John DeNicola, the name might not instantly ring a bell for everyone, but his music undoubtedly does. As the creative force behind the iconic power ballad “Hungry Eyes,” from the soundtrack of the beloved film Dirty Dancing, DeNicola has crafted melodies that have resonated with generations. Beyond this timeless hit, DeNicola boasts a rich career as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With his latest release, She Said, the follow-up to his 2019 solo debut The Why Because, available via Omad Records, DeNicola continues to explore his musical landscape.
In this insightful interview, we delve into the creative mind of John DeNicola, exploring the origins of his inspiration, his songwriting process, and the fascinating story behind the spontaneous creation of “Hungry Eyes.”
The Spark of Creation: Where Ideas Begin
For DeNicola, the impulse to create music is a confluence of life experiences. “Musically I believe that all of the above references to dreams, art, relationships, politics etc. are an influence on what is written,” he explains. These elements act as subconscious catalysts, feeding into a stream of consciousness that forms the bedrock of his songwriting. “For me it’s a stream of consciousness that comes through my mind and translates into chord changes and melodies. There isn’t a lot of thought per se. Just a flow that reveals itself.”
His recent album, She Said, marks a significant shift in his creative journey. “This record ‘She Said’ particularly as it‘s the first time I am writing purely for myself as opposed to other artists which was very freeing.” This newfound freedom allowed DeNicola to delve deeper into personal and topical themes.
Alt text: Album cover for John DeNicola’s “She Said”, showcasing his solo work and musical evolution.
The title track, “She Said,” encapsulates this introspective approach, exploring themes of personal growth within relationships. “For me, and this is open to interpretation, the song ‘She Said’ is about a woman that lets her lover know that for the relationship to evolve he needs to find the path within himself.” DeNicola sought to imbue the music with a dreamlike quality, reflecting the song’s narrative ambiguity.
Beyond personal reflections, She Said also tackles broader societal issues. “Float on Hope” is a poignant commentary on the urgent need for environmental action. “Morning Dew,” a cover of Bonnie Dobson’s song, paints a stark picture of a post-apocalyptic world. “High” delves into contemporary social divides, urging listeners to “wake up and open our eyes” to the potential for unity.
“Our Day Will Come” further exemplifies this socially conscious direction, incorporating speech excerpts from influential figures like Michelle Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden, and John Lewis, adding layers of meaning and resonance to the music.
Organic Songwriting: Embracing Intuition Over Planning
DeNicola describes himself as a “gut writer,” emphasizing the organic nature of his process. “It all comes through organically. I may be inspired by something I hear subconsciously but really I just grab an instrument and go.” Whether it’s a synthesizer, guitar, or piano, the starting point is always hands-on and intuitive. “There isn‘t a lot of planning on my part.”
This spontaneous approach extends to all stages of his songwriting. “No, I just start on a keyboard or a guitar and build from there. Slowly the song reveals itself as I build the tracks and melodies start coming out inspired by the music track.” There are no elaborate rituals or rigid pre-production phases. For DeNicola, the creative process is about immediate engagement with the music itself.
Alt text: John DeNicola performing live, showcasing his guitar skills and passionate musical delivery.
Lyrics and Melody: A Harmonious Partnership
While melodies often flow readily, lyrics are a collaborative endeavor for DeNicola. “Lyrically I depend on a cowriter,” he admits. He often starts with a melodic idea or “phonetic words” sung over a developing track.
However, the lyrical process can also be initiated by external input. “Sometimes I am given a lyric and build music around it which is how ‘Battered Cloth’ came about.” In this instance, DeNicola collaborated with Keith Reid, renowned for writing the lyrics to “Whiter Shade Of Pale,” demonstrating the diverse pathways his songs can take.
For DeNicola, the hallmark of good lyrics lies in their symbiotic relationship with the melody. “There should be a great marriage of a lyric to a melody. Once you have that the song works. A good lyric makes you feel something. Some emotion.” The ultimate goal is to create music that resonates on an emotional level, hitting the listener “in the gut.”
