Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Dent May

Dent May | Photo by Eric Schuman for WXPN

Joining us in the studio for our latest Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session is a musician that I’ve been a fan of since his humble beginning with a ‘magnificent ukulele.’ Dent May is originally from Mississippi, but recently relocated to Los Angeles. This fish-out-of-water story serves as partial inspiration for Dent’s new album, Across The Multiverse, which was released this summer on Carpark Records. Featuring a blend of effervescent electro-pop and Brill Building-informed songwriting, the album shows off Dent’s nearly obsessive approach to music making. With a full touring band in tow, Dent joins us in the studio to play some of the new songs.

Just as it does on the album, “Hello Cruel World” serves as the introductory song to our session. Its loping rhythm and high harmonies make for an easygoing start. Next comes “Dream 4 Me,” which begins with a pounding beat and twinkling piano before blossoming into a full-on disco breakdown. The next song, “90210,” truly spells out Dent’s experience of moving to the West Coast and captures the bewilderment and wonder that a ‘Mississippi boy’ might feel upon entering the Golden State. Our session closes with “Face Down In The Gutter Of Your Love,” which was originally released as a stand-alone single last summer. The tune finds a perfect home on Across The Multiverse, with its blend of humor and heartfelt sentimentality.

Listen to Dent May’s full Indie Rock Hit Parade Session below and check out some photos from inside the studio!