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Billy Dechand has a unique musical voice, both compositionally and vocally. His music is majestic and gentle, humorous and sad, catchy yet
sophisticated, and very often beautiful.
He fuses a keen sense of pop music, with its memorable hooks and strong, compelling singing, with the sensitivity, dynamics, and innovation of chamber music. His singing ranges from hall-filling bellows to aching whispers, always with a rich tone that has been compared to Elvis Costello's among others. Past and current recordings demonstrate a harmonic and melodic sense that is recognizable as distinctly his, even when performed by other musicians.
Mr. Dechand grew up listening to the smart pop of The Beatles, Talking Heads, XTC, et cetera, which affected his appreciation and approach to
composing songs with strong melody, harmony, and intelligent lyrics. He studied Music Composition at Bard College with Joan Tower and Daron Hagen. There he developed his skill in arranging, and opened up to a
variety of musical forms and ideas.
Many of his compositions were performed by the Da Capo Chamber Group, including Quartet and Quartet No. 2. His orchestral debut, Pale Forest, was performed by the Hudson Valley Chamber Orchestra.
Billy Dechand has fronted many bands as the main songwriter and singer, including Bard's Toothbucket, and New York City's Trike, on Muss My Hair
Records. Mr. Dechand has recently embarked on a solo career, as well as leading the newly formed Billy Dechand Band. The Knitting Factory hosted the release party of his new CD, Pop Another Cork, also on Muss My
Hair Records. So far, those who have listened to it all the way through have declared it their new favourite record.
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