Dehd

Dehd originated in 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, as a side project involving Jason Balla, formerly of Dream Eagles, and Emily Kempf, known for her work with Heavy Dreams. Initially combining their project names, they soon abbreviated it to Dehd. The band’s lineup includes Emily Kempf on bass guitar and vocals, Jason Balla on guitar and vocals, and Eric McGrady on drums.

In 2016, Dehd released their self-titled debut album through Maximum Pelt, featuring nine tracks. This was followed by the six-track EP, “Fire of Love,” in 2017, released under Infinity Cat Recordings. The band independently recorded this EP during the summer of 2017 using borrowed equipment in a repurposed room within an old Frank Lloyd Wright warehouse. Their second full-length album, “Water,” was released in May 2019 via Fire Talk Records. A track from “Water,” titled “Wild,” was featured in an episode of The CW series “Charmed.” In support of their music, Dehd embarked on an international tour in October 2019, performing in the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France alongside fellow Chicago band Twin Peaks.

“Flower of Devotion” was released in July 2020, following a delay from its original spring release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This album achieved critical recognition, including a “best new music” designation from Pitchfork. On February 14, 2022, Dehd released the single “Bad Love” under Fat Possum Records, which was followed by their album “Blue Skies” later that year. Their discography continued to expand with “Poetry” in 2024. Dehd’s sound is characterized by a blend of reverb-laden guitar, driving drum patterns, and unique vocal techniques, incorporating drawls, call-and-response elements, yelping, and frequent counter-melodies.