The important thing to realize about The Dejas is that they are a duo: Callie and Aaron, Aaron and Callie. Callie Lipton is a breathy songstress on guitar; Aaron Katz is impossibly talented on drums. “We’re best friends, but we’re not getting married!” says Lipton. “It’s not like that.” But playing together, the twosome has achieved an elusive style of sound that is decisively distinguishable from other singer-songwriter duos.
When Lipton sings, her voice is mellow and bubbling—one pictures a brook gently rushing over pebbles, as she sips coffee and talks on the phone. The first album release from the band was a soft-spoken nod to the talent and chemistry of The Dejas, aptly titled “Solid Ground.”
“Our roots are in acoustic, ambient rock,” she says, “but with our next album we want to incorporate a bigger sound, with more variety. We want to tell a whole story.” So, the duo of Callie and Aaron are now often joined by a slew of guest musicians, sometimes as many as seven, many of whom are friends. In the studio and on tour, some songs will have a rock-anthem feel, some will hark back to bluegrass, and then there’s their patented soft acoustic to bring it home.
In fact, while the proclaimed homeland for the band is split between Boston and New Hampshire, the origin of the sound comes from a common place. “Our creative process is about sharing and layering songs together at Aaron’s house in New Hampshire,” Lipton says. For two years, the band has toured all over the Northeast, building up a fan base and preparing for the new album and national tour to follow. When The Dejas hit town on the 28th, they’ll have friend Jeff Tuohy opening and more bandmates playing alongside. For his part, Katz will impress with a multitude of rhythm makers. And for hers, Lipton will woo with words. They plan to have all the elements to create the rich and dynamic story of sound—happily ever after.
http://www.weeklydig.com/arts-entertainment/music/fidelity/200811/dejas