Review Fix chats with singer DeeAnn, who discusses her new single “Piano in the Dark” and so much more.
Available to download on all traditional platforms Worldwide on September 19th and her website to be prominent please.
About DEEANN:
Niagara Falls-native, National recording artist, DeeAnn has her roots anchored in gospel, blues/jazz, and soul. In 2019, she was inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame and has won multiple Buffalo Music awards for Best Female Vocalist. She has fronted several bands as the lead singer and primary songwriter, receiving airplay across the country in college and jazz stations with previous projects and currently with her new single, “Piano in the Dark.”
Review Fix: Other than Brenda Russell’s brilliant work, what inspired this recording of Piano in the Dark?
DEANN: What inspired me to record Piano in the Dark was a suggestion from my publicist, Tom Estey. I’ve always loved Brenda Russell’s original, and I connect deeply with the emotion and intimacy in the song. Her beautiful storytelling and the song’s raw vulnerability spoke to me, and I wanted to bring my own voice to that feeling.
Review Fix: What was the creative process like?
DEEANN: Covering Piano is the Dark was both an emotional and artistic journey. The original by Brenda Russell has such depth and soul, so my goal wasn’t to reinvent it, but to honor its emotional core while adding my own voice and style. I spent a lot of time sitting with the lyrics, understanding the vulnerability in them, and then worked with my producer, Ted Perlman, who crafted a beautiful arrangement – something that felt intimate, yet still carried a quiet power.
Review Fix: How is it different from your other work?
DEEANN: While I’ve shared vulnerable material in my past work, Piano in the Dark feels different because it’s a song that I’ve long admired and connected with deeply. Covering Brenda Russell’s classic gave me the chance to interpret someone else’s intimate story through my own voice, and add a new layer of emotional storytelling to my music.
Review Fix: What do you think makes it special?
DEEANN: I think what makes this cover special is its sincerity. There’s no ego in it – just a real desire to connect with the heart of the song. We focused on the emotional delivery. It’s less about showing range and more about revealing feeling. Also, Piano in the Dark hasn’t been covered, only sampled by a few artists, so revisiting it gave me a chance to shine a light on something timeless.
Review Fix: Who do you think would like it the most?
DEEANN: Anyone who appreciates soulful ballads, storytelling through music, and emotional honesty will probably connect with this version. Fans of artists like Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, or even Adele might find something familiar in the vibe. And, of course anyone who loved the original Brenda Russell version – I hope they’ll feel the care I put into honoring it.
Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered?
DEEANN: I’d love for it to be remembered as a respectful heartfelt tribute to a beautiful piece of songwriting. If someone listens to it during a quiet moment – maybe late at night – and feels understood, or just pauses to feel something deeply, then I’ve done my job.
Review Fix: What’s next?
DEEANN: Piano in the Dark will be available on all platforms on Friday, September 19, 2025. I’m in the final stages of an EP that includes both original material and select covers, tied together by the same raw, emotional themes.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
DEANN: I’m incredibly grateful to Brenda Russell for endorsing my version of Piano in the Dark and for her kind words, describing my vocals as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. It means the world coming from the original artist.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
DEANN: My website deeannmusic.com has everything in one place.
You can also find me on all streaming platforms underDeeann and follow me on Instagram, FaceBook, Twitter, TikTok & YouTube @deeannmusic
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/deeann/1122534487
https://www.instagram.com/deeannmusic
htthttps://www.facebook.com/deeann.dimeotompkinsps://x.com/DeeAnnSings
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeann-music-1075b8150
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