We Sat Down With Dean Mitchell To Talk About New Track “Pieces”

Following the release of her debut single “Hold Me Down” just three months ago, Mexican-American artist Dean Mitchell is back with a slightly moodier, grunge feel. We sat down with Dean and got a sneak peek of her new track “Pieces” ahead of its release on September 14th.

Originally from California’s San Jose, Dean’s musical beginnings include making up songs while riding her bike around the neighbourhood, writing poetry and getting involved in musical theatre. After high school, Dean got serious about making music. When she first moved to Los Angeles, she spent time developing her skills, learning how artists work in the studio and writing songs for other artists.

“The first few years of living in LA was really me kind of developing my skills, developing my own sound and my own techniques,” says Dean. “I finally felt comfortable now in a place where I could express myself and it's really coming across as what I want to be perceived like.”

Full of lyrical honesty, angsty energy and gritty guitar, “Pieces” draws on some of Dean’s childhood scene favourites like Green Day, Taking Back Sunday and Panic! At The Disco while still paying homage to her Pop Diva fueled upbringing and R&B music background.

Dean recalls this song being “kind of like [her] quarter life crisis anthem” when she wrote it last year. With pandemic lockdowns still in effect, Dean was going through a hard time - feeling alone and isolated while bottling up her thoughts and feelings. Falling into this dark place led her to simply not caring about anything anymore.

“I was feeling really depressed and horrible and lonely and isolated. But with that feeling, came this new attitude where I was like, ‘f**k it,’ I don't care anymore. I'm just gonna do whatever I want, you know?”

The duality Dean felt at the time is well represented in the song, where raw, emotional confessions combine with smooth vocals and infectiously dreamy rhythms. Working again with writing partner and producer Lost Boy, the new tune stays true to her established ethereal pop sound, but the addition of grungy guitar makes this song the perfect fit for angry dance parties - whether celebrated alone or with friends.

Dean hopes that the song encourages listeners to be more open and honest about their feelings with those around them, and to in turn be there for those loved ones when they too are having a hard time.

“We can all get stuck in our own heads, but if we're all going through the same thing, we should really be able to connect with each other about those struggles and hardships.”

Such openness and honesty are not uncommon in Dean’s music. In her debut single, “Hold Me Down,” she writes about being in love but feeling unsure about settling down for fear of past heartbreaks repeating themselves. 

Dean is also open to challenges, like taking on the business side of her music. While joking on TikTok about being her own full-time artist manager, music video director, assistant, photographer and social media manager, Dean says it is more rewarding knowing it all comes from the heart.

Social media has not just been a tool for sharing her music, but a space for Dean to truly express herself. She says posting on TikTok specifically has really helped her come out of her shell, embrace who she is and connect with others who have shared interests, even beyond music.

“Besides music, I'm really passionate about environmental causes and thrifting and repurposing things and kind of like DIY stuff,” she says. “It's just really fun to be able to show all the sides of yourself because I think with other social media platforms, for me, at least, I never was able to really show who I was.”

Dean’s messages of embracing yourself - from your feelings and fears to your hobbies and interests - are sure to inspire all who engage with her, whether through her beautifully honest music or hilariously relatable social media posts. 

What’s next for Dean? With two singles out in the world, she is just getting started. Dean says she is excited to keep releasing music and experimenting with her sound and visuals, as well as in other realms like modelling. She warns us to “expect the unexpected.”

Check out Dean’s new single “Pieces,” and be sure to follow her on TikTok and Instagram to stay up to date on all that’s to come!