Think about the name Duncan Sheik, and two words probably come to mind: “Barely Breathing.”
This 1997 pop smash is what made him a household name, but three albums later, Sheik has proven that he is much more than a one-hit wonder.
His fourth release, “Daylight,” has garnered critical praise and brings him back to his roots.
“The kind of music I grew up listening to was always pretty left, more experimental, and more arty,” Sheik told The Maroon. “I’m trying to strike a balance between pop music and art music.”
Sheik, a Hilton Head, S.C. native, enjoys the atmosphere of the Big Easy when playing concerts here.
He recently played at Tulane with Ben Folds, and is set to play at House of Blues on Jan. 28.
“There’s a good energy in the audience,” Sheik said, who is currently touring with Aimee Mann.
“If you take ‘Daylight’ and (Mann’s record) ‘Lost in Space,’ they’re not a million miles away. Our sounds are complementary.”
Sheik’s style of pop is more intricate and personal than much of the music in the pop scene today.
Four of the songs on “Daylight” feature the London Session Orchestra, and those are Sheik’s current favorite songs from the album.
“I gravitate toward the songs with string arrangements,” he said. “Those are the songs I’m most proud of.”
His love of instruments is evident in the use of synthesizers, electric piano, harmonica, and mandolin, as well as the more traditional electric and acoustic guitars, drums, and bass throughout the album.
Sheik is excited about the trend that pop music is following today.
The years 1999, 2000, and 2001 were moments where bubblegum pop was happening.
“Smart music’ was not bought or promoted, and kind of went away,” Sheik said.
“Now we’re starting to see a few younger artists like Norah Jones, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson making personal and well-made musical statements,” he said. “Even if those aren’t the records that I listen to, they are to be applauded because they’re the bright spots in pop.”
In addition to “Daylight,” Sheik composed music for Shakespeare in Central Park’s production of “Twelfth Night,” and collaborated with poet and playwright Steven Sater on the musical, “Spring Awakening.”
Sheik involves himself in every aspect of creating his music, but enjoys being in the studio most.
“I’m most comfortable sitting in the studio by myself, coming up with musical ideas,” he said.
As for performing, he is modest about his abilities to entertain an audience.
“So much of music today is just entertainment. I don’t want to be an entertainer; I’m not Ricky Martin,” he said. “I just want to play music and have people moved by it.”
