The Rize: What is your inspiration for your songwriting and your new album, Hazy Sunshine?
DE: I draw inspiration for writing from life, love, and the people and things I observe. I draw a lot of inspiration from listening to other songwriters.
The Rize: What musicians would you say have been your biggest influence?
DE: I love old time songwriters like Hoagy Carmichael and Harold Arlan, and I love so much and have drawn from so many, here is a snapshot: Billie Holiday, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, John Lennon, Alex Chilton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Townes Van Zandt, Doug Sahm, Gene Clark, Mike Scott, Cowboy Junkies, Skydiggers, Blue Rodeo, Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams....to name a few.
The Rize: Are there any musicians you'd love to perform with, past or present?
DE: Billie Holiday, Harry Nilsson, Mike Scott.....same list as above
The Rize: How would you describe your new album?
DE: Upbeat, hopeful, happy, sad....Real Life.
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