Dennis Dougherty – “Dance Into The Distance” (Stereogum Premiere)

Dennis Dougherty – “Dance Into The Distance” (Stereogum Premiere)

Here’s an interesting one: Screaming Females drummer Jarrett Dougherty, along with his father Dennis, have started a new label called Thinking Dog Records, which will be releasing Dennis’ new LP Get The Angle Right. Today, we’re premiering the record’s first single, “Dance Into The Distance,” which is a nice country folk track featuring banjo and fiddle, as well as drumming from Jarrett. Here’s a straightforward explanation from Jarrett:

My understanding is the song “Dance Into The Distance” is based on a conversation between Dennis and the late folk singer-songwriter TR Ritchie. It is a contemplation on the paths we choose in life and what it means to devote one’s self to art.

There was always music in my house growing up. My mother and father both play an amazing amount of instruments. There is no way Screaming Females would have existed without the experience of growing up around my father’s songs. I’m honored to help release Dennis’ first proper studio album in 25 years!

And some more context from Dennis:

To me there is no nobler cause than to devote yourself to art.

My friend TR Ritchie was the guy, the songwriter I could never be, a devout disciple of words.

He not only spoke the language, he backed it up with his lifestyle…no “job,” no wife, no kids…only his love of art and nature.

His life was both literal and figurative. Rather than “drag down streets of cold existence,” TR chose to “Dance Into The Distance.”

Listen below.

Get The Angle Right is out 8/5 on Thinking Dog Records. Pre-order it here.

Dennis Dougherty

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