Song of the Day: Dave Depper – Your Voice on the Radio (feat. Laura Gibson)

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is Portland songwriter Dave Depper's “Your Voice on the Radio" featuring Laura Gibson from his 2017 album Emotional Freedom Technique, out now on Tender Loving Empire.

Dave Depper - Your Voice on the Radio (feat. Laura Gibson) (MP3)

Does Dave Depper look familiar? Maybe you've seen him on tour with Death Cab for Cutie. Or maybe you saw him jamming with Ray Lamontagne. Oh wait, maybe you saw him on stage with the Fruit Bats. Or was it Menomena? The list could go on and on. Over the years, Depper has become an in-demand utility player in the indie rock community, especially in the Northwest. And it's understandable why. Whatever project he jumps into and whichever instrument he's behind at the time, he adds that extra panache that can really invigorate a performance. But aside from working behind the scenes for his peers, Depper has steadily built up a remarkably ambitious solo career. His 2011 debut saw him covering Paul McCartney's RAM in its entirety and then followed it up in 2015 with Utrecht Suite, which featured six instrumental compositions that'd be the envy of any music major. Earlier this year he released Emotional Freedom Technique, our first full glimpse at Depper writing more conventional pop tunes. And wouldn't you know it, he's excellent at that too!

The lead single from the record, "Your Voice on the Radio," showcases just how many hooks he has up his sleeve. Teaming up with fellow Portlander and frequent collaborator Laura Gibson, the two create an upbeat love song that's, well, perfect for the radio. Their voices push and pull against the jaunty bass rhythms while a jangling guitar chimes sporadically. There's a classic feel to the song, capturing that timeless feeling of romantic longing while the perfect song comes in through the speakers.

You can catch Depper live Sunday, Septemeber 3rd at Bumbershoot, right here on the KEXP Gathering Space stage. You can stay up to date on his future happenings by following him on Facebook and Twitter. In the meantime, revisit the video for "Your Voice on the Radio" below.