The Spontaneity of “Hungry Eyes”: A Ten-Minute Miracle
Perhaps the most striking example of DeNicola’s intuitive songwriting is the story behind “Hungry Eyes.” ” ‘Hungry Eyes’ musically was written in 10 minutes and it was just a flow that came through me … years of digesting music and then regurgitating.” This iconic track, synonymous with the passion and romance of Dirty Dancing, emerged as a burst of pure inspiration, highlighting the unpredictable nature of creativity.
Alt text: Dirty Dancing movie poster featuring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, iconic film that popularized “Hungry Eyes”.
DeNicola embraces this lack of control in his creative process. “Totally following where it leads. As I said it‘s an organic process with my songs. They reveal themselves. Particularly when I’m writing for myself. There really is no control of the process for me.” This surrender to the creative flow is central to his approach.
Musical Chameleon: Embracing Diverse Influences
DeNicola describes himself as a “chameleon musically,” reflecting the wide range of influences that shape his sound. “I have always been a bit of a chameleon musically. I have so many influences from pop to soul to rock to jazz and that come into play whenever I write.” This eclectic palette allows him to navigate diverse musical territories, constantly evolving his sound.
For She Said, DeNicola revisited vintage synthesizers, including the Juno 106, the very synth he used to write “Hungry Eyes,” and the Prophet Rev2. ” ‘She Said’, “High”, ‘Breathe Deep’ and ‘Our Day Will Come’ were built around these synths which I hadn‘t done in a long while and pushed me in a different direction and gave me a wider pallet of sound to draw from.” This exploration of different sonic textures keeps his music fresh and dynamic.
The Art of Finishing: Knowing When a Song is Complete
In the digital age, where endless tweaking is possible, knowing when to stop is crucial. “Yes it can be tough to say ‘There, I‘ve finished’. But you have to stop tweaking. I can spend a few days mixing a song.” DeNicola relies on critical listening in various environments to determine when a track is truly finished.
His mixing process is meticulous, focusing on subtle refinements that might not be immediately apparent to the casual listener but are essential to his artistic satisfaction. “It’s usually done after a day or so of mixing. It’s usually pretty close quickly and then it’s a few adjustments that probably wouldn’t mean too much to the listener but I wont rest till it feels done to me.”
Production as Enhancement: Shaping the Sonic Landscape
DeNicola emphasizes the paramount importance of production in contemporary music. “These days production is paramount. There is so much you can do to enhance a song.” His own recording studio and extensive experience provide him with the tools to sculpt his sonic vision.
“Using vintage analog gear, guitars and keys I am able to shape the production to what I’m hearing in my head.” While he enjoys the creative control of production, mixing presents a different challenge. “Mixing is next and not my favorite part but muscle through it. It can be frustrating at first and then all of a sudden it comes together.” Mastering, the final polish, is entrusted to specialists like Greg Calbi or Peter Keppler, ensuring a professional sonic finish.
The Ongoing Creative Journey
Releasing music into the world can be both exhilarating and daunting in today’s evolving music industry. “Well putting it out there into the world and seeing that through is exciting, too. Although sometimes frustrating. The old model of getting something heard is gone and the new model is not easy to navigate.”
Despite these challenges, DeNicola’s creative drive remains undiminished. “I haven’t had any trouble getting back into a creative place. It‘s ongoing for me.” For John DeNicola, creativity is not confined to music alone; it’s a fundamental aspect of life, a continuous exploration that enriches every endeavor, whether songwriting or simply making a cup of coffee. While the source of musical inspiration remains somewhat elusive, its impact, as exemplified by the enduring magic of “Hungry Eyes,” is undeniable.
To explore more of John DeNicola’s music and journey, visit his official homepage. Connect with him on Instagram and Facebook.
