April 2, 2025 |
Meet Déyyess, the indie-alt sensation turning heartbreak into queer anthems you can’t stop playing. At 28, the rising star blends dreamy vocals and introspective lyricism, creating music that’s equal parts yearning and raw emotion. With an ever-growing indie-rock fanbase, Déyyess just released Claire (Deluxe), an expanded version of her debut EP under indie label Common Knowledge – home to LGBTQ+ icon Girl in Red.
Her latest single, Better Than Me, which dropped Friday last week, is already making waves. A brutally honest breakup anthem, the track captures the sting of comparison and self-doubt that lingers when an ex finds someone else. With haunting synths, a pulsing beat and Déyyess’ signature ethereal vocals, the song builds into an emotional climax that feels both devastating and empowering. It’s the kind of track that lingers long after the final note, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt replaced.
Inspired by stars of her childhood like Lady Gaga as well as artists of today like alt-pop powerhouse Chappell Roan, Déyyess has a knack for capturing the bittersweet ache of love in all its forms. Her ability to translate raw emotion into music has earned her over seven million views across TikTok and Instagram, with viral hits like If I Were Ur Boy – produced and co-written with Bluegirl – racking up over a million views. The demand for her live shows is also strong. Her headline gig at The Lower Third in London was originally set for an 80-capacity venue but had to be upgraded to 250 seats due to overwhelming demand.
Growing up in a small Kent village, Déyyess was on track to play football for Arsenal Girls before she made the decision to focus on her music. Fans couldn’t be happier that she chose songwriting over sports. Her soft yet distinctive sound, layered with hypnotic synths and deeply personal lyrics, makes her one of the most exciting new voices in indie music.
With Claire (Deluxe) out now and Better Than Me solidifying her reputation for heartbreak anthems, Déyyess is proving that sometimes, pain makes for the best music – and she’s just getting started. Here the singer/songwriter shares her ideal date scenario, delves into her creative process and talks about how she hopes her music will impact LGBTQ+ representation.
1. Describe your sound in three words
WLW [Women Loving Women], yearning, dreamy.
2. Which artist inspired you the most growing up?
Lady Gaga. She is such an incredible woman, not only musically but as a woman in music too. I discovered Lady Gaga when I was 12 years old and became instantly engulfed in her world. I was a hardcore fan!! I made fan scrap books and everything! She created a safe space for the queer community and I think when I was younger having that as a young gay girl just gave me a sense of self and community. I owe her a lot, sounds actually insane but I really wouldn’t be doing this without the influence she had on little teenage me!
3. Describe your creative process.
I worked on the EP with one of my really good friends Bluegirl. Our usual creative process is to yap for hours and embrace each other unhingedness and then reel it all back in to write songs. And repeat. Working with people you love and who truly understand you as a person and believe in your vision is so freeing. Working with Bluegirl has been a dream and has been a big part of why the music feels so special. She really gets me on a deep level.
4. What’s your ideal date scenario?
Yap and strap x
5. Your songwriting is deeply personal, what’s the most vulnerable lyric you’ve ever written, and what does it mean to you?
I think writing Claire in general was deeply personal to me. Putting into writing how I felt about Claire and everything that had happened between her and I was a very vulnerable moment. I didn’t realise at the time though how much of a universal experience it is that so many girls fall in love with a straight girl or a girl who will never love them back.
6. What’s your dream venue to perform at?
Madison Square Garden.
7. If you could collab with any artist, who would it be?
The most obvious answer – Chappell Roan!!
8. How do you hope your music impacts LGBTQ+ representation?
I hope my music impacts the LGBTQ+ community the way that Lady Gaga did for me as a young lesbian even if it is just on a tiny level right now. I hope people can find a sense of community in the fanbase and a safe space to be themselves and find a sense of belonging. I set up a discord server last year and to see the community on there grow has been one of my favourite things so far being an artist. To see them all making friends with each other and meeting up in each other cities. It’s honestly been amazing.
9. What’s been the biggest “pinch me” moment in your career so far?
My headline show at The Lower Third in London [the other month]! I think for so long the fans have existed online and to see that translate into real life and to see 250 pretty faces singing back my songs to me was just insane. I can’t put it into words!! I had to take a moment on stage to remind myself to stay locked in and let the emotions come after the show!!
10. What’s next for Déyyess?
So much more music!!!!!
Photography courtesy of Déyyess.
