolution.
‘According to You’ opens with the delicate interplay of acoustic guitar and pedal steel, creating a serene folk-inspired atmosphere before building into an expansive alternative rock anthem. The arrangement is as unconventional as it is compelling, featuring an array of unique instruments, including the contrabassoon, xiao, and oud, lending a rich global texture to the song. The blend of these sounds with more traditional rock elements offers listeners a layered, immersive experience.
Denney’s commitment to crafting each song is evident in the track’s intricate production, which was entirely self-recorded in his cabin studio. The attention to detail, from the subtle inclusion of the pump organ to the driving bass balalaika, transforms ‘According to You’ into a sonic tapestry, where every note feels purposeful and every lyric deeply introspective.
As a singer-songwriter who has performed across the UK and Ireland, S J Denney continues to build a catalogue that feels both intimate and expansive. ‘According to You’ is a journey that invites the listener to explore new musical landscapes, all while maintaining a sense of lyrical honesty and personal storytelling. Denney’s ability to weave such diverse elements into a cohesive whole is what sets him apart as a dynamic voice in today’s indie music scene.
