Dean Station
With rich two-part harmonies, introspective writing, and musical accompaniment ranging from acoustic guitar to the spoons, Dean Station creates a progressive acoustic style that draws heavily on folk, roots, and bluegrass to make a distinct sound that is rooted in tradition, yet contemporary.
Levi Dean, 24, was born into a family of songwriters and artists. He got his first mandolin from his father when he was a teenager, and as a self taught musician, has been playing and writing music ever since. Levi grew up in Virginia and went to school in the Appalachian Mountains. There, he played in a progressive bluegrass band called The Blueweeds. He moved to Taos, New Mexico 4 years ago, where he formed a band with his brother, Andy, aptly named The Dean Boys. With a mind to making music that would reach a broader audience, Levi moved Albuquerque in 2004 and formed Dean Station with (then) Amanda Trainer. Levi’s style is influenced by a diverse group of musicians and songwriters including his father and brother, Michael and Andy Dean, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band, Led Zeppelin, and David Grisman.
Amanda Dean, 26, was also born into a family with a love of music and fine arts. She grew up singing and painting with her mother and began playing the guitar at the age of 11. Amanda grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to New Mexico in 2001 to pursue a career in fine arts. In 2004, Amanda realized that her passion was for music, and soon after, met Levi Dean. In this same year, Dean Station was formed. Amanda considers herself more of a poet than a songwriter, and credits Levi with helping her turn her poetry into music. Amanda’s other influences include Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, and Fleetwood Mac. Amanda and Levi were married in May of 2006.
Dean Station returned from a 7 month tour of the U.S. to promote their debut eponymous album in Dec 2006. Among the many shows played and cities visited, Dean Station performed at venues such as Bourbon Street-Music and Comedy Club in Concord, CA, Room 710 in Austin, TX, Quarters Acoustic Café in Galveston, TX, The Loft in Fredericksburg, VA, The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV, and The Heartland Café in Chicago, IL.
Festivals to their credit include The Santa Fe Traditional and Bluegrass Festival in Santa Fe, NM, Wild Life West in Edgewood, NM, The Larimer County Fair in Loveland, CO, The Lakewood Arts Festival in Lakewood, CO, The Flagstaff Folk Festival, and Thursday’s on the Square in Flagstaff, AZ.
