Dean Ford Releases New Single And Video ‘CRZMKR’, And We Talk To Him About His Life, Music, And What He’d Do If There Was No Longer Any Music

Released on March 10, ‘CRZMKR’ is the new single from Dean Ford, off his forthcoming EP, ‘Dream Fever’.

Based in Portland, Maine, Ford has been making music since he was 15, inspired by the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Freddie Mercury, Madonna, and James Brown. He saw that all these were more than just their music – they left their mark on everything they touched.

‘Dream Fever’ sees Ford build on the dance-pop and rock of his previous releases, ‘CTRL’, and ‘Get Messy’, and through a collaboration with songwriting and production genius Bleu, known for working magic with Demi Lovato, the Jonas Brothers, and Selena Gomez, among many others, he now has an incredible mix of synth rock rave ups that are designed for the radio, club, or wherever you want to dance.

New single ‘CRZMKR’ is an infectious dance pop track with a retro beat that will have you bopping out from the very first note. It’s reminiscent of the British pop of the 80s and 90s, especially Wham! and George Michael, and more contemporary artists, such as Mika.

‘CRZMKR’ comes with a similarly retro music video, yet one infused with modern technology. such as Apple Mac computers and so on. We see him going through the motions of his day to day life, going to work, coming home…until he meets the ‘CRZMKR’, who turns his life upside down when he falls in love with her.

You can watch the music video for ‘CRZMKR’ below.

We had the opportunity to speak to Dean about ‘CRZMKR’, as well as his life, music, and what lays ahead.

Hi Dean, thank you for speaking to us today!

It’s my pleasure! Thank you for having me! 

I’ve been listening to your new single, ‘CRZMKR’ and it’s an absolute bop and a half! What was your inspiration for the track? How did you come up with the concept, and what’s the songwriting process like for you – do you have the idea for the song first, do you write the lyrics or the music first?

Thank you, that’s very kind! So, this is the first song that Bleu and I wrote together. He had sent me three short instrumental “song starts” that he’d been playing around with prior to our first session. All of them were great but there was something about this one that instantly connected with me. We fleshed out the instrumental arrangement, then he shared a list of potential song titles with me. We went down the list, while he gave me context for each of the titles. One of those was “Crazymaker”, which is a person who manipulates others by putting them in lose-lose situations. It’s basically a word that describes narcissistic abuse. We agreed that it worked very well as a hook and that there was a lot we could say with that concept. The lyrics came very quickly and the whole song was finished in two days.

You’ve collaborated on your new EP, ‘Dream Fever’, with Bleu – how did that come about?

I’ve been a fan of Bleu’s music since I heard his song “Somebody Else” on the first “Spider-Man” soundtrack back in 2002. Years ago, I realized we had some mutual acquaintances, so I reached out on whim about collaborating. He responded positively but nothing ever came of it and years went by. I can’t remember what triggered the idea but in November of 2020, I decided to message him again about doing a song or two. He said he was into it and we ended up writing and recording five songs together over the next year and a half. 

Talk to us about who inspires you musically and how. What are your top 3 songs you will always have on your playlist, no matter what?

Inspiration is a funny thing.. It can come from anything at any time. Whether it’s from a song I’m listening to, a concert, a movie, a book, a conversation, a street sign, a random sound.. It hits when it hits. As far as 3 songs that will always be in my playlist, I’d have to say 1. Jellyfish – “New Mistake” 2. Jeff Buckley – “Grace” 3. Ours – “Fallen Souls”

Similarly, who inspires you in your everyday life?

My girlfriend, my parents, my sisters, and my closest friends inspire me every day.

Is there something you’ve been told or learned along your musical journey that’s always kept you going? If so, do you feel comfortable sharing it, to inspire others?

Surround yourself with people who push you to do and be better. Trust your gut and keep going no matter what hurdles you may face.

If you could start all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently, and why?

I don’t think I’d do anything differently. Good or bad, every experience in my life has led me to where I am today.

If suddenly there was no more music, what career would you have chosen instead?

I’d be an accountant. Or a chef.

Finally, what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, and what’s the answer to that question?

What are my top 3 all time favorite movies and what’s my current favorite movie. All time is either “Citizen Kane”, “Suspiria” (1977 original), and “Amadeus.” Current one is the “John Wick” trilogy. I’m very excited for part 4!

You can find out more about Dean Ford and his music online on his official website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Let us know what you think about ‘CRZMKR’ in the comments!