Philadelphia-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Will Henriksen has been a creative force in the area for a number of years, his time in Philly and Boston seeing him involved with acts such as Harmoos, Tiffany’s House, Mini Dresses, Blau Blau and Beverly Tender. In addition, Henriksen records solo work under his own name, drawing inspiration from the likes of Robert Wyatt and Joni Mitchell to explore themes of, in his own words, “in-betweenness and uncertainty.”
Following the 2017 EP, Blue House, on Sleeper Records, Henriksen put out his debut full-length record, Blank Space earlier this year. The album saw something of an expansion of the Will Henriksen sound, with strings and keyboards elevating the songs beyond the standard bedroom pop fare, though still managing to maintain the sense of simplicity and intimacy common to the best examples of the genre. The result is a sound both distinctive and comfortingly familiar, like the voice of an old friend.
‘DOSYL’ introduces Henriksen’s style, combining straight, understated vocal delivery with his multi-instrumental talents to produce a sound at once reflective and bright. His vocals are the binding force for the record, the common thread of earnestness that is present in everything from the luminous ‘Halo’ to the frosty loneliness of ‘Morning’, where somnolent guitar is supported by glowing synths, leaving Henriksen to appear intermittently, as though singing through a sluggish haze.
We’re excited to share a brand new video for ‘Halo’ by filmmaker and artist Ari Ratner, which serves to more fully realise Henriksen’s unique aesthetic blend of playful, nostalgic and morose.
Blank Space is available now via the Will Henriksen Bandcamp page.
